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Estimating Manager

US LBM · Wheaton, IL · $70,000–$85,000 a year · Full time

Posted Aug 20, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time an estimate went out with a major error. What happened, and what did you change afterward?

What they are checking: Whether they fix the process behind a mistake rather than only blaming the person who made it.

Tell me about a time you coached an estimator who was struggling.

What they are checking: Whether they develop people patiently rather than redoing the work themselves.

What would you do

Your team has more bids coming in than they can handle. How would you make the case for another estimator?

What they are checking: Whether they can use workload and output data to build a business case for resources.

The sales team wants a quick, rough number for a big builder, but your estimator says it needs a full review. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can balance sales pressure with the risk of underpricing a large job.

How do you work with operations and the truss or wall panel plant so estimates match what can actually be built?

What they are checking: Whether they coordinate across departments so estimates are realistic and profitable.

About the work

Walk me through how you would do a material takeoff for a single-family home from a set of blueprints.

What they are checking: Whether they know takeoffs well enough to coach estimators and check their work for accuracy.

How do you measure the performance of a team of estimators on both speed and accuracy?

What they are checking: Whether they can balance turnaround time against quality, since both affect whether the company wins and profits on jobs.

How do you compare vendor pricing to make sure an estimate is cost effective without hurting quality?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that the cheapest vendor is not always the best when lead time and quality matter.

What estimating software have you used, and how have you used technology to speed up takeoffs?

What they are checking: Whether they are comfortable with the tools that make an estimating team efficient.

How would you set up a system for tracking estimated costs against actual costs on jobs?

What they are checking: Whether they can close the loop between estimates and real results so future bids improve.

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The full job description

As published by US LBM.

Founded in 1892, Hines operates multiple locations throughout Illinois, including millwork, wall panel and truss manufacturing facilities, providing specialty building products to customers in Chicagoland and across Illinois, lower Wisconsin and Northern Indiana. . A Brief Overview The Estimating Manager is responsible for the direction and management of a team of Estimators. This position requires the use of computer technology and mathematical skill to prepare an estimation of the amount of material needed for the construction of a home. Pay Range : $70,000 - $85,000 annually What you will do • Manage a team of multiple Estimators to ensure business objectives are hit from a time and quality standpoint. • Communicate effectively and coordinate with internal department leaders to ensure correct processes are being followed and identify where improvement is needed to maximize profitability. • Ensure proper personnel resources are fulfilled by managing overall output of the market and pro-actively making a business case to ensure resource needs are filled. • Create take offs as requested. • Compare vendor pricing to ensure cost effectiveness. • Create cost estimates for clients. • Prepare cost and expenditure statements and forecasts. • Review blueprints. • Set up cost monitoring and reporting systems. • Work in a professional and safe manner to consistently provide a safe work environment. • Ensure adherence to all State and Federal guidelines and Industry regulations. Required For All Jobs • Perform other duties as assigned. • Comply with all policies and standards. • Adheres to Company’s commitment to workplace safety. Education Qualifications • Bachelor's Degree in mathematics, engineering, or related field preferred. Experience Qualifications • Experience in residential construction environments preferred. Skills and Abilities • Knowledge of home and construction systems and processes preferred. • Self-motivated with the ability to manage and delegate multiple projects and work assignments. • Team player with the aptitude for multi-tasking, meeting deadlines, and building relationships with team members, vendors, and customers. • Experience with MS Office Products – Word, Excel, Access, Outlook. • Experience reading blueprints properly. • Experience with SAGE Estimator (Plan Swift), SAGE 300, and/or SAGE 500. • Strong analytical and math skills. • Excellent written and verbal skills • Demonstrate initiative and flexibility and detail oriented. • Strong problem-solving skills and effective time management. . Hines , a Division of US LBM Holdings, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, order of protection status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local law.

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