The Estimator/Contract Manager leads the preparation, analysis, and management of cost estimates and contract requirements for ship repair and paint projects. This role develops detailed labor, material, subcontractor, and production budgets while coordinating closely with production, subcontractors, customers, and executive leadership. The position requires strong technical marine knowledge, financial acumen, negotiation skills, and the capacity to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced shipyard environment.

Responsibilities of the role:

• Prepare detailed proposals, bid summaries, submittals, and comprehensive cost estimates for marine projects.
• Review customer specifications, drawings, and technical documentation to accurately define scope of work.
• Develop itemized task lists, labor hours, material takeoffs, and subcontractor cost estimates.
• Analyze subcontractor quotations and evaluate in-house versus outsourced cost options.
• Create long-lead and critical material lists to support procurement and scheduling.
• Prepare pricing and documentation for change orders on new and existing contracts.
• Collaborate with Production Managers to develop execution plans, labor budgets, and production schedules.
• Identify and resolve specification ambiguities or technical discrepancies within bid packages.
• Conduct turnover meetings to transition awarded projects to production teams.
• Monitor project progress, report key metrics to leadership and customers, and promote quality, safety, and continuous improvement.

Requirements for the role:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 5+ years of marine/engineering experience, or Associate’s degree with 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Previous commercial shipyard experience and paint/coating experience.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, Project).
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD.
• Skilled in interpreting ship blueprints, technical drawings, and engineering specifications.
• Solid understanding of marine construction methods, materials, and vessel systems.
• Familiarity with marine classification society rules, USCG regulations, and industry compliance standards.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills across multiple organizational levels.
• Strong organizational skills with the capacity to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities.
• Effective negotiation and analytical skills when evaluating subcontractor proposals.
• Commitment to safety standards and regulatory compliance within shipyard and vessel environments.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Tyler Horton