Estimator – Trade Shows + Events
Are you an Estimator who enjoys turning creative concepts into accurate, competitive project budgets? We’re looking for someone with experience in the trade show, event, and branded environments industry who understands custom fabrication and can confidently develop detailed estimates for exhibits, experiential activations, retail displays, and branded spaces.
This role requires someone who understands materials, fabrication methods, labor, graphics, logistics, and installation costs while collaborating closely with sales, design, engineering, purchasing, and production teams. The ideal candidate is analytical, detail-oriented, and thrives in a fast-paced environment where every estimate plays a critical role in winning new business and delivering profitable projects.
Responsibilities
- Prepare detailed cost estimates for custom exhibits, experiential activations, branded environments, retail fixtures, and event displays.
- Review design concepts, renderings, engineering drawings, and project specifications to develop accurate pricing.
- Analyze material, fabrication, labor, graphics, crating, shipping, installation, and subcontractor costs.
- Collaborate with sales, design, engineering, purchasing, and production teams throughout the estimating process.
- Solicit and evaluate pricing from vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors.
- Develop estimates that align with project scope, client expectations, and company profitability goals.
- Identify potential cost savings and value engineering opportunities without compromising quality or functionality.
- Maintain estimating databases, pricing libraries, and historical cost information.
- Support proposal development by providing accurate budgets and pricing recommendations.
- Review change orders and revised project scopes as needed.
- Assist with project handoffs to production and project management teams following award.
- Stay current on material costs, fabrication techniques, and industry trends to ensure competitive and accurate estimates.
Qualifications
- 3+ years of estimating experience within the trade show, exhibit, experiential marketing, custom fabrication, branded environments, museum, retail fixture, millwork, or architectural signage industry.
- Strong understanding of custom fabrication methods, materials, manufacturing processes, and production workflows.
- Experience interpreting design renderings, fabrication drawings, engineering drawings, and construction documents.
- Knowledge of materials including wood, metal, acrylic, laminates, graphics, lighting, and specialty finishes.
- Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across multiple departments.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel; experience with estimating software or ERP systems is a plus.
What’s Offered
- Competitive base salary
- Performance bonus opportunities
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid vacation and company holidays
- Career growth opportunities within a collaborative and innovative organization
- The opportunity to work on exciting custom exhibits, branded environments, and experiential marketing projects for nationally recognized brands
- A team-oriented culture where your expertise directly contributes to winning new business and delivering successful projects
Success in This Role
Successful Estimators combine technical knowledge with strong analytical skills to produce accurate, competitive estimates that support both sales growth and project profitability. They understand how custom exhibits are built, ask the right questions early in the process, and collaborate closely with internal teams to develop realistic budgets.
In this role, you’ll be successful if you:
- Deliver accurate, detailed estimates while meeting tight proposal deadlines.
- Understand the true costs associated with custom fabrication, materials, labor, graphics, shipping, and installation.
- Communicate effectively with sales, design, engineering, purchasing, and production teams.
- Identify potential risks, cost drivers, and value engineering opportunities before projects move into production.
- Balance competitiveness with profitability to help win projects without sacrificing margins.
- Stay organized while managing multiple bids and changing priorities.
- Take ownership of the estimating process and consistently provide reliable, well-supported pricing that sets projects up for success.
How to Apply
You can attach your resume here or via email directly to Amanda Roomey; Director of Visual Communications & Branded Environments, at amanda@metroseekcorp.com with the subject title “Estimator – Trade Shows”
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