Director, Corporate Estimating - Trade Shows

Derse; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Comprehensive benefits package

Energetic culture

Financial stability (75+ years)

Job summary

Derse, a leading marketing agency and exhibit builder, seeks a Director of Corporate Estimating to lead pricing strategies and estimating standards across divisions. You will provide hands-on leadership for complex opportunities and drive continuous improvement in estimating processes.

Responsibilities include managing audits, leading RFI/RFP/RFQ responses, and developing pricing models while collaborating with multiple Derse teams. Strong financial acumen and travel readiness are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Construction Management, Finance, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive estimating or operations management experience in tradeshow/event or similar industry.
• Experience leading direct reports within cross-functional project teams.
• Extensive onsite field experience in tradeshow/event environments.
• Strong financial reporting and presentation skills.
• Proficiency with MS Suite; ERP/PM software knowledge preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead corporate estimating standards, pricing methodologies, and processes across Derse.
• Backfill for vacancies within estimating management as needed.
• Apply knowledge of labor, material, freight, subcontractor, fabrication, and installation costs.
• Complete audits and implement corrective actions to maintain standards.
• Lead RFI, RFP, RFQ responses to meet company standards.
• Own pricing initiatives for high-value opportunities.
• Provide field support and manage strategic projects as needed.
• Develop and maintain pricing models, rate cards, and estimating tools.
• Review and approve major pricing templates and responses.
• Suggest continuous development for the Estimating organization.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Operations management

Leadership

Financial acumen

ERP/PM software

Travel readiness

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Construction Management, Finance, or related field

Tools

MS Excel

PowerPoint

ERP systems

Project management software

Job description

Description

Derse is a complete face-to-face marketing agency and exhibit builder. We bring a smarter approach to building client sales while managing their trade show, marketing environments and event programs. Our teams are made up of smart and forward-thinking people who bring experiential marketing solutions to life!

We believe in committing to a long-term investment in your career with a total rewards package including:

• Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits package


• A bright and energetic culture where your ideas are valued


• 75+ years of financial stability

Derse employs nearly 600 people in marketing, program management, creative & skilled production, and corporate support. Locations include Milwaukee, Chicago, Las Vegas, Dallas, Pittsburgh, and various communities in Poland & Germany. Visit our website derse.com to learn more!

The Director of Corporate Estimating provides strategic leadership for Derse's estimating function by establishing pricing strategies, estimating standards, and processes to support efficiency, consistency, and growth across all divisions. Additionally, you'll proved hands-on leadership for complex estimating opportunities and drive continuous improvement throughout Derse.

Director, Corporate Estimating Responsibilities

• Lead all efforts of corporate estimating standards, pricing methodologies, and estimating processes to ensure alignment across Derse.


• Act as temporary backfill for vacancies within estimating management or operational leadership as needed across Derse divisions.


• Utilize knowledge of labor, material, freight, subcontractor, fabrication, installation, and operational cost drivers.


• Complete all scheduled estimating audits and implement corrective action to maintain estimating and business standards.


• Provide strategic leadership for all RFI, RFP, RFQ’s, and other competitive bid opportunities to ensure company standards are met.


• Take ownership and lead pricing initiatives, complex estimating efforts, and other high value opportunities when necessary or beneficial.


• Manage strategic projects and provide operational support in the field as required to sustain client expectations and project lifecycle.


• Develop and maintain corporate pricing models, rate cards, and other estimating tools while partnering with many Derse teams.


• Review and approve strategic pricing initiatives, pricing templates, and other major responses to best meet timelines and standards.


• Provide continuous development suggestions and action for the Estimating organization and implement best practices across all teams.


• Assist operational teams in delivering accurate and executable project estimates, providing subject matter expertise.


• Develop training programs, operational documentation, and overall processes to support consistency and strengthen team capabilities.


• Collaborate with variety of teams to ensure estimating strategies are supportive of organizational, client, and project delivery demands.


• Demonstrate hands-on leadership by assuming responsibility for high-risk projects, capacity constraints, etc. for optimal performance.


• Daily and annual management of direct reports consisting of Corporate Support Managers.


• Travel throughout the year to monitor, fill-in, or assist with divisional leadership and direct reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Construction Management, Finance, or related field required.


• 7+ years of progressive estimating or operations management experience within tradeshow/event or similar industry required.


• Prior experience in strategic leadership of direct reports within cross functional project driven teams.


• Extensive onsite field experience within tradeshow, event, or similar custom project-based environment.


• Financial acumen and strong presentation of financial reporting experience.


• Proficiency in MS Suite including; Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and related. ERP and Project Management software knowledge preferred.


• Ability to travel and support business climate. Travel is considered moderate to heavy.