Estimating Manager-Architectural Interiors

Accelera; Gilberts (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) match

Paid holidays

PTO

Parental leave

Adoption support

Short-term disability

Life insurance

Employee assistance program

Commuter savings

Job summary

Accelera in Gilberts, IL is seeking a seasoned Estimating Manager to lead pricing and estimation for architectural interior projects, focusing on acoustical walls and ceilings. This leadership role requires deep construction, fabrication, or manufacturing pricing expertise and a track record of refining internal processes.

You will mentor staff, coordinate with Design, Procurement, Production, Operations, and Sales to ensure accurate, efficient quotes aligned with profitability targets.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive experience in estimating, construction, or manufacturing.
• Ability to lead, train, and mentor team members.
• Strong cost analysis, pricing strategy, and estimation techniques.

Responsibilities

• Direct and supervise the pricing and estimating department daily operations.
• Manage full project lifecycle from RFQs to final quote approvals.
• Create and maintain pricing databases, cost guides, and estimation methods.
• Evaluate requirements and data to maintain healthy profit margins.
• Verify PO pricing and oversee adjustments as needed.
• Coordinate scope changes and expedited timelines.
• Refine estimating workflows and SOPs.
• Coach and mentor Sales Reps and Estimators.
• Distribute workloads and track performance metrics.
• Validate estimating docs and outputs for accuracy.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Construction knowledge

Cost analysis

Blueprint interpretation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Engineering/Architecture/Manufacturing degree

Tools

AutoCAD

LISP scripting

Job description

Location: Gilberts, IL

Job Type: Full-Time

Salary: $90,000-$120,000/year plus annual incentive

Relocation: Assistance provided

Travel: Under 10%

Non-Compete: None

Compensation and Perks: We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with partial employer contribution, along with a 401(k) featuring a robust company match. Employees enjoy paid holidays, PTO, parental leave, and adoption support. Our benefits package also includes employer-paid short-term disability, voluntary life and accident insurance, an employee assistance program, pre-tax commuter savings, and engaging company events throughout the year.

Your Role

We are seeking a seasoned Estimating Manager to spearhead our pricing and estimation operations for architectural interior projects, specifically focusing on acoustical wall and ceiling systems. This leadership position is ideal for a professional with deep expertise in construction, architectural fabrication, manufacturing, or pricing who is eager to refine internal processes, mentor staff, and engage with technical blueprints. You will collaborate across departments - including Design, Procurement, Production, Operations, and Sales to ensure that all project estimates are precise, efficient, and aligned with our profitability targets.

Core Responsibilities

• Direct and supervise the daily operations of the pricing and estimating department.
• Manage the full project lifecycle from initial intake and RFQs to final quote approval to ensure client satisfaction.
• Create and maintain standardized pricing databases, cost guides, and estimation methodologies.
• Evaluate project requirements, pricing structures, and cost data to help maintain healthy profit margins.
• Verify purchase orders and oversee any necessary pricing adjustments.
• Coordinate project scope changes, revisions, and requests for expedited timelines.
• Refine and optimize existing estimating workflows and standard operating procedures.
• Provide coaching, training, and mentorship to Sales Representatives and Estimators to foster professional growth.
• Distribute team workloads effectively while tracking individual and group performance metrics.
• Validate all estimating documentation and project outputs for accuracy and quality.
• Foster strong partnerships with Product Development, Design, Procurement, Production, and Sales teams.
• Utilize AutoCAD and LISP scripting tools to drive automation and improve estimating efficiency.
• Act as the primary point of contact for resolving complex estimating escalations and technical inquiries.

Candidate Requirements

• Possess 7+ years of progressive experience within construction, manufacturing, architectural fabrication, or related technical estimating fields.
• Demonstrate a proven history of successfully leading, training, or mentoring team members.
• Maintain a deep understanding of cost analysis, pricing strategies, and estimation techniques.
• Exhibit the ability to interpret complex technical drawings, construction documents, and blueprints to ensure project accuracy.
• Apply strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills to daily tasks.
• Communicate effectively to facilitate seamless collaboration across various departments.
• Manage multiple competing priorities and deadlines to ensure timely project delivery.
• Maintain high levels of accountability and meticulous attention to detail in all work products.

Preferred Background

We welcome applications from candidates with experience in the following areas:

• Architectural interiors
• Acoustical walls or ceilings
• Architectural fabrication
• Specialty construction products
• Custom or project-based estimating
• AutoCAD or Rhino software
• AutoCAD LISP scripting
• ERP/MRP or CRM platforms, specifically NetSuite
• Manufacturing workflows and product assembly
• Automating and improving estimating processes

Educational Background

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• An Associate or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Manufacturing, Construction Management, Industrial Design, or a related technical discipline is preferred.
• We will consider equivalent combinations of education and professional experience.

Proficiency in the following is expected:

• ERP and MRP system management
• Experience with commodity purchasing

  Technologies you will utilize:

  • CAD software applications
  • ERP software systems