Estimator

Ravenswood Studio; Lincolnwood (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Ravenswood Studio Inc. is seeking an Estimator to prepare budgets, ROM, and detailed pricing for museum exhibits and custom fabrication projects.

You will analyze documents, compute materials and labor, vet subcontractor pricing, and craft clear proposals that define scope. Qualified candidates have at least 3 years' estimating experience in relevant industries, strong Excel skills, and the ability to work independently as part of a collaborative team focused on quality, ingenuity, and timely

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years' experience as an Estimator in museum exhibits, display, cabinetry/millwork, theater, or opera.
• Proficiency in Excel and the Office suite.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, detail oriented, and able to work independently or with a team.

Responsibilities

• Analyze project documents to understand design intent and client needs.
• Contact potential clients regarding missing information or scope questions.
• Flag risks related to schedule, complexity, or structural challenges.
• Accurately calculate material quantities and labor requirements.
• Prepare and submit RFQs to subcontractors and review proposals for completeness.
• Lay out estimates clearly and write item descriptions for each estimate.
• Prepare and submit formal proposals to clients and archive prior submittals.
• Collaborate with team and participate in value engineering.

Skills

Estimator experience

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Office Suite

Job description

About Ravenswood Studio Inc.

Ravenswood Studio is a nationally recognized custom fabrication company driven by diverse and passionate artisans who take pride in every project we deliver. With our core values of Trust, Ingenuity and Excellence, we build museum and corporate exhibits, traveling exhibits, specialty millwork, and custom themed environments that tell a story.

For over 35 years, Ravenswood Studio has been a trusted partner to some of the nation's leading cultural institutions fabricating memorable experiences that create lasting memories. We are creative, detail oriented, deadline sensitive, and budget conscious, making us the perfect partner to realize our client's vision.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Estimator is responsible for preparing budgets, estimates and proposal pricing to meet client requests. This includes square foot allowances, rough order of magnitude (ROM) budgeting and detailed line‑item pricing. This work includes calculating labor, materials, risks and time required, as well as requesting and vetting pricing from subcontractors for any given project as well as creating written proposals that clearly define what is included in our scope.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• At the outset of a new project, analyze project documents including technical drawings, sketches, renderings and matrices, and acquire a deep holistic understanding of the project, including design intent and client needs.
• Contact potential clients regarding missing information, inconsistencies, schedule questions or scope gap that may be discovered during the document review.
• Flag issues of risk including schedule, complexity, or structural challenges to the Associate Director of Pre‑Construction Services.
• Accurately calculate the types and quantities of materials needed to fabricate a given element.
• Estimate the labor needed to manage, draft, fabricate, finish and install a given element.
• Vet ideas for practicality. Participate in value‑engineering. Make alternative suggestions and create Add / Alts.
• Prepare and submit RFQ's for subcontractors, and review those proposals for completeness and accuracy.
• Lay out estimates in a clear and concise manner that fosters efficient review.
• Write element descriptions for each item estimated.
• Prepare and submit formal proposals to prospective clients.
• Clearly document updates and changes made during the estimating process, including archiving previous proposal submittals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES

• Make frequent use of ingenuity and creativity.
• Inspire positivity, exude a sense of calm competence and listen to others.
• Promote effective collaboration and idea sharing.
• Use and promote Ravenswood Studio's Key Predictors of Success.
• Contribute to RSI's Continual Incremental Improvements process.
• Proficiency in Office Suite of products especially Excel.
• A strong understanding of the methods and materials associated with custom fabrication in Ravenswood's core markets.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience as an Estimator in one or more of the following industries: museum exhibit, display, cabinetry / millwork, theater, or opera.
• Proactive, aware, and focused.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize, problem solve and think analytically.
• Ability to work independently, and collaboratively.
• Detail oriented and focused.
• Is honest, proactive, responsive, anticipatory, and shows empathy for others.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Proficiency in Office Suite of products especially Excel.
• A strong understanding of the methods and materials associated with custom fabrication in Ravenswood's core markets.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience as an Estimator in one or more of the following industries: museum exhibit, display, cabinetry / millwork, theater, or opera.
• Proactive, aware, and focused.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize, problem solve and think analytically.
• Ability to work independently, and collaboratively.
• Detail oriented and focused.
• Is honest, proactive, responsive, anticipatory, and shows empathy for others.