Estimator

Star-Group; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Star is seeking an experienced Estimator to join our Minneapolis office. The role develops cost estimates and advises on production timing for proposals of varying complexity, generates and maintains estimates, and supports the adoption of estimating standards.

You will collaborate with design, engineering and purchasing to establish budgets, pricing strategies and material lists, conduct value engineering and present final estimates to clients.

Qualifications

• Extensive estimating experience in tradeshow, retail or similar industry.
• Strong understanding of costs, margins, and value engineering.
• Strong materials knowledge.
• AutoCAD familiarity and proficiency with Excel.
• Willingness to travel up to 5% and to work beyond 40 hours during peak periods.

Responsibilities

• Establish, produce and implement project budget.
• Establish and produce cost estimates for proposal.
• Produce, design and manufacture estimate.
• Integrate graphics, design, production and service estimates for final proposal.
• Establish final blended estimate and margin related to scope of project.
• Organize and facilitate meetings and reviews with stakeholders.
• Lead pricing strategies to position Star to win projects within client budgets.

Skills

Estimating

Cost analysis

Materials knowledge

Team collaboration

Travel readiness

Tools

AutoCAD

Excel

Job description

About Star:

At Star, we specialize in the custom design and manufacturing of physical experiences. Our clients’ needs range from exhibits, retail and corporate environments, and branded events. Wherever a brand lives, Star is there to make it shine.

Introduction:

We are seeking an Estimator to join our team in our Minneapolis Office. The Estimator develops cost estimates and advises on production timing for new and existing business proposals of varying complexity. The position will generate, communicate, and maintain estimates, and performance against standards. This position assists in establishing, implementing and promoting procedures and standards for estimating and proposals.

KeyResponsibilities:

• The Estimator is assigned to a variety of projects, and is capable of successfully contributing to projects that are particularly complex, broad in scope and/or require new materials or processes
• Establish, produce and implement project budget
• Establish and produce cost estimates for proposal
• Produce, design and manufacture estimate
• Integrate graphics, design, production and service estimates for final proposal
• Establish final blended estimate and margin related to scope of project
• Organize and facilitate meetings, including:
• Estimated project margin and variance meetings with key Stake Holders prior to client presentation
• Quality Assurance Reviews
• Work with Design Engineers to ensure we can successfully build the project
• Attains buy-in from Design Engineer & Production Lead Builders
• Ensure effective transition process from estimating to Project Engineering
• Sourcing materials and value engineering research
• Lead structural integrity, value engineering and costing investigations of assigned projects prior to client presentation
• Provide detailed material/specialty order list for pricing; work with Purchasing or directly with supplier to obtain pricing; determine yields
• Ensure confidentiality agreements are in place with vendors
• Reporting and Administration
• Working with manager to establish and promote process and procedures for maintaining high standards
• Provide updated reports to manager as assigned
• Develop and recommend strategic pricing strategies that will position Star to win projects and fall within client budgets
• Gather details required for project, partnering with Creative to understand the client, the project and essential elements
• Provide technical guidance to designers, providing creative solutions to design challenges, suggesting alternate materials, construction methods, etc.
  
• Participating in opportunity presentations, providing process, technical and costing information
• Demonstrate Star’s core values in every interaction: integrity, open, honest and respectful relationships, customer intimacy, passion, entrepreneurship, and nurturing growth

Education and experience:

• Extensive estimating experience in tradeshow, retail or similar industry (e.g., construction)
• Strong understanding of costs, margins, and value engineering
• Strong materials knowledge
• Experience presenting to clients preferred
• AutoCAD familiarity and proficiency with Excel
• Must have proven ability to collaborate within teams and cross-functionally
• Ability to travel up to 5%
• Willingness and ability to work beyond 40 hours per week during peak periods to ensure client needs are met

Attributes:

• Strong customer focus and solutions orientation
• Desire and ability to operate according to Star’s core values in every interaction: integrity, open, honest and respectful relationships, customer intimacy, passion, entrepreneurship, and nurturing growth
• Must possess strong attention to detail and time management skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and clients
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Ability to devise innovation solutions to design or cost challenges

Star offers a competitive salary and benefits in an engaging and collaborative work environment. If you are a star performer who thrives in a collaborative and dynamic environment, we would love to hear from you. Join our incredible team and be part of a growing organization that recognizes and rewards your talent and potential. Together, let's illuminate the path to success!

Qualified candidates committed to making a big impact in a thriving organization are encouraged to submit a resume

Star is an equal opportunity employer.