Estimator

Stratus; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Plan

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Stratus is seeking an Estimator to prepare detailed cost estimates across Sign Programs, Facility Maintenance and Brand projects. You will evaluate artwork, drawings, and data to ensure customer requirements are met and align with operational strategy using estimate calculators and best practices.

You will work with internal teams to quantify risks, identify value engineering opportunities, and support bid readiness while meeting internal SLAs.

Qualifications

• Ability to read and analyze technical drawings for cost estimation.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills under deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and Excel proficiency.
• Experience with ERP systems and data-driven cost estimates.

Responsibilities

• Create detailed cost estimates for product, labor, and materials.
• Incorporate market best practices and identify value engineering opportunities.
• Communicate risks, scope gaps, and assumptions clearly in bids.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain and vendors to optimize costs and timelines.
• Support bid process and participate in kickoff and cost review meetings.

Skills

Technical drawings

Takeoffs

Excel

ERP software

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Deadline driven

Sign production

Education

College degree or technical education

Job description

Overview

There’s never been a better time to join Stratus! As the market leader in brand implementation and maintenance, we transform how national brands connect with their customers. From exterior signage & interior branding to site refresh & remodel, from energy & lighting to repair & maintenance solutions, we deliver ideal solutions to meet all our client's branding needs.

From our locations across the country, to our corporate headquarters in Mentor, Ohio, every employee is a stakeholder in Stratus’ success. This environment offers endless career opportunities for individuals with a commitment to customer service, focus on execution and bias for action.

Job Summary: The Estimator is responsible for creating detailed, high quality, cost estimates that support winning business strategies on behalf of multiple business units, including Sign Programs, Facility Maintenance and Brand. They are responsible for evaluating artwork, technical drawings and data to ensure customer requirements are met and operational strategy is supported. Use of estimate calculators and applicable best practices will be key to Estimator success, as well as out-of-the-box costing application and high-level strategic thought.

Responsibilities

• Create detailed, accurate, product, labor and ancillary cost estimates by evaluating artwork/drawings and data to ensure customer requirements are met and operational strategy is supported. This may include reaching out to pre-identified Preferred Manufacturing Partners (PMP), Qualified Manufacturing Partners (QMP), or other manufacturers as identified by Supply Chain, or using internal estimating tools to support budgetary estimates while qualifying and quantifying risk where appropriate.
• Incorporate market-based best practices and knowledge into estimates, while still meeting internal SLAs, customer needs and aligning with operational strategy.
• Identify opportunities for value engineering and communicate to internal stakeholders as appropriate.
• Clearly define and communicate perceived risk with lack of scope clarity and/or expedited timelines through detailed bid notes or documented assumptions within submittal.
• Perform at or above the set standards and KPIs set on behalf of the Estimating team.
• Work with Vendor Relations and Supply Chain as the PMP network evolves to drive lower costs and faster response times.
• Work with Field Partner Management as the PFP network evolves to drive lower costs and faster response times.
• Schedule and/or attend new opportunity kick off calls, operational strategy discussions, cost reviews and other meetings as applicable.
• Effectively communicate with internal teams to address estimate issues, technical questions, concerns, training opportunities et al.
• In collaboration with SVP of Estimating and Manager of Estimating, identify efficiencies and opportunities within process that support expedited bid turnaround time, without sacrifice to quality or integrity, of bid.

Qualifications

Skills

• Familiarity with reading and analyzing technical drawings, with proven ability to perform accurate and inclusive takeoffs
• High level of organizational and analytical skills with ability to work under pressure and deadlines
• Strong written, verbal, and analytical skills
• Expert knowledge and ability to work with Microsoft Excel
• Experience working in Enterprise Resource Planning software tool
• Familiarity with analyzing requirement data, such as spreadsheets, database information, and customer notes, to develop cost estimates
• Driven, dependable, self-managed individual with focused attention to detail
• Adaptability to fast-paced environment with shifting priorities based on urgency, customer expectations, and importance
• Sense of customer service for both internal and external customers
• Mechanical and technical aptitude with experience in sign production or manufacturer preferred
• Ability to work in a deadline-driven environment

Education, experience, certifications

• College degree or technical education preferred
• Prior experience as an Estimator within the sign, lighting or related field preferred
• Prior experience with purchasing, negotiation or data and analytics preferred
• Accountable, intrinsically motivated individual with proven history of taking initiative and producing results

Working Conditions

• Position may require working before or after regularly scheduled hours as business needs arise

Why Work With Us

• Supportive & Friendly Culture
• Manage national accounts for Fortune 500 companies
• Medical, Dental, Vision coverage options
• Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
• Company paid Life Insurance
• 401k with Employer Contribution
• Company paid Short/Long Term Disability
• Generous Paid Time Off program + Holidays
• Career Growth Opportunities and Career Mapping
• Additional perks including Pet Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Educational Assistance Program, Identity Theft Protection, Critical Illness Plans, Commuter Benefits and various employee discount offerings from our Vendors

Pay Range

$65,000- $75,000 annually - Pay range listed reflects the potential pay for this role. The pay will depend on various factors, such as responsibilities of the position, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. Not all positions posted will have a pay range listed.

EEO/MFDV