Junior Estimator

Directed; New York (NY); On-site; USD 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Health insurance

Paid time off

Training opportunities

On-site work

Job summary

Directed is seeking a motivated Junior Estimator for our Manhattan office. You will support sales, project management, and operations by preparing cost estimates across signage, environmental graphics, print production, and related services.

Strong numerical ability and attention to detail are essential as you coordinate with vendors and teammates to meet deadlines. The role is full-time, in-office, five days a week, with formal training and opportunities to grow into estimating or project

Qualifications

• 0–3 years estimating experience preferred.
• Familiarity with drawings, takeoffs, quotations, or cost proposals.
• Exposure to signage, environmental graphics, or commercial construction is a plus.
• Proficiency with Bluebeam or comparable estimating software.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings, specs, bid packages, and client requests.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and estimate material, fabrication, labor, and installation costs.
• Prepare estimates, budgets, and proposals while supporting target margins.
• Identify scope gaps and cost-saving opportunities.
• Coordinate quotations from suppliers and subcontractors.
• Maintain vendor pricing and accurate project documentation.
• Support handoffs from estimation to production.

Skills

Numerical skills

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Excel proficiency

Communication

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Bluebeam

Job description

Full-time | In office, Monday–Friday (5 days per week)

$65,000 annually

Additional Compensation

Performance-based bonuses

Company contribution toward health insurance, PTO, Sick/Personal days

Company Description:

Directed is a full-service workplace solutions partner helping organizations create and support environments where people work, connect, and engage. Founded in commercial printing in Brooklyn, New York, in 1980, Directed has grown to offer environmental graphic design, signage and wayfinding, commercial printing, furniture, branded merchandise, workplace amenities, warehousing, and fulfillment. Our integrated approach gives clients one trusted partner across multiple scopes, streamlining procurement and delivering consistent execution from concept through completion. We collaborate with corporate clients, architects, designers, real estate professionals, facility teams, and project partners, guided by a longstanding commitment to craftsmanship, problem-solving, and personal service.

Position Overview

Directed is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Junior Estimator to support our sales, project management, and operations teams. The role focuses on preparing accurate cost estimates, coordinating vendor and subcontractor pricing, and developing competitive proposals across signage, environmental graphics, print production, and related workplace services. The ideal candidate is organized, analytical, eager to learn, and comfortable managing multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Review architectural drawings, specifications, bid packages, and client requests.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and estimate material, fabrication, labor, and installation costs.
• Prepare detailed estimates, budgets, and proposals while supporting target profit margins.
• Identify scope gaps, discrepancies, and cost-saving opportunities.
• Request, review, and compare quotations from suppliers, fabricators, installers, and subcontractors.
• Confirm scope coverage and maintain accurate vendor pricing, material costs, and subcontractor rates.
• Build productive relationships with vendor and installation partners.

Internal Coordination & Project Support

• Coordinate with sales, project management, and operations teams on pricing and project requirements.
• Support bid submissions, proposal revisions, change orders, and estimating deadlines.
• Maintain estimating tools, pricing databases, and organized project documentation.
• Assist with project handoffs from estimating to production and installation.

Qualifications

Required

• Strong numerical, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.
• Excellent attention to detail, communication skills, and ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Ability to interpret technical information and willingness to learn architectural drawings.
• Dependable, proactive approach and eagerness to develop professionally.

Preferred

• 0–3 years of experience in estimating, construction, signage, printing, manufacturing, or a related field.
• Exposure to drawings, material takeoffs, vendor quotations, or cost proposals.
• Familiarity with signage, environmental graphics, large-format printing, or commercial construction.
• Experience with Bluebeam or comparable estimating software.

Industry experience is preferred but not required; training will be provided for the right candidate.

Compensations

• $65,000 annual base salary.
• Eligibility for performance-based bonuses tied to estimating accuracy, productivity, individual results, and company objectives.
• Company contribution toward employee health insurance.
• Hands-on training, diverse project exposure, and opportunities to advance into estimating, project management, or leadership roles.

Work Arrangment

This is a full-time, on-site position at Directed’s Manhattan office, five days per week, Monday through Friday. Remote and hybrid arrangements are not available for this role.

Ideal Candidate

We value individuals who take ownership of their work, are resourceful and dependable, and want to grow with an expanding company. The successful candidate will develop the technical and commercial skills needed to become an independent estimator.

Directed is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law.