Project Estimator

Specialized Mobile Exhibits; Winston-Salem, Northern (NC, KY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Specialized Marketing Experiences in Winston-Salem, NC seeks a detail-oriented Project Estimator to translate napkin sketches into life-size structures and develop accurate budgets for experiential fabrication projects.

You will review concepts, renderings, and drawings, source materials, estimate labor and logistics, and prepare client-facing proposals while collaborating with graphics designers, project managers, brand teams, and fabrication crews.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in estimating software and spreadsheets.
• Ability to read and interpret design drawings, CAD files, and renderings.
• Excellent numerical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration across creative and technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Review creative concepts, renderings, and technical drawings to develop detailed cost estimates.
• Collaborate closely with graphics designers, project managers, brand managers, marketing, and fabrication teams to align scope and budget.
• Interpret scenic designs and construction methods into material, labor, and logistics costs.
• Source and price materials, specialty finishes, and fabrication techniques.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising creative intent or structural integrity.
• Prepare client-facing proposals, bids, and scope-of-work documents.
• Maintain and update cost databases, vendor pricing, and labor rates.
• Participate in project handoffs to ensure alignment between estimate and execution.

Job description

Specialized Marketing Experiences (SME) is a Winston-Salem, NC based creative fabrication company specializing in one-of-a-kind, custom-built brand experiences for both private clients and corporate partners. From eye-catching photo ops to fully transforming trailers, SME designs and builds projects from the ground up with precision and creativity.

We are committed to delivering exceptional quality in every detail while maintaining a fast-paced, collaborative, and enjoyable work environment. Our team thrives on turning bold ideas into immersive and memorable experiences.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a highly detail-oriented and creatively driven Project Estimator with a background in project estimating, construction materials, set design, scenic construction, and/or experiential fabrication. This role is ideal for someone who can interpret a napkin sketch concept and translate that into a life-size structure, by turning concepts into accurate, strategic cost estimates.

The Project Estimator plays a critical role in bridging creative vision and production realityby analyzing designs, finding the proper materials, determining labor needs, and activationlogistics to develop comprehensive budgets for our clients' experiential visions.

Essential Job Functions:

• Review creative concepts, renderings, and technical drawings to develop detailed cost estimates
• Collaborate closely with graphics designers, project managers, brand managers, marketing, and fabrication teams to align scope and budget
• Interpret scenic designs and construction methods into material, labor, and logistics costs
• Source and price materials, specialty finishes, and fabrication techniques
• Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising creative intent or structural integrity
• Prepare client-facing proposals, bids, and scope-of-work documents
• Maintain and update cost databases, vendor pricing, and labor rates
• Participate in project handoffs to ensure alignment between estimate and execution

Qualifications Required:

• Proficiency in estimating software and spreadsheets (e.g., Excel or similar tools)
• Understanding of building materials, fabrication techniques, and construction processes
• Ability to read and interpret design drawings, CAD files, and renderings
• Excellent numerical, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate across creative and technical teams
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and deadlines

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Associate Degree

Essential Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to:

• Able to sit for long periods of time
• Turn the head, neck and shoulders to both the right and left
• Use of arms/legs to lift and/or move up to but not limited to 50 pounds
• Perform tasks that require adequate manual dexterity in the use of keyboards and keypads, handle or touch objects or controls
• Talk and listen
• Specific vision requirements include ability to listen to telephone conversations as well as face to face conversations
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
• Work beyond a 40-hour week may be required

Specialized Marketing Experiences values flexibility and the willingness to take on new challenges. As opportunities arise and work responsibilities change, your job description will be adjusted to meet the organization’s needs.

Specialized Marketing Experiences is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.