Senior Estimator

Kdn Signs, Inc.; Wood Dale (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Kdn Signs, Inc. is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead the estimating function, ensure accurate cost estimates, and drive win rates for complex signage projects.

You will determine installation labor, validate supplier pricing, manage risk, and collaborate with Operations, Sales, Design, Project Management, and Finance to reflect scope and execution plans in every estimate. The role emphasizes leadership development and process-building to support growth and zero-dollar variance between estimate

Qualifications

• 5–8+ years in estimating, purchasing, project management, operations, fabrication, installation, or related experience in signage or specialty construction.
• Strong knowledge of commercial signage fabrication/installation methods.
• Ability to read architectural drawings and bid documents; interpret project manuals and schedules.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the estimating function for Kdn Signs to begin every project with a complete, accurate cost estimate.
• Determine installation labor requirements and validate vendor/subcontractor pricing.
• Identify all anticipated project costs and improve estimate accuracy through estimate-to-actual analysis.
• Collaborate with Operations, Sales, Design, Project Management, and Finance to ensure costs reflect scope and execution plan.
• Develop people and processes to support growth of the estimating function; strive for zero-dollar variance between estimated and actual cost.

Skills

Estimating

Cost analysis

Vendor management

Reading drawings

Cross-functional collaboration

Leadership

Negotiation

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Construction Management or related field

Tools

Estimating software

Spreadsheets

Project-management systems

Job description

Salary Range: $75,000 - $85,000 depending on experience

Position Summary

The Sr. Estimator is responsible for developing and leading the estimating function for Kdn Signs, ensuring every project begins with a complete, accurate, and executable cost estimate.

This role is responsible for determining installation labor requirements, securing and validating vendor and subcontractor pricing, identifying all anticipated project costs, and continuously improving estimating accuracy through disciplined estimate-to-actual analysis.

The Sr. Estimator will work closely with the Operations Manager and leaders across Sales, Design, Project Management, Operations, and Finance to ensure project costs accurately reflect the scope, complexity, labor requirements, and execution plan for each opportunity.

The Sr. Estimator is expected to be a leader who develops both people and processes while building an estimating function capable of supporting the continued growth of Kdn Signs.

Success in this position is measured first and foremost by estimating accuracy, with an objective of zero-dollar variance between estimated cost and actual project cost.

About Kdn Signs

Kdn Signs is a trusted turnkey signage partner specializing in the planning, coordination, fabrication, installation, service, and maintenance of complex commercial signage projects throughout Chicagoland. While others focus on building signs, we focus on delivering successful projects.

Our customers don't hire us simply because we fabricate or install signage—they partner with us because we eliminate complexity, reduce risk, and execute with discipline. From General Contractors and National Sign Companies to healthcare systems, educational institutions, municipalities, corporate campuses, and commercial property owners, organizations rely on Kdn Signs to manage every phase of the signage process with clear communication, proactive coordination, and unwavering accountability.

At Kdn Signs, we believe successful signage projects are built long before installation begins. They are built through planning, collaboration, disciplined execution, and a relentless commitment to doing what we say we'll do.

Qualifications

Required

• 5–8 years of estimating, Purchasing, project management, operations, fabrication, installation, or related experience within the signage industry or specialty construction.
• Strong knowledge of commercial signage fabrication and installation methods.
• Demonstrated ability to estimate installation labor, equipment, materials, purchased products, and subcontracted work.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings, specifications, project manuals, bid documents, and construction schedules.
• Strong understanding of vendor sourcing, purchasing, cost analysis, and subcontractor management.
• Demonstrated ability to identify scope gaps and project cost risks before award.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with Sales, Project Management, Design, Operations, Finance, vendors, and field personnel.
• Proficiency with estimating software, spreadsheets, project-management systems, and other relevant technology.

Preferred

• Experience estimating complex commercial signage projects for General Contractors, National Sign Companies, healthcare, education, municipalities, corporate facilities, or commercial real estate.
• Experience with prevailing-wage and certified-payroll projects.
• Experience managing vendor and subcontractor relationships.
• Experience developing estimating standards, historical cost databases, and estimate-to-actual reporting.
• Experience building or scaling an estimating department.

The successful candidate will consistently demonstrate:

• Accuracy & Attention to Detail
• Analytical Thinking
• Accountability
• Leadership
• Coaching & Talent Development
• Problem Solving
• Construction & Technical Knowledge
• Negotiation
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Integrity

Why Join Us

At Kdn Signs, you'll have the opportunity to build far more than estimates—you'll help build the systems, people, vendor relationships, and cost discipline that support the continued growth of the organization.