Senior Trade Show Estimator

Willwork Global Event Services; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 105,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Willwork Global Event Services seeks a Senior Trade Show Estimator to lead estimating for large, complex trade show projects, set pricing standards, and mentor the estimating team. You will analyze blueprints, gather quotes, prepare bids, and drive margin strategy to support growth.

The role is deadline-driven and requires seven-plus years of estimating experience in trade show or construction industries, strong math and blueprint-reading skills, and the ability to communicate clearly with

Qualifications

• Seven or more years of estimating experience in trade show or related industries.
• Strong math, analytical thinking, and blueprint-reading skills.
• Bachelor's degree or relevant field experience preferred.
• Ability to mentor team and communicate with sales and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Analyze blueprints: Review architectural/CAD plans and renderings to understand scope and risks.
• Calculate quantities: Takeoffs to measure materials, labor hours, and needs.
• Gather quotes: Collect and negotiate pricing from suppliers and subcontractors.
• Prepare bids: Build and submit cost proposals and price lists to win contracts.
• Assess risk: Consider contingencies like inflation and safety risks.
• Lead complex estimates: Own estimating for largest projects; review others' work.
• Drive margin strategy: Advise on pricing strategy and go/no-go decisions.
• Maintain cost data: Keep historical data and templates current.

Skills

Math

Analytical thinking

Blueprint reading

Software tools

Education

College degree preferred

Finance/Economics/PM degree

Tools

Internal estimating software

Job description

The Senior Trade Show Estimator calculates project costs before work begins so the company can price competitively and achieve its required target margins. This role leads estimating for large, complex projects, sets pricing standards, and mentors the estimating team. Work is deadline-driven and requires timely, accurate analysis to support company growth and to give the sales team a dependable pricing tool.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze Blueprints: Review architectural and CAD plans and renderings to understand project scope and requirements and identify gaps or risks early.
• Calculate Quantities: Perform detailed takeoffs to measure materials, labor hours, and operational needs.
• Gather Quotes: Collect and negotiate pricing from suppliers, vendors, subcontractors, and labor suppliers; compare options and confirm validity periods.
• Prepare Bids: Build and submit formal cost proposals and price lists that win contracts while keeping profit margins competitive.
• Assess Risk: Account for contingencies such as inflation, market challenges, and safety risks.
• Lead Complex Estimates: Own estimating for the largest and most complex projects, and review other estimators' work for accuracy and consistency.
• Drive Margin Strategy: Advise sales and leadership on pricing strategy, margin targets, and go/no-go decisions on opportunities.
• Maintain Cost Data: Keep historical cost data, labor rates, and pricing templates current, and compare estimates to actual project results.
• Mentor and Train: Coach junior estimators on takeoff methods, vendor sourcing, and internal software tools.

Qualifications

• Experience: Seven or more years of estimating experience in trade show, exhibit, construction, or a similar project-based industry, including ownership of large, complex bids.
• Skills: Strong math, analytical thinking, and blueprint-reading skills, plus advanced proficiency in internal software tools.
• Education: College degree preferred with relevant field experience, or a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or project management.
• Work Style: Detail oriented, comfortable under tight deadlines, and able to communicate clearly with sales, vendors, operations, and leadership.

Compensation

Salary range is $105,000 to $140,000 commensurate with field experience.