Director of Estimating

Description

Director of Estimating

Location: Colony Display, LLC

Reports To: Vice President of Sales Operations

Company Overview:

Colony Display is a leading designer, engineer, and manufacturer of high-quality stock and custom retail display fixtures,

point-of-purchase (POP) displays, and in-store merchandising solutions that enhance the consumer shopping experience.

As part of our continued growth, we are seeking an experienced Director of Estimating to lead our estimating team, ensuring

precise and competitive bids that drive business success while aligning with our production capabilities, material sourcing

strategies, and industry standards.

Position Summary:

The Director of Estimating is responsible for the comprehensive assessment of bid specifications and drawings, ensuring that

all project requirements are accurately identified and costed. This role oversees vendor and subcontractor communications,

securing competitive pricing and lead times. Additionally, the Director will drive the development of cost modeling strategies, pricing structures, and estimating workflows to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of our bidding process.

Expertise in wood, metal, acrylic, and mixed-material retail display fixtures, millwork, and custom merchandising units

is essential.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic & Leadership Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the estimating team to meet department Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to bid volume, accuracy, and profitability.
• Oversee team capacity, set priorities, and ensure project estimates align with Colony Display’s manufacturing capabilities, material sourcing, and production lead times.
• Communicate bid opportunities and challenges to the Executive Leadership Team, providing data-driven insights to inform go/no-go decisions.
• Develop and implement cost estimation models, value engineering strategies, and standardized pricing templates to improve estimating accuracy and turnaround time.
• Establish and maintain vendor relationships through strategic supplier sourcing, international procurement strategies, and performance audits.
• Continually improve estimating software integration, historical cost tracking, and competitive benchmarking tools.
• Monitor and document shop floor manufacturing run rates, material yields, and labor efficiencies to refine cost estimates.
• Manage departmental personnel, including approving expenses, overseeing time-off requests, conducting performance reviews, and setting cost-reduction and efficiency goals.

Project & Estimating Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of detailed cost estimates for custom store fixtures, displays, and millwork, incorporating materials, labor, hardware, assembly, and logistics.
• Ensure all bids reflect optimal pricing while maintaining high-quality fabrication standards and competitive margins.
• Work closely with Sales, Engineering, Operations, and Supply Chain teams to resolve cost discrepancies and ensure alignment with manufacturing capabilities.
• Collaborate with vendors, material suppliers, and fabrication partners to identify cost-saving opportunities, alternate materials, and optimized production methods.
• Maintain strict adherence to customer RFQs, bid deadlines, and detailed cost breakdowns, ensuring compliance with project requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement in estimating accuracy, response time, and bid consistency by refining cost databases and historical quoting analysis.
• Conduct site visits when necessary to gather additional details and validate bid assumptions.
• Maintain an organized database of estimates, material costs, vendor quotes, and fabrication benchmarks for reference in future projects.

Requirements

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Development, or related fields.
• 5+ years of estimating experience in retail display, store fixture, millwork, or commercial furniture manufacturing.
• In-depth knowledge of wood, metal, acrylic, solid surfaces, and mixed-material production processes.
• Strong ability to analyze and interpret blueprints, CAD drawings, material specifications, and production workflows.
• Experience developing and utilizing cost-estimating software, ERP systems, and spreadsheet-based pricing models.
• Expertise in value engineering, waste reduction, lean manufacturing principles, and cost control strategies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word) and familiarity with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar drafting software.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, managing multiple bids and projects simultaneously.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills with the ability to engage with vendors, clients, and internal stakeholders.

Benefits & Compensation:

• Comprehensive Health & Wellness Program, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Company-paid short-term & long-term disability insurance.
• Employer-sponsored Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance.
• Generous time-off program, including company holidays, sick/personal time, and vacation.
• 401(k) plan with 4% company match.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Colony Display, LLC embraces diversity and is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment. We believe in equal opportunity and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified candidates during the hiring process. If you need an accommodation, please contact the HR team at least one week in advance of your interview.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter when applying for this post.