Job Summary:Estimator is responsible for creating detailed, high quality, cost estimates that support winning business strategies on behalf of the Interior Brand division. They are responsible for evaluating artwork, technical drawings and data to ensure customer requirements are met and operational strategy is supported. Use of estimate calculators and applicable best practices will be key to Estimator success, as well as out-of-the-box costing application and high-level strategic thought.

Our Exceptional Benefits Plan includes:

• Supportive & Friendly Culture
• Manage national accounts for Fortune 500 companies
• Medical, Dental, Vision coverage options
• Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
• Company paid Life Insurance
• 401k with Employer Contribution
• Company paid Short/Long Term Disability
• Generous Paid Time Off program + Holidays
• Career Growth Opportunities and Career Mapping
• Additional perks including Pet Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Educational Assistance Program, Identity Theft Protection, Critical Illness Plans, Commuter Benefits and various employee discount offerings from our Vendors 
• Per diems available when traveling

Stratus is one of the nation’s largest brand implementation companies. We are made up of 1,100+ employees nationwide who roll up their sleeves, dive into the details and bring our clients’ brands to life! We deliver versatile solutions for some of the nation’s largest and most recognized brands. From exterior signage & interior branding to site refresh & remodel, from energy & lighting to repair & maintenance solutions, we deliver ideal solutions to meet all our client's branding needs.

The salary range for this position is $61,000 to $75,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

• Create detailed, accurate, product, labor and ancillary cost estimates by evaluating artwork/drawings and data to ensure customer requirements are met and operational strategy is supported. This may include reaching out to pre-identified Preferred Manufacturing Partners (PMP), Qualified Manufacturing Partners (QMP), or other manufacturers as identified by Supply Chain, or using internal estimating tools to support budgetary estimates while qualifying and quantifying risk where appropriate.
• Incorporate market-based best practices and knowledge into estimates, while still meeting internal SLAs, customer needs and aligning with operational strategy.
• Identify opportunities for value engineering and communicate to internal stakeholders as appropriate.
• Clearly define and communicate perceived risk with lack of scope clarity and/or expedited timelines through detailed bid notes or documented assumptions within submittal.
• Perform at or above the set standards and KPIs set on behalf of the Estimating team.
• Work with Vendor Relations and Supply Chain as the PMP network evolves to drive lower costs and faster response times.
• Work with Field Partner Management as the PFP network evolves to drive lower costs and faster response times.
• Schedule and/or attend new opportunity kick off calls, operational strategy discussions, cost reviews and other meetings as applicable.
• Effectively communicate with internal teams to address estimate issues, technical questions, concerns, training opportunities et al.
• In collaboration with SVP of Interior Branding identify efficiencies and opportunities within process that support expedited bid turnaround time, without sacrifice to quality or integrity, of bid.

Skills

• Familiarity with reading and analyzing technical drawings, with proven ability to perform accurate and inclusive takeoffs
• High level of organizational and analytical skills with ability to work under pressure and deadlines
• Strong written, verbal, and analytical skills
• Experience and ability to work with Microsoft Excel
• Familiarity with analyzing requirement data, such as spreadsheets, database information, and customer notes, to develop cost estimates
• Driven, dependable, self-managed individual with focused attention to detail
• Adaptability to fast-paced environment with shifting priorities based on urgency, customer expectations, and importance
• Sense of customer service for both internal and external customers
• Mechanical and technical aptitude with experience in sign production or manufacturer preferred

Education, experience, certifications

• College degree or technical education preferred not neccessary
• Prior experience as an Estimator within interior signage or related field preferred
• Interior Signage includes but not limited to; marketing signs, legal disclaimers, vinyl graphics, window decals, FCO letter sets, illuminated signage, artwork, etc..
• Prior experience with purchasing, negotiation or data and analytics preferred
• Accountable, intrinsically motivated individual with proven history of taking initiative and producing results

Other

• In office position based in Elmhurst Illinois
• Ability to work in a deadline-driven environment
• Position may require working before or after regularly scheduled hours as business needs arise

eeo/mfdv