Senior Estimator

Description

POSITION TITLE: Senior Estimator

TEAM: Planning and Cost Engineering (PACE) 

REPORTS TO: Vice President – Planning and Cost Engineering 

FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Salary, Exempt

LOCATION: Headquarters (On-Site)

ABOUT US

At the heart of Gable lies a passion that transcends the conventional. We’re more than just creators of visual communications; we’re experts at creating experiences. We believe that every brand, building, and place has a unique story to tell, and our mission is to elevate the way they are seen, experienced, and remembered. 

We are committed to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment where team members can thrive and contribute to our shared success.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Senior Estimator plays a key role within the Planning and Cost Engineering team by leading the development of accurate, competitive, and margin-conscious cost estimates for complex static and digital signage projects.

This role is responsible for estimating larger, higher-value, and more technically involved opportunities, including multi-site programs, commercial developments, mixed-use environments, casinos, airports, malls, and other complex architectural signage projects. The Senior Estimator analyzes drawings, specifications, site conditions, production methods, materials, outsourced manufacturing options, installation requirements, and project risks to develop complete and reliable cost models.

As a senior member of the estimating function, this position is expected to go beyond estimate preparation. The Senior Estimator helps shape bid strategy, identifies cost and scope risks early, supports value engineering, reviews estimate quality, mentors less experienced estimators, and contributes to continuous improvement of estimating tools, standards, production rates, and cost libraries. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Complex Cost Estimating and Bid Development

• Review architectural drawings, specifications, survey data, bid documents, proposals, and scope requirements to define project assumptions, constraints, risks, and estimating approach.
• Develop detailed cost estimates for complex exterior and interior static and digital signage projects, including materials, fabrication labor, equipment, installation, subcontracted work, freight, outsourced manufacturing, and other project-specific cost drivers.
• Perform and validate detailed quantity takeoffs and develop preliminary Bills of Material (BOM) and Bills of Labor (BOL) using ERP, estimating, or cost modeling systems.
• Lead estimating efforts for larger or more complex bids, including multi-site programs, large commercial developments, airports, casinos, malls, and other technically demanding signage environments.
• Evaluate materials, finishes, illumination technologies, fabrication methods, installation conditions, and vendor options to determine accurate and cost-effective estimating solutions.
• Prepare pricing updates for design revisions, change orders, value engineering options, scope clarifications, and evolving project requirements during pre-sale and early execution phases.
• Identify scope gaps, exclusions, constructability concerns, schedule risks, site access challenges, subcontractor requirements, and other factors that may affect cost, margin, or execution.
• Participate in bid/no-bid discussions, estimate reviews, and project risk assessments by clearly communicating cost drivers, assumptions, alternatives, and margin considerations.

Cross-Functional Leadership and Project Support

• Collaborate closely with Sales, Concept Design, Engineering & Technical Design, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, field teams, and outsourced manufacturing partners to ensure estimate alignment with project strategy and execution capabilities.
• Work with Supply Chain, vendors, subcontractors, and outsourced manufacturing partners to obtain current pricing, validate production capabilities, evaluate make-versus-buy options, and support competitive bid positioning.
• Coordinate with field personnel and project teams to evaluate site conditions, installation feasibility, access requirements, equipment needs, and other field-related cost impacts.
• Review estimate packages for completeness, accuracy, scope alignment, assumptions, exclusions, risk considerations, and consistency with Gable estimating standards.
• Support project kickoff and handoff by explaining estimate assumptions, scope decisions, cost drivers, vendor inputs, and risk items to project management, operations, production, and installation teams.
• Serve as a technical estimating resource for internal stakeholders by answering cost-related questions, supporting client or sales discussions when needed, and helping teams understand the financial impact of design or scope decisions.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and informal review support to Estimators and other team members to improve estimating accuracy, judgment, documentation, and consistency.

Estimating Standards, Accuracy, and Continuous Improvement

• Compare estimated costs to actual project costs after award or completion to identify variance drivers, lessons learned, and opportunities to improve estimating accuracy.
• Develop and maintain estimating tools, cost libraries, labor standards, production rate assumptions, vendor/subcontractor pricing references, and other estimating resources in coordination with Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance.
• Identify recurring cost drivers, margin risks, process gaps, and estimating inconsistencies, and recommend improvements to materials, fabrication methods, sourcing strategies, installation approaches, or estimating practices.
• Support the development of standard hour data, cost models, reporting tools, and estimating procedures that improve speed, quality, consistency, and profitability.
• Generate and interpret reports related to estimating activity, throughput, estimate accuracy, margin performance, variance trends, and departmental scorecards.
• Maintain awareness of signage industry materials, fabrication methods, installation practices, vendor capabilities, and emerging technologies that may improve estimating quality or project competitiveness.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Industrial Technology, Business, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.
• 5+ years of estimating, cost engineering, project costing, or related experience, preferably in signage, architectural elements, metal fabrication, construction, custom manufacturing, or related industries.
• Demonstrated experience estimating complex or large-scale projects with multiple cost inputs, technical requirements, subcontracted scopes, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Strong ability to interpret architectural drawings, shop drawings, specifications, survey data, bid documents, and technical scope requirements.
• Strong understanding of signage fabrication, materials, finishes, illumination, installation methods, outsourced manufacturing, subcontractor scopes, and related cost drivers.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and experience using ERP, estimating, or cost modeling systems for bid preparation, cost analysis, and reporting.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail and the ability to identify cost risks, scope gaps, and estimate assumptions.
• Ability to communicate complex cost information clearly to Sales, Design, Engineering & Technical Design, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, and executive stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple estimates simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while maintaining accuracy and documentation discipline.
• Experience supporting value engineering, make-versus-buy analysis, vendor/subcontractor evaluation, cost reduction initiatives, and post-award variance analysis.
• Ability to mentor less experienced estimators, review estimate quality, and contribute to consistent estimating standards and departmental best practices.  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Manual dexterity to operate a computer and perform administrative tasks. Visual acuity (with correction) and the ability to speak and hear. Primarily sedentary work, with occasional walking, standing, or carrying of light materials.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work environment includes both office settings and manufacturing facilities. This role may involve occasional exposure to factory conditions such as noise, fumes, dust, and mist.  

TRAVEL

Up to 5% travel may be required.

ACCOMMODATION STATEMENT

Gable is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process and in the workplace. If you require an accommodation to complete an application, participate in an interview, or perform the essential functions of a position, please let us know. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis, consistent with applicable law.

COMPENSATION

Compensation is commensurate with education and experience. Compensation includes base salary, eligibility for discretionary bonus, 401(k) participation, and ESOP participation.

Requirements

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

All prospective team members must pass a criminal background check and drug test. Candidates must also meet I-9 and E-Verify employment eligibility requirements.