Director, Corporate Estimating - Trade Shows

About the role

Derse is a complete face-to-face marketing agency and exhibit builder. We bring a smarter approach to building client sales while managing their trade show, marketing environments and event programs. Our teams are made up of smart and forward-thinking people who bring experiential marketing solutions to life! We believe in committing to a long-term investment in your career with a total rewards package including: Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits package, A bright and energetic culture where your ideas are valued, 75+ years of financial stability. Derse employs nearly 600 people in marketing, program management, creative & skilled production, and corporate support. Locations include Milwaukee, Chicago, Las Vegas, Dallas, Pittsburgh, and various communities in Poland & Germany.

The Director of Corporate Estimating provides strategic leadership for Derse's estimating function by establishing pricing strategies, estimating standards, and processes to support efficiency, consistency, and growth across all divisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead all efforts of corporate estimating standards, pricing methodologies, and estimating processes to ensure alignment across Derse.
• Act as temporary backfill for vacancies within estimating management or operational leadership as needed across Derse divisions.
• Utilize knowledge of labor, material, freight, subcontractor, fabrication, installation, and operational cost drivers.
• Complete all scheduled estimating audits and implement corrective action to maintain estimating and business standards.
• Provide strategic leadership for all RFI, RFP, RFQ’s, and other competitive bid opportunities to ensure company standards are met.
• Take ownership and lead pricing initiatives, complex estimating efforts, and other high value opportunities when necessary or beneficial.
• Manage strategic projects and provide operational support in the field as required to sustain client expectations and project lifecycle.
• Develop and maintain corporate pricing models, rate cards, and other estimating tools while partnering with many Derse teams.
• Review and approve strategic pricing initiatives, pricing templates, and other major responses to best meet timelines and standards.
• Provide continuous development suggestions and action for the Estimating organization and implement best practices across all teams.
• Assist operational teams in delivering accurate and executable project estimates, providing subject matter expertise.
• Develop training programs, operational documentation, and overall processes to support consistency and strengthen team capabilities.
• Collaborate with variety of teams to ensure estimating strategies are supportive of organizational, client, and project delivery demands.
• Demonstrate hands-on leadership by assuming responsibility for high-risk projects, capacity constraints, etc. for optimal performance.
• Daily and annual management of direct reports consisting of Corporate Support Managers.
• Travel throughout the year to monitor, fill-in, or assist with divisional leadership and direct reports.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Construction Management, Finance, or related field required.
• 7+ years of progressive estimating or operations management experience within tradeshow/event or similar industry required.
• Prior experience in strategic leadership of direct reports within cross functional project driven teams.
• Extensive onsite field experience within tradeshow, event, or similar custom project-based environment.
• Financial acumen and strong presentation of financial reporting experience.
• Proficiency in MS Suite including; Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and related.
• ERP and Project Management software knowledge preferred.
• Ability to travel and support business climate. Travel is considered moderate to heavy.