Estimator (Milwaukee)

Millwork Recruiting Source is leading the search for an experienced Estimator to join a fast-growing design-build organization specializing in high-impact automotive dealership environments.

The company delivers comprehensive interior programs for some of the world’s most recognized automotive brands. Its capabilities include custom millwork, retail fixtures, graphics, digital displays, furniture, architectural elements, and complete facility renovations.

This opportunity is available due to an upcoming retirement and offers the selected candidate the benefit of a planned transition with an experienced team member. The ideal candidate understands custom manufacturing, enjoys the estimating process, and can accurately evaluate the materials, labor, supplier capabilities, logistics, and supply chain variables that influence project cost.

This position works closely with sales, design, project management, production, purchasing, suppliers, and supply chain partners to develop accurate and competitive estimates. Experience within the retail display, POP display, or store fixture industry is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare conceptual, budgetary, and detailed estimates for custom retail displays, store fixtures, millwork, and related components.
• Develop comprehensive project costing that includes materials, internal labor, manufacturing, tooling, finishing, assembly, packaging, freight, installation considerations, overhead, supplier costs, and profit margins.
• Review project specifications, engineering drawings, CAD files, customer requirements, and other technical documentation to determine project scope and manufacturing requirements.
• Collaborate with sales, design, project management, production, purchasing, and supply chain teams to clarify specifications and develop practical estimating strategies.
• Identify the materials, manufacturing processes, tooling, vendors, and outside services required to successfully complete each project.
• Develop RFQ documents and solicit competitive quotations from qualified domestic and international suppliers.
• Evaluate supplier quotations for completeness, pricing, quality, capacity, manufacturing capabilities, lead times, and schedule compliance.
• Negotiate supplier pricing, lead times, payment terms, and other commercial requirements.
• Recommend sourcing strategies and supplier selections based on total project value, including cost, quality, risk, capacity, and delivery requirements.
• Provide technical guidance regarding materials, manufacturing methods, and cost-effective design alternatives.
• Identify potential project risks, cost drivers, supply chain concerns, and scheduling challenges during the estimating process.
• Clearly communicate pricing considerations, sourcing recommendations, and project risks to internal stakeholders.
• Monitor material pricing, freight costs, tariffs, market conditions, and global events that could affect project costs or product availability.
• Maintain and improve historical cost databases, supplier information, and estimating tools to increase speed and accuracy.
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers to strengthen domestic and international sourcing capabilities.
• Support supplier development initiatives involving quality, capacity, innovation, reliability, and risk mitigation.
• Coordinate production schedules and quality expectations with suppliers to help meet customer requirements.
• Periodically travel to supplier facilities to assess capabilities, technology, capacity, quality systems, and business stability.
• Assist production and other internal departments as needed throughout project execution.

Required Qualifications

• At least five years of experience in estimating within the retail display, POP display, store fixture, or closely related custom manufacturing industry.
• Strong understanding of custom manufacturing and the variables involved in accurately costing complex, made-to-order projects.
• Experience sourcing and estimating materials such as wood, plastics, metals, graphics, hardware, and related components.
• Proven experience soliciting, reviewing, and evaluating supplier quotations.
• Experience working with contract manufacturers, outside vendors, and domestic or international suppliers.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, CAD drawings, specifications, and other technical documents.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes, material requirements, labor considerations, tooling, packaging, freight, and supplier lead times.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with sales, design, manufacturing, project management, purchasing, and supply chain teams.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and ERP systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience estimating projects involving millwork, metal fabrication, plastics, graphics, finishing, assembly, or multi-material retail environments.
• Experience sourcing products or components from overseas suppliers.
• Experience identifying, qualifying, and developing new suppliers.
• Familiarity with SolidWorks or the ability to interpret drawings produced in CAD-based engineering programs.
• Knowledge of automotive dealership environments, branded retail programs, or multi-location rollout projects.

The successful candidate will be someone who:

• Genuinely enjoys estimating and understands its importance to project profitability.
• Takes ownership of their work and remains accountable for results.
• Demonstrates strong business judgment and commercial awareness.
• Understands the complexities and risks associated with today’s supply chain.
• Is highly detail-oriented and consistently follows through.
• Approaches challenges as a proactive and resourceful problem solver.
• Looks for opportunities to improve estimating accuracy, efficiency, and consistency.
• Can explain complex technical and cost information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Works collaboratively and communicates well across multiple departments.
• Thrives in a growing, fast-paced, custom manufacturing environment.