Estimator II

TAIT partners with artists, brands, IP holders and place makers to bring culture-defining, never-before-seen experiences to life. With a legacy of innovation spanning over 45 years, TAIT has grown from pioneering in rock ‘n’ roll concert staging to setting the global standard for extraordinary live events and experiences through cutting-edge technology, precision engineering, and creative design. TAIT’s 20 global offices have developed iconic productions and experiences in over 30 countries, all seven continents, and even outer space for renowned performers, theme parks, exhibits, and venues across the globe, including partnerships with Taylor Swift, Cirque Du Soleil, Royal Opera House, Nike, NASA, Bloomberg, Google, Beyoncé, and The Olympics

Purpose

The primary role of the Estimator II is to assist the company in the efficient and accurate costing of both entire projects and individual parts as required by the project / task. As part of the role, you will provide historical cost data and reports to other departments to help manage staff, price projects and forecast project finances / performance.

With an understanding of scope, schedule and budget the Estimator should accurately be able to decipher both client and technical narratives, demonstrate an understanding of the companies cost and pricing models around materials and hours and have a solid appreciation for design, engineering & manufacturing materials, processes and technologies.

Position Growth

Estimators join the team with a variety of backgrounds and, as such, it is important that the Estimator role allow for individual growth and ongoing development. Entrance to the role is often a natural progression from purchasing or project roles, as individuals demonstrate effective and successful performance, as outlined in their scorecards. Alternatively, the Estimator role can be an entry point for new employees that have relevant industry experience or have been a proven track record in similar roles.

As Estimators build their experience, knowledge, skills, and relationships, their project portfolio also grows. This growth shows in several ways, including managing multiple bids/project and increased project complexity and risk. Project finances are a critical aspect of managing and the success of every project. As a result, accurate estimation should be the target while appreciating and making allowance for tactical changes along the way to maximize both margin and capacity.

Responsibilities & Expectations

• Bidding:
  • Understand client and technical briefs
  • Make assessment of manufacturing process and materials to be used
  • Have a detailed understanding of both internal pricing models and sub-contracted services, pricing and capabilities and skills
  • Maintain up to date market pricing for both materials and services
  • Build and maintain library of past project performance and elements costs for the use of forecasting and costing of Nuclear, Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM), Preliminary and Final Bid
  • Clear communication and collaboration skills to engage with other departments and subject matter experts to help inform bids
  • Lead the preparation of realistic estimates to support development and management of projects
  • Adopt and understand the phases and subphases of the TAIT project process (TPP)

• Project Performance
  • Gain buy in from all departments and key leads to ensure delivery on budget
  • Interface closely with project management, project design, studio design, finance and operations on estimates and production estimates.
  • Partner on other project tasks as required for example cost to complete, scope changes, extras, and snags
  • Engage fabrication, machining, and integration into the estimating process when applicable
  • Regularly check in with Operations to understand trends in cycle times, scheduling, and overruns in spends

• Project review
  • Assist in the financial review of projects
  • Attend project wash up meetings to understand performance to estimate outcomes, both good and bad as well as helping to inform the accuracy of future bids.
  • Lead reflections and lessons learned
  • Lead improvements to tools, systems, and process to improve results and performance to estimates

• Organizational Relationships & Participation
  • Develop and maintain good relationships with Project Performance and Operations groups
  • Proactive, open, and transparent communication
  • Attend (and/or organize) regular check-in meetings
  • Attend global and regional “All Hands” and similar organization meetings and gatherings
  • Stay up to date on time clocking, expense report submittals, and other administrative tasks
• Continuous Improvements

• • Identify opportunities for minor and major improvements in the Project Process
  • Participate in departmental and organizational initiatives
  • Ensure “Lessons Learned” discussions occur for Projects that warrant celebrations of positive outcomes and critical reflection of negative outcomes

• Education and Growth
  • Actively seek opportunities to build new skills, hone on improve existing skills and experiences for self and the wider team
  • Lead in provided learning opportunities

To perform this position successfully, each essential responsibility / accountability must be fulfilled satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the responsibilities and accountabilities outlined above. Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.
Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field or 7+ years of experience in controls, construction, estimation, bidding or theatrical fabrication.
• Ability to visually scale and communicate ideas via drawing and sketches
• Strong proficiency with numbers and mathematics.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Creative aptitude with a solid understanding of construction techniques and materials
• Proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite of products.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and peripheral vision. The employee regularly operates a computer, including typing, using a mouse or keyboard, and viewing the screen for extended periods. While the role does not require regular lifting or physical exertion, there may be occasional onboarding programs or training opportunities that create opportunities for more exposure to physical tasks or new environments (sites, venues, etc.)

Work conditions of the role are

• Work conditions may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements such as dirt, dust, fumes, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks which require following basic safety precautions.
• Must be able to wear and properly utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to work within or visit areas where required. This includes safety glasses, reflective vest, ear plugs, safety toed shoes, and other PPE as required by the location.

TAIT Benefits

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions (HDHP plans)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical & Dependent Care)
• Employer-paid life insurance with optional supplemental coverage
• Employer-paid Short-term with optional long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Wellness stipends
• Voluntary benefits (e.g., accident, critical illness)
• Paid vacation and 12 holidays

#LI-AW1

TAIT is an equal opportunity employer fully committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran or any other protected characteristic as outlined by international, national, state, or local laws.