Estimator, Engineering

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.

The primary role of the Estimator 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.

An Estimator, equipped with knowledge of scope, schedule, and budget, should possess the ability to accurately interpret both client and technical narratives. They are expected to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the company's cost structures and pricing models related to materials and labor, as well as a comprehensive appreciation of design, engineering, and manufacturing materials, processes, and technologies.

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 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.

• 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
  • When applicable, 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 in lessons learned
  • Lead improvements to tools, systems, and…