Project Estimator -CTE

Overview

Job Summary This Project Estimator role supports VLS sales and project teams, primarily focused in our Cultural and Themed Entertainment (CTE) division, by developing accurate, timely, and competitive project estimates and proposals. This role reviews RFPs, drawings, and specifications to define scope, materials, labor, and project risks, while collaborating closely with internal teams, vendors, and subcontractors. The position contributes to pricing strategy, pre-bid activities, and project handoff, while also supporting continuous improvement of estimation tools and processes in alignment with VLS’s commitment to customer-driven, creative problem solving.

• Review RFPs, Drawings, and Specifications and interpret them for system components and labor commitments.
• Collaborate with Account Executives, Design & System Integrators, and 3rd party designers to develop budget and bid pricing for design/build proposals.
• Develop RFI log for each project and ensure that necessary RFIs are entered and responded to in required timeframe, set by each project.
• Identify gaps in project documents and work with internal and external partners to rectify gaps or provide reasonable recommendations for contingencies.
• Perform detailed takeoffs from drawings and specifications in order to develop Bill of Materials and Scope of Work documents, including detailed takeoffs of controls, fixtures, accessories, and labor requirements, including installation, system turn-on, and programming.
• Work with suppliers, vendors, subcontractors, and labor resources to source competitive pricing.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align on scope, and estimates.
• Participate with sales in pre-bid functions such as pre-bid meetings, scope calls, and RFI calls.
• Prepare and deliver detailed cost breakdowns for all materials, equipment, services, and labor.
• Participate in sales meetings for projects to help set pricing strategies. This role will provide risk assessment and feedback to sales team.
• Deliver complete, detailed proposals documents within strict timelines and deadlines.
• Provide handoff documents for Project Management team and other stakeholders when project is sold.

• Build and maintain partnerships with key internal and external partners, manufacturers, manufacturer representatives agencies, vendors, and subcontractors.
• Work with architects, engineers, fabricators, lighting designers, as well as internal partners to help bring visions to reality.
• Work with full estimation team to standardize estimation tools and processes, as well as initiatives with a focus on overall standard improvements.
• Participate in weekly estimation and sales teams’ meetings.
• Support sales team during scope reviews, value engineering, and project negotiations.

• Proven background in cost estimation, budget development, and bid coordination across construction, electrical, lighting, or AV projects.
• Demonstrated experience across the full lifecycle of a project, including design, installation, controls, and commissioning.
• Must have excellent customer service skills (both written and verbal).
• Must have good organizational skills, being prompt and accurate in submitting RFIs, RFQs, and job pricing documents.
• Strong conflict resolution and ability to make decisions in high pressure situations.
• Self-motivated, results driven individual, capable of working effectively independently.
• Successfully pass 5-panel drug screen.
• Experience with CRM programs and Microsoft Office Suite

At VLS, Our Core Values Guide Everything We Do

• Own It
• Customer Driven
• Creative Problem Solutions

VLS core focus is to create customers for life by delivering exceptional entertainment technology.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

• This position is primarily office-based and may be based either at a physical office location (near Cincinnati, OH and Cleveland) or may be a remote work situation. Some occasional travel to physical offices or job sites will be required, based on project needs.
• While performing the duties of this role, the employee regularly uses a computer, telephone, and other standard office equipment and engages in frequent verbal and written communication.
• The role may require periods of sitting, standing, walking, bending, and reaching.
• The employee may occasionally be required to move, lift, or carry items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• The work environment is primarily an indoor office setting with typical office noise levels, with occasional access to storage or warehouse areas as needed to support business operations.