Estimator

Job Summary:

Do you enjoy seeing a creative and custom built product come to life as a result of your work in our community? Do you enjoy digging into the details behind creative, custom-built projects? Do you like doing DIY projects around your home? Are you energized by problem-solving, calculations, and pulling together the right mix of materials and labor to bring a vision to life? We are looking for a detail-oriented Estimator to support our team in developing accurate and competitive project estimates.

In this dynamic role, you’ll collaborate closely with our Senior Estimator—an industry expert with immense knowledge—while gaining hands-on exposure to the full estimating process. This is an incredible opportunity to learn the sign business from one of the best and build a long-term career path with growth potential to become our future Lead Estimator. You’ll be at the heart of our operations, working with sales, project management, and production teams to ensure that every project is set up for success.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Estimate Development: Review drawings, specifications, and scope documents to prepare detailed and accurate cost estimates for a wide variety of signage projects.
• Vendor & Supplier Engagement: Request and analyze quotes for materials and subcontracted services.
• Labor & Material Analysis: Break down labor hours, fabrication methods, and material needs to calculate true project costs.
• Proposal Support: Assist in preparing clear and competitive proposals for internal teams and customers.
• Learning & Mentorship: Work side-by-side with the Senior Estimator to master tools, techniques, and best practices in estimating.
• Data Accuracy: Enter, maintain, and update estimates and related project data with precision.
• Cross-Team Collaboration: Partner with sales, project management, and production to align estimates with customer needs and production capabilities.
• Continuous Improvement: Support efforts to refine and enhance estimating tools, databases, and processes.

Core Competencies:

• Analytical Thinker: Strong math, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Detail-Oriented: High level of accuracy and thoroughness.
• Tech-Savvy: Proficient in Google Workspace or Microsoft Office Suite (especially Sheets/Excel); experience with estimating software or databases a plus.
• Strong Communicator: Clear written and verbal communication across teams and with vendors.
• Curious Learner: Eager to learn from an experienced mentor and grow into a leadership role.
• Organized & Process-Driven: Ability to manage multiple estimates at once while following established procedures.
• Collaborative Team Member: Positive attitude and commitment to supporting the success of the entire team.

Education, Experience, and Employment Considerations:

• A degree is preferred; however, we value a combination of education and 3 years of relevant experience.
• Previous experience in the sign, building products, or construction industry is preferred but a solid hands-on aptitude with materials and fabrication is a great start.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic geometry.
• Ability to read and interpret specifications and drawings.
• This role primarily involves an office environment and you’ll have the opportunity to periodically spend time in production and occasionally travel to visit customer project sites.
• Enjoy competitive compensation, a comprehensive health benefits package, profit sharing retirement plan, paid vacation time, and company-paid holidays.

Why Valley City Sign?

At Valley City Sign, we enjoy serving as a full-service sign company and an industry leader for over 75 years. We are a growth-minded and values-driven company dedicated to fostering a positive and productive environment. If you appreciate a hard-working, fun, and fast-paced culture, we are looking for an exceptional person to do amazing things with our team. The variety, creativity, and technical nature of our signage projects make this an engaging, educational, and exciting place to work!

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Fuel reimbursement
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• What appeals to you about this role in the Signage industry?

Experience:

• Fabrication: 1 year (Preferred)
• Construction: 1 year (Preferred)
• Construction estimating: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Comstock Park, MI 49321: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person