Senior Director, Production Estimating & Engineering

The Sr Director, Production Engineering & Estimating is a national leadership role responsible for integrating and driving CAD detailing and technical estimating through a unified, operations-driven lens. This position bridges Creative/Design and Operations by ensuring design intent is translated into build-ready documentation, accurate cost models, and production-effective solutions. The role operates at a national level and partners closely with Creative & Design, Sales, Finance, Production, and Client Services teams.

Organizationally, this role is a step towards executing GES's strategic long-term vision around "Smart Design" and will report to the Vice President Strategic Initiatives & Service Delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Design-to-Production Leadership

• Partner with business leaders to integrate the CAD Detailing and Technical Estimating functions into a single, cohesive design-to-production workflow
• Serve as the operational authority connecting 360-degree feedback loop from Design -> Detailing -> Estimating -> Depot -> Installation, and back to Design
• Ensure creative concepts are supported by accurate construction detail, realistic production methods, and reliable cost modeling
• Participate in early design and "put-to-work" reviews to proactively identify production, labor, cost, and engineering risks

CAD Detailing Advisory

• Deliver consistent best practices on the production of construction drawings for GES-specific modular structures (i.e. beMatrix)
• Establish, maintain, and continuously improve national detailing standards, templates, QA processes, and documentation requirements
• Provide technical guidance and innovative engineering solutions to support cost, quality, and production objectives

Estimating & Cost Engineering Leadership

• Maintain overall responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of all technical estimates nationwide
• Lead the evolution of estimating tools (specifically in ExpoCAD3D's reporting environment), cost models, and pricing methodologies to improve margin accuracy and predictability
• Provide production-method recommendations, and material definitions aligned to operational capabilities
• Communicate project risks related to engineering feasibility, budget adherence, labor assumptions, and inventory availability to project teams

Operational & Financial Alignment

• Partner closely with Production, Warehouse, Business Development, and Client Services to align designs and estimates with real-world execution constraints
• Analyze estimate-to-actual performance and develop performance measurement tools to reduce variance and improve forecasting accuracy
• Support the development and enforcement of national pricing and costing protocols and standard operating procedures

People Leadership & Development

• Partner with and coach CAD detailers (who report to Creative & Design) and technical estimators nationwide to align with One GES Way of working
• Foster strong collaboration and alignment across Creative, Sales, Client Services, Finance, and Operations teams

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, design, construction management, project management, finance, or related field, or equivalent experience
• 7-9+ years of experience in CAD detailing, estimating, or technical production within exhibits, events, or a related fabrication industry
• Experience with ExpoCAD3D (or similar) cost estimating features as foundation for estimating process
• Strong ability to read and interpret modular construction drawings, floor plans, and design renderings
• Deep understanding of exhibit manufacturing processes, installation & dismantle (I&D), labor, materials, and field production constraints
• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD + ExpoCAD3D and strong working knowledge of MS Excel; familiarity with CNC and production tools is a plus

Attributes for Success

• Operational mindset with strong financial and cost-awareness
• Proactive problem-solver who anticipates downstream impacts
• Clear, confident communicator across creative and operational audiences
• Detail-oriented, results-driven, and comfortable operating in complex, fast-paced environments
• Strong collaborator who builds trust across disciplines

Work Environment

Our team members are our family, so we help our team members care for their families. The rewards of joining GES are extensive. We offer a comprehensive benefits package to all full-time employees. Here are some of the highlights:

• Competitive salaries
• 401K with company match
• Healthcare/vision/dental insurance
• Wellness benefits
• Career development program
• Employee assistance program
• Vacation time
• Community involvement opportunities
• Team activities

And much more...