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 ResponsibilitiesDesign-to-Production LeadershipPartner with business leaders to integrate the CAD Detailing and Technical Estimating functions into a single, cohesive design-to-production workflowServe as the operational authority connecting 360-degree feedback loop from Design -> Detailing -> Estimating -> Depot -> Installation, and back to DesignEnsure creative concepts are supported by accurate construction detail, realistic production methods, and reliable cost modelingParticipate in early design and "put-to-work" reviews to proactively identify production, labor, cost, and engineering risksCAD Detailing AdvisoryDeliver 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 requirementsProvide technical guidance and innovative engineering solutions to support cost, quality, and production objectivesEstimating & Cost Engineering LeadershipMaintain overall responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of all technical estimates nationwideLead the evolution of estimating tools (specifically in ExpoCAD3D's reporting environment), cost models, and pricing methodologies to improve margin accuracy and predictabilityProvide production-method recommendations, and material definitions aligned to operational capabilitiesCommunicate project risks related to engineering feasibility, budget adherence, labor assumptions, and inventory availability to project teamsOperational & Financial AlignmentPartner closely with Production, Warehouse, Business Development, and Client Services to align designs and estimates with real-world execution constraintsAnalyze estimate-to-actual performance and develop performance measurement tools to reduce variance and improve forecasting accuracySupport the development and enforcement of national pricing and costing protocols and standard operating proceduresPeople 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 teamsQualificationsBachelor's degree in engineering, design, construction management, project management, finance, or related field, or equivalent experience7-9+ years of experience in CAD detailing, estimating, or technical production within exhibits, events, or a related fabrication industryExperience with ExpoCAD3D (or similar) cost estimating features as foundation for estimating processStrong ability to read and interpret modular construction drawings, floor plans, and design renderingsDeep understanding of exhibit manufacturing processes, installation & dismantle (I&D), labor, materials, and field production constraintsAdvanced proficiency in AutoCAD + ExpoCAD3D and strong working knowledge of MS Excel; familiarity with CNC and production tools is a plusAttributes for SuccessOperational mindset with strong financial and cost-awarenessProactive problem-solver who anticipates downstream impactsClear, confident communicator across creative and operational audiencesDetail-oriented, results-driven, and comfortable operating in complex, fast-paced environmentsStrong collaborator who builds trust across disciplinesWork EnvironmentOur 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 salaries401K with company matchHealthcare/vision/dental insuranceWellness benefitsCareer development programEmployee assistance programVacation timeCommunity involvement opportunitiesTeam activitiesAnd much more......