Estimating Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

 Primary location: Gilberts, Illinois 
Relocation offered: Yes 
Employment status: Full-Time 
Travel: <10% 
Non-compete: No 

The estimated base salary range for this role is $90,000 to $120,000 per year plus annual incentive 
Individual pay is based upon location, skills and expertise, experience and other relevant factors

Estimating Manager - Architectural Interiors (Acoustical Ceilings & Walls) 

Reporting to the Senior Director of Operations, the Architectural Specialties Pricing & Estimating Manager leads the estimating and pricing function for complex, projectbased work, ensuring accurate, timely, and marginaligned estimates from intake through approval. This role oversees pricing strategy, project qualification, and resource prioritization while maintaining estimating tools, pricing guides, and standardized processes. Partnering closely with Sales, Operations, Production, and Design, the Estimating Manager drives consistent quality, continuous improvement, and strong crossfunctional coordination, while developing and mentoring a highperforming team to deliver reliable estimates, efficient workflows, and an exceptional customer experience.

What You'll Be Doing

• Oversee pricing, cost, discount, and SKU databases to support accurate and margin-aligned estimating
• Develop and manage pricing guides, forecasts, and pricing structures based on sales projections, product trends, and historical usage
• Review purchase orders, manage price increases, and partner with Production and Procurement to protect margins
• Govern national discount and promotion programs in coordination with Sales leadership
• Manage RFQs and incoming customer requests across platforms, creating leads and opportunities in NetSuite
• Conduct daily quote intake and qualification reviews and assign work to the Estimates queue
• Maintain complete project records, estimating documentation, and project files
• Coordinate revisions, expedite requests, and scope development with cross-functional teams
• Maintain sales representative, subcontractor, and distribution contact databases
• Partner with Product Development and Marketing on pricing for new product launches
• Develop, maintain, and improve SOPs that support estimating consistency and effective cross-functional handoffs
• Train Estimators and Sales Representatives on estimating tools, processes, and policy updates
• Support estimating automation through creation and maintenance of AutoCAD (LISP) scripting tools
• Lead, mentor, and manage the Estimates team, including workload balancing, performance oversight, development, and communication
• Review, provide feedback on, and approve all estimating documentation and project outputs
• Serve as the primary escalation point for estimating guidance and support

What Will Make You Successful

• Strong ability to manage pricing, estimating, and project intake in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to evaluate cost, pricing, margin, and estimating data accurately
• Strong project prioritization and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple competing deadlines
• Effective communication skills across internal and external stakeholders, including Sales, Operations, Production, Design, and customers
• Ability to lead and develop a team through coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to improve processes and maintain estimating quality
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and influence outcomes without direct authority
• High attention to detail, professionalism, discretion, and accountability

What Makes You Stand Out

• Advanced ability to read and interpret blueprints, construction documents, and technical drawings
• Strong knowledge of manufactured materials, manufacturing processes, and product assembly/detailing
• Advanced proficiency with AutoCAD, Rhino, or similar drafting/design software
• Experience supporting pricing, estimating, or cost analysis for custom or project-based products
• Experience building or improving estimating SOPs, tools, and automation workflows
• Experience using CRM tools, ERP/MRP, and other business applications in an estimating or project environment 
• Ability to create or maintain AutoCAD (LISP) scripting tools to improve estimating efficiency
• Prior success leading teams in estimating, architectural fabrication, manufacturing, or related technical environments

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• Associate or bachelor's degree in:
• Architecture
• Engineering
• Construction Management
• Manufacturing
• Industrial Design
• Or related technical field preferred
• Equivalent combination of education and experience considered
• 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in:
• Estimating
• Architectural fabrication
• Manufacturing
• Construction
• Or related technical environments
• Experience supporting pricing, estimating, or cost analysis for custom or project-based products preferred
• Prior experience mentoring, training, or leading others required
• Proficiency in:
• Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Adobe PDF creation/editing
• CRM systems
• AutoCAD, Rhino, or comparable design software
• Ability to travel up to 5% in support of team, project, and operational needs

Why should you join Turf Design, a subsidiary of Armstrong World Industries?

Armstrong World Industries (AWI) is a leader in the design and manufacture of innovative commercial and residential ceiling, wall and suspension system solutions in the Americas. With approximately $1B in revenue, AWI has about 2,800 employees and a manufacturing network of fifteen facilities in North America.

At home, at work, in healthcare facilities, classrooms, stores, or restaurants, we offer interior solutions that help to enhance comfort, save time, improve building efficiency and overall performance, and create beautiful spaces.

For more than 150 years, we have built our business on trust and integrity. It set us apart then, and it sets us apart now, along with our ability to collaborate with and innovate for the people we're here to serve - our customers, our shareholders, our communities and our employees.

We are committed to developing new and sustainable ceiling solutions, with design and performance possibilities that make a positive difference in spaces where we live, work, learn, heal and play. It's an exciting, rewarding business to be in, and we're committed to continue to grow and prosper for the benefit of all of our stakeholders. We hope you join us.

Our Sustainability Ambition

"Bringing our Purpose to Life" - lead a transformation in the design and building of spaces fit for today and tomorrow.
We are committed to:

• Engaging a diverse, purpose-driven workforce;
• Transforming buildings from structures that shelter into structures that serve and preserve the health and well-being of people and planet;
• Pursuing sustainable, innovative solutions for spaces where we live, work, learn heal and play;
• Being a catalyst for change with all of our stakeholders; and
• Making a positive difference in the environments and communities we impact.