Develop training programs and standard work procedures to improve estimator effectiveness and consistency.
Conduct workload planning and oversee quote assignments to ensure timely completion.
Sales & Customer Request Management
Serve as the primary liaison between the Sales team and the Estimating team.
Review incoming RFQs and customer requests to determine scope, priority, completeness, and resource requirements.
Facilitate the distribution of quoting opportunities across the estimating team and support functions.
Work closely with Sales leadership to ensure customer expectations are aligned with manufacturing capabilities and lead times.
Assist Sales personnel with technical questions, quote strategy, and pricing guidance.
Quoting & Cost Management
Ensure accurate labor, material, freight, subcontractor, and manufacturing cost assumptions are incorporated into estimates.
Collaborate with Engineering, Purchasing, Operations, Manufacturing, and Project Management teams to validate pricing and production assumptions.
Review engineering drawings, BOMs, specifications, and project documentation to ensure quote accuracy.
Evaluate manufacturing complexity, resource requirements, and project risks during the quotation process.
Support continuous improvement of estimating tools, pricing models, and quote templates.
Project & Operations Coordination
Partner with Program Managers and Project Managers regarding project budgets, schedule impacts, change requests, and customer revisions.
Assist with transitioning awarded projects from quotation to execution.
Support cross-functional coordination between Sales, Engineering, Operations, Purchasing, and Project Management.
Identify bottlenecks and drive process improvements throughout the quote-to-order lifecycle.
Metrics & Continuous Improvement
Develop, track, and report key estimating performance metrics including: Quote volume, Quote turnaround time, Win rates, Estimate accuracy, Booked revenue, Pipeline activity, Department workload balancing
Drive initiatives that improve quote quality, responsiveness, and operational efficiency.
Analyze historical data and project outcomes to improve future estimating accuracy.
Support strategic growth initiatives through forecasting and capacity planning efforts.
Required
5+ years of experience in estimating, quoting, project management, program management, engineering, manufacturing, fabrication, construction, or related technical environments.
2+ years of leadership, supervisory, or team lead experience.
Experience reviewing engineering drawings, blueprints, BOMs, and technical product specifications.
Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, fabrication, industrial equipment, or engineer-to-order project environments.
Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Strong analytical skills with experience developing and tracking metrics.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and standard business software.
Preferred
Experience managing estimating, inside sales, project management, or engineering support teams.
Background in heavy manufacturing, metal fabrication, power systems, industrial equipment, or large custom assemblies.
Familiarity with ERP systems, Smartsheet, project tracking software, or estimating platforms.
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Manufacturing Technology, Business, or a related field.
Experience supporting engineer-to-order (ETO) manufacturing environments.
