Estimating Manager

The RDI Group; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The RDI Group is seeking an Estimating Manager in the Milwaukee area to lead its quoting function and shape go-to-market strategy. You will oversee a team of estimators across multiple metal manufacturing divisions and own the full quoting process from RFQ review to final quote delivery.

Ideal candidates have 8+ years in engineering or estimating in metals, hands-on machining/fabrication knowledge, and a proven ability to collaborate with sales, engineering, and operations.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in engineering and/or estimating within a metals manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on knowledge of machining, tooling, and/or fabrication — including blueprint reading and GD&T.
• Experience working alongside or embedded with sales teams.
• A natural relationship-builder with high EQ and the ability to influence cross-functionally.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and comfortable managing competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of estimators across multiple manufacturing divisions.
• Own the end-to-end quoting process — from RFQ review and scope analysis to final quote delivery.
• Partner with sales, engineering, and operations to ensure estimates are accurate, competitive, and aligned with company capabilities.
• Build costing models and support sales in customer negotiations.
• Drive continuous improvement in estimating tools, processes, and KPI reporting.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Engineering/manufacturing knowledge

Blueprint reading/GD&T

Sales collaboration

Detail orientation

Education

BS/BA in Engineering or related field

Job description

Are you a technically sharp estimating or engineering professional ready to step into a leadership role that directly drives revenue? A growing contract metals manufacturer in the Milwaukee area is hiring an Estimating Manager to lead its quoting function and help shape the company’s go-to-market strategy.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and develop a team of estimators across multiple manufacturing divisions
• Own the end-to-end quoting process — from RFQ review and scope analysis to final quote delivery
• Partner with sales, engineering, and operations to ensure estimates are accurate, competitive, and aligned with company capabilities
• Build costing models and support sales in customer negotiations
• Drive continuous improvement in estimating tools, processes, and KPI reporting

What We’re Looking For

• 8+ years in engineering and/or estimating within a metals manufacturing environment
• Hands‑on knowledge of machining, tooling, and/or fabrication — including blueprint reading and GD&T
• Experience working alongside or embedded with sales teams
• A natural relationship‑builder with high EQ and the ability to influence cross‑functionally
• Detail‑oriented, organized, and comfortable managing competing priorities

Bonus Points

• Prior leadership or estimating management experience
• BS/BA in Engineering or related field

Why This Role

This is a high‑visibility role at a company that’s actively investing in its people and processes. You’ll have real influence over team culture, quoting strategy, and business outcomes — not just executing someone else’s playbook.