Estimator - Gear Dept

Shepherd Electric Supply; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Shepherd Electric Supply in the Baltimore/Washington area is seeking a Project Estimator to own the foundation of electrical gear estimates. You will review technical documents, select products, price, negotiate, and coordinate with contractors and the Gear team to ensure on-time, on-spec delivery.

In this role you will build accurate, competitive estimates, track timelines, and communicate clearly with customers. A strong eye for detail and a background in the electrical industry are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1-3 years in the electrical industry preferred; aptitude and reliability matter as much as years.
• Ability to interpret technical documents and specifications to select appropriate products.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to getting things right the first time.
• Proficiency with standard software applications; experience with Eclipse is a plus.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to successfully complete pre-employment screening requirements.

Responsibilities

• Review technical documents and select products for the application.
• Build estimates with pricing and negotiate with vendors and contractors.
• Coordinate with manufacturers to meet timelines and budget.
• Prepare clear project reports for management, customers, and others who depend on them.
• Turn accurate quotes into closed orders by aligning scope with customer needs.

Skills

Electrical industry experience

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Eclipse

Job description

Why This Role Matters The Gear Department is where some of Shepherd's most complex, high-stakes work gets done. When a contractor needs electrical gear configured, priced, and delivered to spec, the estimate is the foundation everything else is built on. Get it right and the project keeps moving; get it wrong and the cost compounds at every step downstream.

Why This Role Matters The Gear Department is where some of Shepherd's most complex, high-stakes work gets done. When a contractor needs electrical gear configured, priced, and delivered to spec, the estimate is the foundation everything else is built on. Get it right and the project keeps moving; get it wrong and the cost compounds at every step downstream. The Project Estimator owns that foundation. Working closely with contractors, vendors, and the Gear team, this role takes a project from technical document review through pricing, negotiation, and coordination - making sure the details are right, the timeline holds, and the customer has confidence Shepherd will come through. This is a role for someone who takes ownership of outcomes, not just tasks, as project volume and complexity continue to grow.

Key Outcomes

Organized by what matters, not just what you do.

Accurate, Competitive Estimates

Own project estimation end to end - technical document review, product selection, pricing, and order negotiation

• Interpret plans and specifications to select the right products for the application - catch issues at the estimate, not at the job site
• Use configuration and pricing software to build estimates that are both accurate and competitive

Project Coordination & Follow-Through

Direct and coordinate manufacturers so goals are met within the prescribed timeline and budget

• Confer with project staff, contractors, and manufacturers to outline work plans and assign responsibilities and scope

Customer Confidence

• Guide customers through equipment selection, quote review, and customized solutions tailored to project requirements
• Deliver reliable, timely communication that builds customer confidence and satisfaction
• Prepare clear project reports for management, customers, and others who depend on them

Problem-Solving & Communication

• Flag issues early - pricing gaps, spec conflicts, timeline risks - before they compound
• Confer with project personnel to provide technical advice and resolve problems as they arise
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with contractors and vendors that hold up under pressure

Negotiation & Winning

The job isn't to quote - it's to win the order.

• Turn an accurate quote into a closed order - pair pricing precision with a real read on the customer's scope and on-site needs to win the work
• Partner with the Gear team and our experienced Sales staff to close orders and earn repeat business

What Success Looks Like

After 90 days, you and your supervisor should both be able to point to these markers:

• Your estimates are accurate and competitive, and they convert - you're closing orders, not just sending quotes
• Projects you coordinate stay on schedule and within budget, with no surprises late in the process
• Contractors and vendors trust your judgment and seek you out as a partner
• Customers have confidence in Shepherd because of how you communicate and follow through
• You take ownership of problems and resolve them without waiting to be told

Who Thrives Here

This role is a strong fit if:

• You want to do meaningful, complex work - not just process orders
• You take pride in accuracy and care whether things are done right the first time
• You are organized, detail-oriented, and steady when timelines get tight
• You communicate clearly and speak up when something is off
• You are curious about the products and the work, and you keep looking for better ways to solve
• You take ownership and follow through without being asked twice

Qualifications & Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• 1-3 years in the electrical industry preferred; aptitude and reliability matter as much as years
• Ability to interpret technical documents and specifications to select appropriate products
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to getting things right the first time
• Proficiency with standard software applications; experience with Eclipse is a plus
• Effective verbal and written communication
• Ability to successfully complete pre-employment screening requirements

Work Shift and Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 4:00pm, in office

Compensation Details: The expected base salary for this position is starting at $75,000 annually depending on experience.

Why should you join Shepherd Electrical Supply?

At Shepherd Electric Supply, excellence in service, pricing, and products has been our mission since 1892. As the oldest wholesale electrical distributor in the Baltimore/Washington area, we take pride in our exceptional customer service and extensive inventory.

We have a rich history of partnering with industry leaders like Siemens and Eaton, and our commitment to quality and innovation has made us a trusted name in the industry. Join our team and be a part of our legacy!

Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled