Lead Estimator - Assembled Solutions

Exotic Automation & Supply; Town of New Hudson (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in automation seeks a Lead Estimator who will spearhead the estimating function and collaborate with various teams to enhance project quoting and pricing strategies. This key role involves preparing cost estimates, mentoring staff, and ensuring alignment with customer needs and manufacturing capabilities.

Benefits

Positive work environment

Qualifications

• 2-3 years Fluid Power experience, especially with fluid connectors.
• High mechanical aptitude and proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to work independently and multi-task efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating process for custom and production-manufactured goods.
• Analyze blueprints, technical drawings, and prepare estimates.
• Collaborate with engineering and sales teams for accurate quotes.

Skills

Customer service

Mechanical aptitude

Advanced PC skills

Organizational skills

Education

High-school diploma

Associate degree in business or related technical field

Job description

General Summary:
The Lead Estimator is responsible for leading the estimating function, developing accurate and competitive cost estimates, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to support quoting, pricing strategies, and project planning. Responsible for executing all facets of the quoting activities for the Assembled Solutions team, regularly interfacing with both internal and external customers.

Essential Job Functions:

• Maintain a positive, approachable manner with our internal and external customers to maximize sales opportunities.
• Establish yourself and your team as the first point of contact and become the go-to solutions providers for our sales team and customers.
• Lead the estimating process for custom and production-manufactured goods, with a focus on tube bending, hose assemblies and other manufactured and assembled goods.
• Set prioritization of work for the Assembled Solutions estimating team, Work with sales when conflict of priority arises to address business needs.
• Make recommendations for solutions that solve customer needs and fit into Exotic’s capabilities.
• Analyze blueprints, technical drawings, specifications, and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and sales teams to ensure estimates align with manufacturing capabilities and customer requirements.
• Prepare and present detailed bid packages and proposals to internal stakeholders and customers.
• Mentor and guide estimators and support staff to drive continuous improvement.
• Perform quote activity analysis and tracking of updates to ensure timely quote turnaround that exceeds customer expectations.
• Lead implementation of quoting and order entry processes improvements to improve departmental performance and profitability.
• Track and analyze estimate vs. actual costs to improve quoting accuracy.
• Stay current with industry trends, materials, and manufacturing technologies, especially in tube bending and related processes.
• Responsible for all aspects of processing an RFQ: item creation, bill of material (BOM) entry, estimate entry, engineering change orders (ECO), work instruction creation, new order hand-off.

Supplemental Job Functions:

• Support for field applications, system designs and customer product developments/enhancements.
• Occasionally may make customer visits to support field sales.
• Identify key competitors/competitive products and provide feedback to management and field sales.
• Assist with sales staff training at all levels for product expertise.
• Provide and support a positive work environment.
• Participates in corporate on-boarding, orientation, and training programs.
• Performs other duties as assigned or requested.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• US citizen
• Understanding of Defense item requirements, (DOD, MIL-spec, DFARS, etc.)
• Understanding of quality practices, (PPAP, FAI, etc.)
• Knowledge of tube bending preferred.
• High-school diploma. Associate degree in business or related technical field is preferred.
• Two to three (2-3) years Fluid Power experience, specifically fluid connector and related products experience is preferred.
• High mechanical aptitude with general understanding of tools and machinery.
• Advanced PC skills, Microsoft office suite, especially Excel.
• Ability to work independently and multi-task efficiently.
• Excellent customer service attributes.
• Ability to work flexible work schedule depending on demands in the department.
• Organizational skills required to prioritize, plan and coordinate work activities and resources in area of responsibility.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to effectively communicate with associates, customers, business partners and management team.
• Demonstrated teamwork approach with superiors and peers, utilizing skills in oral communication, active listening, written and oral directions and cooperating with and assisting others when needed.

Working Conditions:

• Normal business office environment with regular (up to 100% of work time) exposure to noise, dust, office equipment and supplies.
• Physical dexterity is needed to bend, stretch, lift and reach.
• Ability to sit or stand for extensive periods throughout the day.
• Ability to perform basic office tasks using standard office equipment.
• Ability to use a keyboard and computer.