Manufacturing Estimating Specialist

Forpak Inc.; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

John Wood Company in Oaks, PA is seeking an Estimating Specialist to manage RFQs, maintain a Quote Tracker, and coordinate information from internal teams to ensure accurate quotes and on-time responses.

You will partner with Purchasing and Scheduling to align quotes with production timelines, work with suppliers on pricing and lead times, and drive improvements in quoting workflows while maintaining meticulous documentation.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing estimating or purchasing.
• Experience with RFQs, vendor quotations, and purchase orders.
• Ability to communicate with suppliers and internal teams.

Responsibilities

• Own the quoting process: track, prioritize, and complete RFQs on time.
• Coordinate with manufacturing suppliers for pricing and lead times.
• Support Purchasing and Production to ensure accurate quote-to-order transitions.

Skills

RFQ management

Supply chain coordination

Excel proficiency

Organizational skills

Education

Education in manufacturing or supply chain

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP/MRP systems

Outlook

Tracking systems

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

JW-PA Full-time Regular Professional John Wood, Oaks, PA, US

7 days ago Requisition ID: 1224

Salary Range: $28.00 To $35.00 Hourly

John Wood Company | Manufacturing & Industrial Equipment

Manufacturing Experience Meets Organization and Execution.

At The John Wood Company, successful manufacturing starts long before production begins. Accurate quotes, reliable suppliers, and strong coordination between departments are essential to delivering for our customers.

We're looking for an experienced Estimating Specialist who understands the pace and complexity of a manufacturing environment and knows how to keep the quoting process organized, accurate, and moving forward.

This is not a traditional administrative position. We need someone who understands manufacturing terminology, is comfortable working with suppliers on pricing and lead times, and can confidently coordinate multiple RFQs from initial request through order placement.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, and experienced in manufacturing purchasing, estimating coordination, or supply chain operations.

What You'll Do

Own the Quoting Process

Manage incoming requests for quotation (RFQs), ensuring requests are tracked, prioritized, and completed on time.

Maintain an accurate Quote Tracker, monitoring deadlines, outstanding information, and quotation status.

Coordinate with internal departments to obtain necessary technical, pricing, and delivery information.

Identify quoting delays, follow up proactively, and keep stakeholders informed.

Improve quoting workflows to increase accuracy, efficiency, and turnaround time.

Coordinate with Manufacturing Suppliers

Request and evaluate supplier pricing, lead times, and availability for manufactured and outsourced components.

Understand supplier capabilities, production capacities, and manufacturing processes to support sourcing decisions.

Build productive relationships with vendors and maintain accurate pricing and supplier records.

Identify potential pricing, availability, or delivery concerns before they impact customer commitments.

Support Purchasing and Production

Partner with Purchasing to ensure accurate quote-to-order transitions and purchase order coordination.

Work closely with Scheduling and Operations to support realistic production and delivery timelines.

Communicate across Sales, Purchasing, Scheduling, and Manufacturing to keep customer requirements aligned with operational capabilities.

Maintain organized documentation and ensure accuracy throughout the quoting and order process.

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

3+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in estimating, purchasing, sourcing, supply chain, or production coordination.

Working knowledge of manufacturing processes, industrial components, supplier pricing, and production lead times.

Experience managing RFQs, vendor quotations, purchase orders, or similar manufacturing workflows.

Ability to communicate effectively with suppliers and internal manufacturing teams.

Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple deadlines and competing priorities.

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and business tracking systems.

Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and a proactive approach to follow-through.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in industrial equipment, metal fabrication, machining, or engineered-to-order manufacturing.

Familiarity with technical drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), and manufacturing specifications.

Experience using ERP/MRP systems.

Background coordinating outsourced manufacturing or turnkey components.

Additional education or training in manufacturing, supply chain, purchasing, or business operations.

What Success Looks Like

RFQs are organized, accurate, and completed within established timelines.

Supplier pricing and lead times are obtained proactively with minimal follow-up required from others.

Quote tracking is accurate, current, and provides clear visibility to internal teams.

Purchasing and Scheduling receive complete information to support successful order execution.

Potential delays and bottlenecks are identified and addressed before they become larger issues.

Why Join John Wood?

At The John Wood Company, you'll be part of a manufacturing organization where attention to detail, accountability, and teamwork make a measurable difference.

You'll work closely with experienced manufacturing professionals, develop strong supplier relationships, and play an important role in keeping customer opportunities moving from quotation to production.

If you understand manufacturing, enjoy bringing order to complex processes, and take pride in getting the details right, we'd like to hear from you.

The John Wood Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.