Municipal Bid Specialist

CORE & MAIN LP; New Jersey; Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Core & Main seeks a Quote Specialist to support and quote projects for top customers, coordinating with the sales team and vendors to deliver compliant, competitive proposals.

The role involves managing bids, preparing formal quotations, and logging project data while maintaining strong customer relationships across municipal, non-residential, and residential markets.

Qualifications

• BS/BA in a related discipline.
• Experience with public sector bids and RFP/IFB processes.
• Strong analytical and detail-oriented with procurement knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Manage bids for municipalities and openings; promote products and follow up on awards.
• Correlate all cost information within bid timelines for contractors and sales.
• Prepare quotations and submittals with minimal direction.
• Enter purchase orders and coordinate with customers to ensure timely fulfillment.
• Track bid deadlines and ensure pricing, certifications, and compliance documents are complete.

Skills

Bid management

Customer service

Technical knowledge

Public procurement

Education

BS/BA in related discipline

MS/MA in related field

Tools

Bidnet

OpenGov

Bonfire

Ionwave

Job description

Based in St. Louis, Core & Main is a leader in advancing reliable infrastructure™ with local service, nationwide®. As a specialty distributor with a focus on water, wastewater, storm drainage and fire protection products and related services, Core & Main provides solutions to municipalities, private water companies and professional contractors across municipal, non-residential and residential end markets, nationwide. With over 370 locations across the U.S., the company provides its customers local expertise backed by a national supply chain. Core & Main’s 5,700 associates are committed to helping their communities thrive with safe and reliable infrastructure. Visit coreandmain.com to learn more.

Job Summary Support and quote projects for top or key customers. May have responsibility for multiple locations or region. Support the sales team and possibly other Quote Specialists by providing technical information and product knowledge. Provide a high level of customer service while fulfilling closed bids and quotes.

Major Tasks, Responsibilities and Key Accountabilities

• Manage bids, calling on municipalities, attending openings, promoting products and following up on bid awards.
• Correlate all cost information within time frame and bid date and time needed by contractors and sales.
• Prepare formal quotations and submittals with minimal direction.
• Enter purchase orders and follow up with customers to ensure orders are filled promptly.
• Manage RFG’s checking with purchasing agent/buyer for pending RFG’s and searching internet for new RFG’s.
• Maintain and log projects for quotations.
• Assists with project management and coordinate deliverables.
• Acts as focal point for questions concerning specifics of quotes and proposals.
• Prepares monthly reports tracking quotation activity and key metrics.
• Meets with customers and strengthens professional relationships.
• Responsible for identifying, evaluating, and managing public sector bid opportunities for municipal water and wastewater operations equipment.
• This role reviews bid documents, product specifications, and contract requirements to develop compliant and competitive proposals while coordinating with sales teams, vendors, and operations personnel.
• Tracks key deadlines, prepares bid packages, ensures all pricing, certifications, and compliance documents are complete, and serves the primary point of contact throughout the solicitation process.

Nature and Scope

• Identifies key barriers/core problems and applies problem solving skills in order to deal creatively with complex situations.
• Troubleshoots and resolves complex problems.
• Makes decisions under conditions of uncertainty, sometimes with incomplete information, that produce effective end results.
• Independently performs assignments with instruction limited to results expected.
• Determines and develops approach to solutions.
• Receives technical guidance only on unusual or complex problems or issues.
• May oversee the completion of projects and assignments, including planning, assigning, monitoring and reviewing progress and accuracy of work, evaluating results, etc.
• Contributes to employee's professional development but does not have hiring or firing authority.

Work Environment

Most of the time is spent sitting or standing in the same location or there may be a need to stoop regularly or move/lift light material or equipment (typically less than 8 pounds). Usually in a comfortable environment but with regular exposure to factors causing moderate physical discomfort from such things as dust, fumes or odors. Typically requires overnight travel less than 10% of the time.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age or older
• Must pass pre-employment assessment(s) if applicable

Education and Experience

Typically requires BS/BA in related discipline. Generally 5-8 years of experience in related field; certification is required in some areas OR MS/MA and generally 3-5 years of experience in related field. Certification is required in some areas. Proficient at obtaining certificates of insurance, bid bonds, and working in electronic bid submission portals such as Bidnet, OpenGov, Bonfire, and Ionwave. Familiarity with national co-operative contracts including Sourcewell, AXIA, or OMNIA is a bonus.

Preferred Qualifications

Broad knowledge of product lines. Requires strong attention to detail, project management skills, knowledge of public procurement procedures, and the ability to analyze technical specifications to maximize sales opportunities and mitigate contractual risk.

Core & Main is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Employment at Core & Main is based solely on a person’s merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. Core & Main does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, citizenship, or any other basis protected by law. None of the questions in this application are intended to elicit information regarding any protected characteristics, nor imply any limitation, illegal preferences or discrimination based upon non-job-related information or protected characteristics. For more information, please click here or visit https://www.eeoc.gov

Based in St. Louis, Core & Main is a leader in advancing reliable infrastructure™ with local service, nationwide®. As a specialty distributor with a focus on water, wastewater, storm drainage and fire protection products and related services, Core & Main provides solutions to municipalities, private water companies and professional contractors across municipal, non-residential and residential end markets, nationwide. With over 370 locations across the U.S., the company provides its customers local expertise backed by a national supply chain. Core & Main’s 5,700 associates are committed to helping their communities thrive with safe and reliable infrastructure. Visit coreandmain.com to learn more.