Electrical Switchgear Estimating Manager

About the role

The Electrical Switchgear Estimating Manager is responsible for leading the estimating function in support of business development, customer proposals, and project pricing strategy. This role manages the end-to-end estimating process, ensuring accurate cost modeling, competitive pricing, and timely submission of estimates for electrical equipment and mission-critical power solutions. The Electrical Switchgear Estimating Manager partners closely with Sales, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Operations to deliver reliable pricing, improve quote accuracy, and support profitable growth.

Accountabilities

• Accountable for the accuracy, timeliness, and quality of all sales estimates, as well as for tracking proposal outcomes, bid performance, and key estimating metrics.
• Responsible for training and developing the team on estimating tools, applications, and product knowledge to ensure consistent, high-quality performance across the organization.
• Lead the end-to-end estimating process for customer requests, including RFQs, bids, and proposal pricing packages.
• Develop and validate detailed cost estimates using engineering drawings, bills of materials, labor standards, vendor pricing, and production capacity assumptions, in collaboration with Engineering, Operations, and Supply Chain.
• Review customer specifications and scope of documents to identify risks, gaps, cost drivers, and technical or commercial constraints.
• Establish and maintain standardized estimating tools, templates, and processes to improve consistency, efficiency, and scalability.
• Support Sales with clear proposal documentation, pricing justification, and timely responses to customer questions during negotiations.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and workload prioritization for the estimating team while maintaining high standards of quality and accountability.
• Analyze historical estimating data, project outcomes, and win/loss trends to improve accuracy, forecasting, and competitive positioning.
• Track bid pipeline activity, turnaround times, and performance metrics, and provide regular reporting to leadership.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost reduction, lead time optimization, and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Construction Management, Supply Chain, or related field or equivalent combination of education and industry-specific experience.
• 5+ years of experience in estimating, pricing, cost modeling, or proposal support within manufacturing, electrical equipment, industrial construction, or related industries.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing cost structures (labor, overhead, materials, lead times).
• Experience supporting complex customer bids and project-based pricing.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate technical scope into clear cost estimates.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, estimating tools, and Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to travel up to 15%.

Preferred

• Experience in switchgear, power distribution equipment, mission-critical infrastructure, or electrical construction environments.
• Prior people leadership experience.
• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement principles.
• Experience working cross-functionally with Sales, Engineering, and Operations.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• FLSA executive and professional positions paid on a salary basis, where project requirements and tight client deadlines may require workweeks over forty (40) hours (including weekends or holidays)
• This role will work in an office setting, however, frequent visits to the production floor are required to oversee operations, ensure compliance and safety standards, and engage staff.
• Mobility: Ability to move around the manufacturing plant, including walking, standing, and climbing stairs.
• Manual Dexterity: Occasional use of hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Lifting: Ability to lift and carry items up to twenty-five (25) pounds. All lifting should be done following OSHA standards.
• Visual and Auditory Requirements: Must be able to see and hear well enough to navigate the plant safely and communicate effectively with team members.