Estimator- (Charlotte, NC)

SUMMARY 

This position is responsible for conducting timely and independent reviews of project specifications to develop competitively priced quotes, proposal revisions, and pricing-related change orders. The Estimator ensures adherence to pricing strategies, oversees cost analysis, and maintains margin oversight to meet corporate standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Prepare price quotes for laboratory building projects by successfully analyzing and applying costs, evaluating competitive pressures, market dynamics, historic Win/Loss ratios and sales and margin objectives all to deliver competitively priced products that exceed our customer requirements.

• Evaluate project size and scope as well as product details of alternate bids so that we are providing an impactful and comprehensive pricing and margin strategy. 

• Analyze costs, competitive pressures, market dynamics, and internal financial goals to deliver effective pricing strategies for our dealer network, covering both standard and non-standard products.

• Update and adjust estimates based on project revisions, scope changes, and other factors.

• Collaborate with internal teams and vendors to gather necessary data on material costs, lead times, and any other relevant project requirements.

• Complete and distribute quotes, special terms, required attachments, including any necessary clarifications and exceptions in a timely manner.

• For non-cataloged product requests (RFQ’s), thoroughly understand customer requirements, collaborate internally on a feasibility evaluation, determine whether product(s) can be manufactured in-house or source externally, collect anticipated costs, create a competitively priced product, and then create a well-defined/detailed technical description of the product for future use.

• Participate in cross-functional projects with Sales, Finance, Operations, IT and Executive management team.

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with Kewaunee’s internal Purchasing group as well as external suppliers as appropriate holding them accountable for product quotes.

QUALIFICATIONS  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Minimum 1 - 3 years of demonstrated success in a similar position.

• Someone who has overcome challenges, demonstrated commitment to continuously improving processes and consistently exhibited a Winning strategy.

• A well organized and flexible individual who has displayed outstanding customer focus.

• Effective communication skills at collaborating internally and externally with customers & suppliers.

• Proven history of teamwork and collaboration, individual leadership, and initiative.

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to solve problems under pressure.

• Ability to multitask and adapt in a fast-paced dynamic environment. 

• Proficient leveraging analytical tools such as Excel, Tableau, and/or Power Bi.

 Prior experience in the following areas is a plus:

1. Navigating and utilizing CRM/ERP systems (e.g., Syteline)

2. Commercial laboratory construction, including laboratory fit out bid documents and interpreting architectural drawings for construction bidding.

3. Laboratory casework, fume hoods, laboratory equipment, laboratory accessories, and resin worktops.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

Bachelor's degree (BA/BS), preferably in a technical, financial, or pricing-related field, or training in construction management. 1 – 3 years estimating experience preferred. 

Proficiency in computer and application navigation, including the Microsoft Office suite and collaborative meeting platforms.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

LANGUAGE SKILLS 

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization. Must have appropriate communication skills suitable for dealing with internal and external associates and customers.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS 

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to create basic formulas in Microsoft Excel.

REASONING ABILITY 

Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT  

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee could be rarely exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals.  The noise level in the work environment is usually very quiet.

HEALTH AND SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES

Adhere to all safety rules and procedures.  Bring unsafe acts and conditions to the attention of the manager.  Correct hazards and unsafe conditions.  Train other associates in safe work practices.  Investigate accidents, near-accidents, and potential hazards.  Actively participates in housekeeping activities and in the safety and health program.