Project Manager/Estimator - Nashville Area

WEMCO, Inc.•Nashville, TN

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Washington Equipment Manufacturing Company, Inc. (WEMCO, Inc.) is seeking a Project Manager/Estimator to join their team in the Nashville, TN area. This role is responsible for developing accurate project estimates and managing awarded projects from initial customer inquiry through final completion. The Project Manager/Estimator will serve as a primary point of contact for customers, coordinating engineering, purchasing, manufacturing, and field operations to ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Key responsibilities include preparing detailed cost estimates and proposals, reviewing specifications and drawings, managing project schedules and budgets, coordinating internal resources, procuring materials, communicating with customers and suppliers, and overseeing project execution from kickoff through delivery and installation. Applicants should reside in or near the Nashville metropolitan area to support occasional customer visits, project meetings, and travel as needed.

Requirements

Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, and fabrication documents.
Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of manufacturing processes.
Excellent mathematical and analytical skills.
Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multiple departments.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills.
Ability to prepare accurate cost estimates and manage project budgets.
Clean driving record with the ability to operate company vehicles as needed.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Passport for occasional travel.
Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or a related field is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Prior experience in estimating, project management, manufacturing, heavy equipment, structural steel, overhead cranes, industrial machinery, or custom fabrication is preferred.
Experience estimating custom manufacturing or fabrication projects.
Knowledge of welding, machining, fabrication, overhead cranes, or industrial equipment.
Experience interpreting customer specifications and contract documents.
Familiarity with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Inventor, or similar CAD software is a plus.
Experience with Microsoft Project or other project management software is preferred.
Understanding of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives is a plus.

Responsibilities

Review customer drawings, specifications, RFQs, and project requirements.
Prepare accurate cost estimates for labor, materials, purchased components, subcontractors, shipping, and installation.
Solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotations.
Develop pricing strategies while maintaining profitability and competitiveness.
Prepare professional proposals, quotations, and bid packages.
Identify project risks, exclusions, assumptions, and value engineering opportunities.
Work closely with customers to clarify project scope, specifications, and expectations.
Participate in customer meetings, pre-bid meetings, and site visits as required.
Assist Business Development with technical support during the quoting process.
Serve as the primary point of contact for customers throughout project execution.
Develop integrated project schedules including critical paths and key milestones.
Ensure projects are completed safely, on time, within budget, and in accordance with customer expectations.
Coordinate engineering, purchasing, production, quality, shipping, and field service activities.
Monitor project budgets, schedules, labor hours, procurement, and overall project performance.
Manage project documentation, change orders, RFIs, and customer communications.
Negotiate scope changes and incorporate approved changes into project schedules and budgets.
Coordinate purchasing activities and ensure timely procurement of materials and long-lead items.
Assist Operations & Production Management with production scheduling and workload planning.
Create work instructions that accompany fabricated parts and assemblies throughout manufacturing.
Track project performance using appropriate metrics and provide regular status updates to executive management.
Perform post-project reviews to evaluate project profitability, identify lessons learned, and recommend process improvements.
Review engineering drawings for manufacturability and completeness.
Perform drawing reviews and provide approvals prior to manufacturing release.
Diagnose project issues and develop practical solutions to maintain project schedules.
Coordinate with engineering regarding design revisions and customer-requested changes.
Maintain accurate project records including drawings, revisions, purchase orders, schedules, and correspondence.
Support installation planning and coordinate with field personnel when required.
Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and subcontractors.
Conduct customer meetings throughout the lifecycle of assigned projects.
Communicate project status, schedule updates, and change notifications in a timely manner.
Travel occasionally to customer facilities for project meetings, site evaluations, installations, or troubleshooting.