Quotations Specialist - Gear

Border States•Fargo, ND

11h•Onsite

About The Position

The Quotations Specialist provides specialized knowledge and skills in quoting electrical equipment and packages to customers. The role performs bid takeoffs and pricing, works proactively with engineers and customers to meet changing business needs and resolve issues, and owns the preparation of complete and accurate quotations for assigned projects from takeoff through customer submission. The specialist develops quotations and requests bid and/or performance bonds in accordance with company profit objectives and guidelines. The role also coordinates, analyzes, and acts on information and feedback concerning customer needs, pricing, products, competition, and procedures. This position is located in Fargo, North Dakota. It is part of Border States, an employee-owned electrical supply distributor serving construction, industrial, and utility industries. The position works with customers, engineers, vendors, contractors, and Border States staff to support project quotations and customer service.

Requirements

Minimum of four years of prior customer service, quotation, or sales experience is preferred.
Strong knowledge of electrical products and systems is preferred.
Strong technical ability to understand electrical systems and product applications; prior electrical distribution experience is preferred.
Ability to read blueprints and specifications.
Ability to read, write, and speak English is preferred.
Working knowledge of Windows PCs, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint), the internet, email, and SAP software is preferred.
Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication, reading, and customer service skills are preferred, along with the ability to plan and organize effectively.
Customer service skills including competence, accuracy, responsiveness, and engagement.

Nice To Haves

A business or trade degree, or equivalent work experience; a degree is preferred.
Comprehensive knowledge of product lines and applications, alternate-product substitutes, and supplier pricing policies.
Prior experience with switchgear manufacturer quotation software, such as Eaton BidManager, may be preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform bid takeoffs and pricing for electrical equipment and products, including switchboards, panelboards, transformers, safety switches, motor control centers, variable frequency drives, switchgear, duct systems, fixtures, lighting, lamps, and dimming systems.
Use judgment within established pricing guidelines, margin targets, and approval authority to determine appropriate product specifications, applications, and pricing for projects.
Independently complete and support the quotation process for assigned projects.
Provide timely follow-up to customers on specialized or technical inquiries and requests.
Develop quotations and request customer bids within company profit objectives and guidelines; coordinate vendor pricing, lead times, alternates, and project-specification compliance.
Provide consistent, responsive, quality customer service.
Coordinate, analyze, and act on feedback and information about customer needs, pricing, products, competition, and procedures.
Coordinate with Border States staff to resolve customer billing issues arising from quotation-process errors, pricing, shipping, delivery, or other customer service or credit areas.
Maintain an active log of project bid wins and losses, including vendors and contractors quoted.
Identify and recommend value engineering, alternate-product, and expedited-shipping options to improve competitiveness and meet project requirements.
Evaluate bid scope, technical requirements, and commercial risk, and escalate deviations from standards or unusual conditions as appropriate.
Provide market intelligence and input as required.
May place and hold orders on secured projects, prepare submittal drawings, and release hold orders after submittal approval.
May obtain orders and provide sales support for the outside sales force.
May provide guidance or input on purchasing, product evaluations and code descriptions, inventory management, pricing development, and related services.
Attend sales meetings and training programs as required, and participate in sales meetings and trade shows as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.