Quotations Specialist - Switchgear

Border States•Nashville, TN

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Quotations Specialist provides specialized knowledge and skills in quoting equipment and packages to customers. The role performs bid takeoffs and pricing, and works proactively with engineers and customers to meet changing business needs and resolve issues. The specialist owns the preparation of complete and accurate quotations for assigned projects, from takeoff through customer submission, and develops quotations and requests bid and/or performance bonds within company profit objectives and guidelines. The position also coordinates, analyzes, and acts on information and feedback about customer needs, pricing, products, competition, and procedures. The position is located in Nashville, Tennessee. The job description notes that it summarizes duties and responsibilities, may not cover every duty, and is subject to change at the employer’s discretion. Employees must be able to perform essential duties and satisfy job requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.

Requirements

Minimum of four years of prior customer service, quotation, or sales experience is preferred.
Strong knowledge of electrical products and systems is preferred.
Comprehensive knowledge of product lines and applications, alternate product substitutes, and supplier pricing policies is preferred.
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.
Strong technical ability to understand electrical systems and product applications; prior electrical distribution experience is preferred.
Technical ability to read blueprints and specifications.
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 should include competence, accuracy, responsiveness, and engagement.
A business or trade degree, or equivalent work experience, is preferred.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with switchgear manufacturer quotation software, such as Schneider Electric’s SE Advantage System or Parspec Quotations Software.
A business or trade degree, or equivalent work experience.
At least four years of customer service, quotation, or sales experience with strong knowledge of electrical products and systems.
Comprehensive knowledge of product lines and applications, alternate product substitutes, and supplier pricing policies.
Prior electrical distribution experience.
Working knowledge of Windows PCs, Microsoft Office, the internet, email, and SAP software.

Responsibilities

Perform bid takeoffs and pricing for electrical products and systems, including switchboards, panelboards, transformers, safety switches, motor control centers, variable frequency drives, switchgear, duct systems, fixtures, lighting, lamps, and dimming systems.
Use product knowledge and judgment within established pricing guidelines, margin targets, and approval authority to determine 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 customer quotations and request bids within company profit objectives and guidelines, coordinating vendor pricing, lead times, alternates, and project specification compliance.
Provide consistent, responsive, quality service to customers.
Coordinate, analyze, and act on feedback 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 matters.
Maintain an active log of project bid wins and losses, including vendors and contractors quoted.
Identify and recommend value engineering, alternate products, 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 other input as required.
Place orders and hold orders on secured projects, prepare submittal drawings, and release hold orders after submittal approval, as needed.
Obtain orders and provide sales support for the outside sales force, as needed.
Provide guidance or input on purchasing, product evaluations and code descriptions, inventory management, pricing development, and related services, as needed.
Attend sales meetings and training programs as required, and participate in sales meetings and trade shows as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.