Quotations Specialist - Gear

Border States•Fargo, ND

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Quotations Specialist provides specialized knowledge and skills in quoting equipment and packages for customers. The role performs bid takeoffs and pricing, works proactively with engineers and customers to address changing business needs and resolve issues, and owns complete and accurate quotations for assigned projects from takeoff through customer submission. The specialist develops quotations and requests bids and/or performance bonds within company profit objectives and guidelines, while coordinating, analyzing, and acting on feedback about customer needs, pricing, products, competition, and procedures. The position is located in Fargo, North Dakota. The work includes customer service and technical coordination, evaluating project scope and requirements, and collaborating with internal staff and vendors. The description also lists frequent or continuous sitting, computer and desk work, repetitive hand motions, communication, and use of a telephone. Some standing, walking, stair climbing, reaching, and occasional lifting, bending, travel, and exposure to adverse weather are also described.

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.
Strong 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, with the ability to plan and organize effectively, are preferred.
Customer service skills include being competent, accurate, responsive, and engaged.
Able to perform essential job duties and satisfy job requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

A business or trade degree, or equivalent work experience; the degree is preferred.
Prior experience using switchgear manufacturer quotation software, such as Eaton BidManager, may be preferred.
Prior electrical distribution experience.

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 product knowledge and judgment within established pricing guidelines, margin targets, and approval authority to determine project specifications, applications, and pricing.
Independently complete and support the quotation process for each assigned project.
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 customer service.
Coordinate, analyze, and act on information and feedback concerning customer needs, pricing, products, competition, and procedures.
Coordinate with Border States staff to resolve customer billing issues related to quotation errors, pricing, shipping, delivery, or other customer service or credit areas.
Maintain a 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; escalate deviations from standards or unusual conditions as appropriate.
Provide market intelligence as required.
May place orders and hold orders on secured projects, prepare submittal drawings, and release hold orders after submittal approval.
May obtain orders and provide sales support to 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.