Strategic Product Estimator

Superior Essex•Fort Wayne, IN

About The Position

Reporting to the Product Lead- Active, the Product Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and timely cost estimates and quotations for custom converting and fabricating projects, and other estimates as assigned. This role works cross-functionally with sales, operations, product leads, procurement, and suppliers to evaluate customer requirements, define manufacturing methods, and ensure profitable pricing aligned with capacity, capability, lead times, and quality standards. The ideal candidate combines strong analytical skills with hands-on knowledge of converting and fabrication processes, materials, and labor drivers in a high-mix, low to medium volume environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Finance, or a related field; equivalent experience considered.
3-7 years of estimating experience, preferably in converting, fabrication, or custom manufacturing environments.
Working knowledge of converting and fabrication processes and materials (films, foams, laminates, insulation, tapes, metals, or similar materials).
Strong proficiency in Excel and estimating or ERP systems and tools.
Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and bills of material (BOMs).
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a distribution-based value-added manufacturing environment.
Familiarity with electrical, power generation, mobility, data center, industrial manufacturing, construction, and infrastructure products and applications.
Experience with lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies.
ERP Experience (SAP, Oracle, Epicor, QAD Adaptive, NetSuite, Microsoft D365, Infor or similar)
Experience with electrical insulation products and related technologies.

Responsibilities

Prepare detailed cost estimates for converting and fabrication projects, including materials, labor, machine time, tooling, setup, scrap, packaging, and logistics.
Analyze customer drawings, specifications, samples, and RFQs to determine scope, assumptions, and product methods.
Develop competitive profitable pricing aligned with margin targets and operational constraints.
Create clear, professional quotations with defined assumptions, lead times, and validity periods, often using both the company and the customer’s forms.
Evaluate Manufacturing routes for processes such as slitting, sheeting, die cutting, laminating, part forming, spooling, kitting, and assembly.
Partner with operations to validate labor standards, machine rates, yields, and cycle times.
Identify cost drivers, risks, and opportunities for cost reduction or process optimization.
Maintain and update estimating models, cost libraries, and labor/machine rate databases.
Work closely with sales to clarify customer requirements and support technical or commercial discussions.
Collaborate with plant operations and supplier partners, as needed, on feasibility, capacity, and tooling requirements.
Coordinate with procurement and suppliers to obtain material and outside processing costs, as required.
Support continuous improvement initiatives related to pricing accuracy and quote turnaround time.
Ensure estimates align with internal policies, quality standards, and customer contractual requirements.
Support post-award reviews by comparing estimated vs. actual costs and recommending corrective actions.
Assist in standard cost development and pricing tools for repeat or contract-based programs.