Switchgear Manager

Shepherd Electric Supply • Laurel, MD

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Since 1892, Shepherd Electric Supply has been the first call when complex, time-critical electrical challenges need to be solved, and reliability truly matters. We move materials accurately and on time, so contractors stay on schedule, projects stay on track, and customers never have to wonder if we will come through. Our success comes from people who take pride in doing things the right way — safely, accurately, and with care for teammates and customers alike. If you want to do work that matters at a company that notices, this is the place. Switchgear is one of the most technically complex and margin-significant parts of our business. When bids are accurate, competitive, and submitted on time, Shepherd wins projects — and keeps the customers who depend on us to get it right. The Switchgear Estimating Manager leads the team responsible for that outcome. This is not a back-office role — it is a leadership position that sits at the intersection of technical expertise, customer relationships, and business growth. You oversee estimators, own process quality, and serve as the bridge between customers, sales, engineering, and vendors. When this function runs well — bids are clean, deadlines are met, and customers trust us with their next project — it becomes one of the most powerful drivers of Shepherd’s growth in commercial, industrial, and government markets.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; college degree preferred
• Experience in switchgear estimating, preferably with a background in electrical distribution, manufacturing, or a related field
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting electrical drawings and specifications
• Strong leadership and team management skills with a demonstrated track record of developing people
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; comfortable working across departments and with external partners
• Familiarity with vendor relationships and procurement processes in the electrical industry
• Onsite presence required; this is not a hybrid role
• Ability to successfully complete pre-employment screening requirements

Responsibilities

• Review project specifications, drawings, and requirements to develop detailed, accurate cost estimates for switchgear systems
• Ensure bids are complete, competitive, and submitted on time — no dropped deadlines, no avoidable errors
• Maintain accuracy standards and review team estimates before submission to catch errors before the customer does
• Oversee and mentor the switchgear estimating team — providing guidance, training, and direct performance feedback
• Set clear expectations aligned with the Shepherd Compass and hold the team accountable to them
• Develop estimators so the team builds technical depth and can execute without depending on you for every answer
• Participate in executive meetings to represent estimating performance, surface challenges, and contribute to strategic planning
• Collaborate with sales, engineering, and project management to ensure estimates align with customer needs and company goals
• Serve as the liaison between estimating, customer service, and technical teams to drive customer acquisition and project profitability
• Communicate proactively on bid status, exceptions, and customer escalations — flag issues before they become missed opportunities
• Maintain and grow relationships with switchgear vendors and manufacturers to secure competitive pricing and current product information
• Leverage vendor partnerships to differentiate Shepherd’s bids on value, availability, and technical fit — not just price
• Stay current on product lines, specifications, and pricing so the team’s estimates are always grounded in real-world numbers
• Lead efforts to improve estimating tools, workflows, and accuracy — act on inefficiencies, do not just report them
• Support strategic growth initiatives including market expansion, new customer acquisition, and differentiated service offerings
• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry standards, and safety regulations across all estimating activities

Benefits

• Competitive pay with opportunity tied to performance
• Medical, dental, and life insurance
• Prescription drug coverage
• Paid vacation and personal time
• 401(k) with employer match

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED