The Sales and Estimating position is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates while serving as the primary point of contact for customers throughout the quoting and order fulfillment process. This position combines technical estimating expertise with customer relationship management to ensure customer satisfaction, profitable business growth, and on-time delivery.

Role and Responsibilities:

Estimating

Evaluate customer enquiries for manufacturing fit, profitability of order, and volume potential for Grand Valley.
Collaborate with customers to collect blueprints, specifications, and related documents needed to prepare estimates.
Analyze engineering drawings, blueprints, CAD Models, and other technical documents to understand the scope and requirements of the project; including, but not limited to, identifying materials, dimensions, tolerances, and finishing requirements.
Determine material requirements, tooling, fixtures, outside processing needs, etc.
Obtain pricing from vendors as needed for raw materials, coatings, heat treating, plating, and other subcontracted services.
Prepare timely, accurate, and competitive quotations while maintaining target profit margins.
Collaborate with plant managers, programming and engineering to recommend cost-effective manufacturing methods and design improvements.
Maintain estimating databases, standard costs, labor rates, and pricing models.
Participate in quote review meetings and support contract negotiations as needed.
Monitor estimate accuracy by comparing quoted versus actual production costs.
Maintain knowledge of machining technologies, materials, and industry best practices.

Sales

Serve as the Grand Valley Manufacturing Co. representative for new and existing customers, acting as a conduit for all required information to expedite orders.
Provide technical expertise to customers, assisting them in understanding estimates and manufacturing capabilities.
Coordinate communication between customers and internal departments to resolve technical and production issues.
Manage customer expectations by providing timely updates on order status and potential schedule changes.
Identify opportunities to expand existing customer accounts and generate new business.
Coordinate customer visits, plant tours, and sales presentations when appropriate.
Maintain a knowledge base in the relevant marketplace for Grand Valley (larger GVM customers and industries).

Duties may be changed, or additional duties assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required.
2-5 years’ relevant experience in machining or estimating in a manufacturing setting.
Strong knowledge of CNC milling, turning, multi-axis machining, and machining processes.
Able to read, understand, and interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, proposal documents.

Preferred Skills

Knowledge of cutting tools, workholding, and fixture design.
Understanding of machine cycle times calculations.
Strong analytical, math, and organizational skills.
Able to problem-solve, adapt to changing customer requirements, and make educated decisions independently.
Proficient in Microsoft Office, with an emphasis in Excel.
Strong communication and presentation skills, written and verbal. Able to present information to a small group or one-on-one, internally, and externally.
High energy, positive attitude, and comfortable engaging with customers.
Able to work well in a team environment.

Physical Demands and Working Environment

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Able to work in both office and manufacturing environments
Occasionally walk through the production floor
Able to lift up to 25 pounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability and Protected Veterans status

If you need special assistance or an accommodation in applying for employment at Grand Valley Manufacturing Co., please contact our Human Resources department at 1.814.827.2707.

Monday - Friday; 8am - 5pm

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site

Technical Sales & Estimator