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Superior Essex

Strategic Product Estimator

Superior Essex, Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States, 46804

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Position Summary 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.

Key Responsibilities Estimating & Quotation

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.

Process & Cost Analysis

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.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

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.

Governance & Accuracy

Ensure estimates align with internal policies, quality standards, and customer contractual requirements.

Support post‑award reviews by comparing estimated versus actual costs and recommending corrective actions.

Assist in standard cost development and pricing tools for repeat or contract‑based programs.

Required Qualifications

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.

Preferred Qualifications

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.

Core Competencies

Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Commercial and margin awareness.

Ability to multi‑task and manage multiple RFQs with competing priorities and deadlines.

Clear written and verbal communication.

Collaborative, cross‑functional mindset.

Ability to influence others.

Financial acumen.

Relationship building.

Self‑motivation and initiative.

Problem solving and decision making.

Key Performance Metrics

Quote accuracy versus actual cost.

Quote turnaround time.

Gross margin performance on awarded jobs.

P&L performance on key projects.

Responsiveness to sales and customer needs.

Working Conditions

Office and manufacturing floor interaction required.

Occasional travel to plants, supplier sites, and customer sites may be required.

Scope of Duties and Responsibilities This job description does not state or imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job‑related instructions and to perform any other job‑related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.

A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Seniority Level Mid‑Senior Level

Employment Type Full‑time

Job Function Management and Manufacturing

Industries Appliances, Electrical, and Electronics Manufacturing

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