JOB TITLE Estimator / Inside Sales
TERMS Full Time
SALARY/RATE $28-32 per hour
WORK HOURS Monday – Thursday 7:00-4:30pm
Friday 7:00-11:00am
***this is an on-site only position***
ABOUT US
HSI Manufacturing, a family-owned business in Buffalo, MN, operates a 75,000 square ft. facility with over 150 types of equipment for short to medium run metal fabrication. We are dedicated to producing quality parts and value each employee, taking great interest in their work and success.
About the Role
The Estimator / Inside Sales Representative plays a critical role in supporting customer success and driving business growth at HSI Manufacturing. This position combines technical estimating expertise with proactive customer engagement to deliver accurate quotations, develop strong customer relationships, and identify new business opportunities. Working closely with customers, suppliers, engineering, production, and purchasing teams, this individual helps ensure customer requirements are met while supporting company profitability, production capabilities, and long-term growth objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Estimating & Quoting
· Prepare accurate and timely quotations based on customer drawings, specifications, and manufacturing requirements.
· Review blueprints, technical drawings, and project documentation to determine manufacturability and production requirements.
· Analyze material, labor, tooling, outside processing, packaging, and production costs to develop competitive pricing.
· Obtain and evaluate supplier quotations for raw materials, outsourced services, and secondary operations.
· Clarify customer requirements and resolve missing or incomplete information needed to prepare accurate estimates.
· Develop value-added recommendations and alternative manufacturing solutions that meet customer requirements and company objectives.
· Ensure quotations align with company pricing strategies, margin expectations, production capabilities, and delivery requirements.
· Manage multiple quoting opportunities while maintaining accuracy and meeting customer deadlines.
Customer & Account Management
· Serve as a primary point of contact for customer inquiries regarding quotations, pricing, capabilities, lead times, and project status.
· Build and maintain strong relationships with existing customers through consistent communication and follow-up.
· Support customer needs related to reorders, repricing requests, engineering changes, and new project opportunities.
· Resolve customer concerns professionally while maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.
· Maintain accurate records of customer communications, quotations, and sales activities.
Business Development & Inside Sales
· Identify and pursue opportunities to expand business with existing customers.
· Conduct proactive outreach through phone, email, and other communication channels to generate new business opportunities.
· Follow up on quotations to address questions, negotiate terms, and increase quote conversion rates.
· Promote HSI Manufacturing’s capabilities and value-added services to prospective and current customers.
· Support sales growth initiatives through relationship building and market awareness.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
· Work closely with engineering, production, purchasing, and leadership teams to develop accurate quotations and customer solutions.
· Coordinate with internal departments to verify production methods, material availability, capacity, and lead times.
· Communicate customer expectations and project requirements to appropriate internal teams.
· Contribute to continuous improvement efforts that enhance estimating accuracy, customer experience, and operational efficiency.
Qualifications
Required
· Experience in manufacturing and/or metal fabrication environments.
· Proven estimating experience in a manufacturing setting.
· Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.
· Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, costs, and pricing principles.
· Excellent communication and customer service skills.
· Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
· Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
· Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
· Strong work ethic, dependability, and problem-solving abilities.
Preferred
· Knowledge of sheet metal fabrication, metal stamping, CNC machining, Swiss machining, laser cutting, and welding processes.
· GD&T knowledge and blueprint interpretation experience.
· CRM software experience.
· B2B sales and account management experience.
· Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Pay: $30.00 - $34.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) 3% Match
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
