Estimator/Sales Administrator- Manufacturing
Principal Manufacturing is seeking a Estimator/Sales Administrator to join our team in Broadview, IL. As a leader in fineblanking, conventional stamping and plastic injection molding, Principal Manufacturing sets itself above the competition.
The Estimator / Sales Administrator plays a critical role in supporting the sales and quoting process by coordinating quote activity, gathering information from internal teams, developing cost estimates, and managing the quote pipeline. This position serves as the central point of communication between Sales, Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality, and customers to ensure timely and accurate quote submissions.
The successful candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining accurate records and meeting customer deadlines.
Essential Responsibilities
Quotation Management
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Log and track all incoming RFQs (Requests for Quotation).
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Review RFQs and identify required information needed to prepare quotations.
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Coordinate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Tooling, Quality, Purchasing, and other departments to gather quote inputs.
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Collect and organize customer specifications, drawings, standards, and commercial requirements.
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Build quotation packages for review by sales and management.
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Maintain accurate cost models and quote records.
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Ensure quotes are completed and submitted according to customer deadlines.
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Maintain quote revision history and customer correspondence related to quotations.
Quote Pipeline Management
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Own and maintain the company quote pipeline.
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Monitor quote status from receipt through submission and final award decision.
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Provide regular reporting on active quotes, pending actions, and quote aging.
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Follow up internally and externally to obtain quote status updates.
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Track awards, losses, and customer feedback on submitted quotations.
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Generate pipeline reports to support sales forecasting and business development activities.
Sales Administration
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Support the Sales Team with customer communications and administrative activities.
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Maintain customer and opportunity data within company tracking systems.
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Coordinate responses to customer information requests.
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Assist with customer presentations, pricing updates, and sales documentation.
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Prepare reports summarizing quoting activity, wins, losses, and pipeline metrics.
Cross-Functional Coordination
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Work closely with Manufacturing and Engineering to understand process capabilities and production requirements.
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Coordinate material, tooling, plating, secondary operation, and logistics cost inputs.
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Assist the team in evaluating commercial and operational risks associated with new business opportunities.
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Support continuous improvement initiatives related to quoting accuracy and responsiveness.
Qualifications
Education
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Associate's Degree in Business, Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, or related field preferred.
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Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
Experience
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2-5 years of experience in manufacturing sales support, estimating, customer service, or project coordination preferred.
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Experience within metal stamping, fineblanking, fabrication, or automotive manufacturing environments is highly desirable.
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Familiarity with manufacturing costing and quoting processes preferred.
SkillsCompetencies
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Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word, Teams).
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Ability to analyze cost data and organize large amounts of information accurately.
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Strong administrative and project coordination skills.
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Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
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Ability to communicate effectively with customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams.
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High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
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Ability to work independently while managing multiple quote opportunities and deadlines.
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Team-oriented with strong cross-functional collaboration skills.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
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Quote submission on-time percentage.
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Quote pipeline accuracy.
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Number and value of active quotations.
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Quote win rate.
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Accuracy of quote documentation and records.
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Customer responsiveness and satisfaction.
We offer paid holidays, PTO, 401K matching and medical benefits.
