Cost Estimating Manager
Job Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Pay: $95,000 - $125,000 annually (Based on Experience)
Job Summary
- The Role: Centralizes and leads a cross-functional estimating team that is currently siloed by department. This role will have final pricing authority without needing GM or department manager approval.
- Team Size: Leads 5 corporate-wide estimators (2 sheet metal, 1 additive, 1 plastics/assembly, and 1 CNC).
- Candidate Profile: Strong people leadership skills are preferred over a candidate who can estimate all 5 disciplines perfectly. Key areas of expertise should include injection molding/plastics, assembly, and CNC.
- Requirements: Must be fully fluent in OEM/Tier 1 cost breakdown formats (GM, Ford, Stellantis, Volvo). Will work closely with sales and directly with customers during RFQ stages.
- Tools: Uses Paperless Parts (cloud-based, collaborative, with 3 years of templates already built).
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, oversee, and mentor a team of cost estimators responsible for preparing quotes for new business opportunities.
- Partner with the Sales team to develop and align quote strategies with new business objectives.
- Establish and standardize quotation processes, frameworks, benchmarks, and tools to improve accuracy, consistency, and speed.
- Review and approve final cost models, risk assessments, pricing, and margins before quotes are submitted to management or customers.
- Ensure estimates accurately reflect manufacturing requirements, material costs, labor, tooling, processing, overhead, and other applicable costs.
- Provide guidance and support to estimators on complex quoting opportunities.
- Analyze cost information and identify potential risks, cost drivers, and opportunities for improved margins.
- Work closely with Sales, Engineering, Operations, and other departments to develop accurate and competitive quotations.
- Present estimating information, recommendations, and pricing strategies to management, customers, and other stakeholders as needed.
- Develop and maintain estimating standards, templates, and best practices.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives related to estimating accuracy, efficiency, and quotation turnaround time.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 5 years of cost estimating experience within Automotive, Aerospace, Defense, or a related manufacturing environment.
- Previous management or team leadership experience.
- Extensive cost estimating experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience with OEM and Tier 1 automotive cost breakdown templates.
- Experience estimating injection-molded parts and assemblies, injection mold tooling, CNC parts, sheet metal stampings, and welded assemblies.
- Understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, tooling, labor, overhead, and other cost drivers.
- Ability to analyze complex manufacturing requirements and develop accurate cost estimates.
- Excellent presentation skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from management, customers, clients, and cross-functional teams.
- Strong organizational and analytical skills with the ability to manage multiple quoting projects and deadlines.
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
Linked, LLC is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We celebrate and embrace differences and are dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. Our goal is to ensure that every employee and applicant is treated with respect and fairness. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates and are committed to making reasonable accommodations to support diverse needs throughout the hiring process. Linked, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is dedicated to fostering a work environment where everyone can thrive.