Estimating & Proposals Manager

Adaptive Resources is a North Texas–based automation systems integrator specializing in:

• Robotic material handling systems
• Machine vision integration
• PLC / HMI / SCADA controls
• IIoT-enabled manufacturing solutions

For nine years, we’ve helped manufacturers improve throughput, reduce labor dependency, and modernize operations. We are entering a strategic growth phase targeting 25% expansion and are strengthening our front-end engineering and proposal development capabilities.

The Estimating & Proposals Manager is responsible for developing accurate, competitive, and profitable proposals for complex automation systems. This role serves as the critical link between Sales and Engineering — ensuring that every project we pursue is technically sound, commercially disciplined, and aligned with our strategic growth goals. This is a hands-on role with leadership responsibility over the estimating process.

• Review RFQs, drawings, and customer specifications
• Machine vision systems
• PLC / HMI / SCADA controls
• Panel builds and electrical hardware
• Mechanical fabrication and integration
• Installation and commissioning labor
• Identify technical and commercial risks
• Define contingencies and assumptions

• Prepare structured technical and commercial proposals
• Define:
• Scope inclusions/exclusions
• Assumptions
• Payment milestones
• Change-order structure
• Maintain proposal templates and documentation standards
• Improve clarity to reduce post-award disputes

• Maintain and refine cost databases
• Build labor-hour models for engineering and integration
• Support pricing decisions aligned with company growth objectives

• Partner with Sales to qualify opportunities
• Support technical discussions with customers when needed
• Collaborate with Engineering and Project Management to validate scope and costs
• Provide forecasting inputs for leadership planning

• Improve quote turnaround time
• Develop scalable systems to support company growth
• Help implement estimating tools or ERP integration as needed

Required:

• 10-15+ years experience in industrial automation or systems integration
• Experience with robotics and controls-based systems
• Strong understanding of:
• Vision systems
• Ability to build labor-hour and hardware cost models
• Strong technical reading skills (electrical & mechanical drawings)
• Solid commercial judgment

Preferred:

• Background as Controls Engineer, Applications Engineer, or Project Manager
• Experience in an automation integrator environment
• Experience tracking estimate accuracy vs. project performance