Cost Estimator

Vulcan Industries has been providing merchandising display solutions for over 75 years. We take pride in our diverse customer base which includes some of the world’s best-known retailers and brand marketers. With domestic and offshore manufacturing, as well as sales offices in key markets across the country, we offer global solutions in today’s global economy.

The Cost Estimator will assist in preparing costs estimates for manufactured products, sourced materials and components from vendors. They will analyze project requirements, plans, and specifications to identify labor, material, equipment, and service requirements. Use benchmark data, trends, prior estimates, and historical pricing schedules to generate detailed cost estimates that consist of itemized lists of expenses, labor hours, material quantities, and potential cost variations.

This position will collaborate with sales, engineering, and manufacturing teams to ensure timely and accurate production planning. Serve as a backup to the Director of Procurement and the Import Sourcing Specialist with procurement of goods and services according to approved requisitions or minimum levels of stock items. Review bid proposals and negotiate price thresholds. Maintains computerized procurement records, such as items or services purchased, costs, delivery, product quality or performance and inventories.

• Effective internal & external communication
• Prepare or update cost estimates for products manufactured by Vulcan Industries in response to requests from sales representatives or other managers.
• Utilize rough or detailed sketches, engineering drawings, photographs, renderings, and physical samples to determine materials and fabrication methods.
• Prepare Bills of Materials (BOMs) and estimate labor details, including how component parts are manufactured as well as assembly, packaging, and shipping requirements.
• Enter BOM and labor details into the company ERP system and generate estimate reports for engineering review, approval and sales markup.
• Obtain product information, price quotes, availability, and delivery schedules from outside vendors.
• Communicate with vendors to provide all information and specifications needed to complete production.
• Evaluate and rate vendor performance; address defective or unacceptable goods with quality assurance and vendors as needed.
• Communicate with sales, manufacturing, and engineering resources regarding delivery status and any related issues.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation to support estimates and procurement activities.
• Reporting to work regularly and on time.

• High School diploma required; post-secondary education or related coursework preferred.
• At least 1 year in an administrative or clerical position; experience in purchasing, procurement, or estimating is a plus.

• Exceptional leadership, organizational, and time management skills.
• Must be able to communicate clearly with poise & confidence.
• Excellent math skills with the ability to perform four basic arithmetic operations with decimals and fractions.
• Ability to compute discounts, interest, markups, and selling price.
• Ability to read engineering prints and write reports in proper format.
• Intermediate computer skills including data entry (mainframe), basic spreadsheets, and word processing.
• Comfortable reading methods and procedures and translating them into clear estimates and reports.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple tasks with accuracy and efficiency.
• Analytical, detail, and process oriented.
• Ability to establish and maintain strong working relationships with vendors and VI team members.

• Experience with ERP or estimating software and/or BOM management systems.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes, materials, and fabrication methods.
• Knowledge of packaging, shipping requirements, and logistics considerations.

More than 40 hours per week as needed.

Vulcan Industries, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state and local fair employment practices laws. Vulcan strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits and termination of employment. Vulcan complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended by the ADA Amendments Act and all applicable state or local laws.