Quotations Specialist

Location: Richmond, VA

The Quotations Specialist provides specialized knowledge and skills in quoting equipment and packages to customers. Performs takeoffs of bids and pricing functions. Proactively works with engineers and customers to meet their changing business needs and resolve issues. Owns the preparation of complete and accurate quotations for assigned projects from takeoff through customer submission. Develops quotations and requests bid and/or performance bonds for customers within company profit objectives and guidelines.

Actively participates in coordinating, analyzing, and acting upon information and feedback of customer needs, pricing, products, competition, and procedures.

• Performs takeoffs of bids and pricing functions that could include products such as switchboards, panel boards, transformers, safety switches, motor control centers, variable frequency drives, switch gear, duct systems, and specialty equipment or products such as fixtures, lighting, lamps, and dimming systems.
• Utilizes knowledge and experience to make judgment and discretionary decisions within established pricing guidelines, margin targets, and approval authority to determine what product specifications, applications, and pricing are necessary for a specific project.
• Independently completes and supports the quotation process for each assigned project.
• Provides customers with timely follow‑up on specialized or technical inquiries and requests.
• Develops quotations and requests bids for customers within company profit objectives and guidelines, including coordinating vendor pricing, lead times, alternates, and compliance with project specifications.
• Provides consistent, responsive, quality service to our customers.
• Actively participates in coordinating, analyzing, and acting upon information and feedback of customer needs, pricing, products, competition, and procedures.
• Coordinates with Border States staff to resolve customer billing issues resulting from errors in the quotations process, pricing, shipping, delivery, or other customer service/credit areas.
• Maintains an active log of wins/losses for project bids that includes vendors and contractors quoted. Identifies and recommends value engineering, alternate product, and expedited ship options to improve competitiveness and to meet project requirements.
• Evaluates bid scope, technical requirements, and commercial risk and escalates deviations from standards or unusual conditions as appropriate.

Non‑Essential Functions

• Provides input and market intelligence, as required.
• May place orders and hold orders on secured projects, prepare submittal drawings, and release hold orders after submittal approval.
• May obtain orders and provide sales support for the Border States outside sales force.
• May provide guidance or input in purchasing functions, product evaluations and code descriptions, inventory management, pricing development, and other related services.
• Attends sales meetings and training programs, as required.
• Participates in sales meetings and trade shows, as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Minimum of a business or trade degree preferred or the equivalent in work experience.
• Minimum of 4 years of prior customer service, quotation, or sales experience with strong knowledge of electrical products and systems preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of product lines and applications, alternate product substitutes, and supplier pricing policies preferred.
• Ability to read, write, and speak in English preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of PC for Windows, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint), internet, email, and SAP software preferred.
• Prior experience working in switch gear manufacturer quotations software (i.e. Eaton Bid Manager) may be preferred.

• Strong technical ability to understand electrical systems and product applications with prior electrical distribution experience preferred.
• Technical ability to read blueprints and specifications.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication, reading, and customer service skills are preferred with the ability to effectively plan and organize.
• Excellent customer service skills include being competent, accurate, responsive, and engaged.

Frequency at which you would carry/lift in a typical day:

Occasionally 0 – 33%
Frequently 34 – 66%
Continuously 67 – 100%

Lift from Waist: