What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sales Operations Specialist position at GC Aluminum, Inc.?
Company Description
GC Aluminum, Inc., headquartered in Burlingame, CA, is a leading full-service aluminum extrusion company with additional sales and service offices in Florida. As one of the largest aluminum extrusion importers in North America, the company is backed by a team with over 75 years of combined industry experience. GC Aluminum takes a customized approach, tailoring solutions to meet the specific needs of manufacturing and distribution clients. Offering a range of finishing options and high-precision fabrication capabilities, the company aims to enhance customers' operational efficiency and long-term financial performance.
Position Overview
We are seeking two (2) positions for a Entry Level and Senior Sales Operations Specialist position with minimal to advanced experience in developing and estimating quotes for GC Aluminum. The role will be responsible for preparing accurate, timely, and competitive quotes for aluminum extrusion and related metal products. This role plays a critical part in converting customer inquiries into profitable business by balancing cost accuracy, speed, and strategic pricing. This position works closely with direct and indirect Customers, Sales, Engineering, vendors, and other internal Operations to ensure all quotes are aligned with GC Aluminum’s capabilities, capacity, and margin targets.
Core Responsibilities
Execute RFQ (Request for Quote) and Quote management lifecycle
- Review incoming RFQs including drawings, specs, and customer requirements
- Prepare detailed quotations on aluminum extrusions/metals such as Fabrication (cutting, CNC machining, drilling, etc.), Finishing (anodizing, powder coating), and assembly (if applicable)
- Ensure quotes are submitted within defined turnaround timeframe
- Adhere to the SOP process and execute accordingly
- Deliver the best Customer Satisfaction that compels the customers to return
- Apply creative selling techniques to move from quote to Purchase orders
- Manage multiple customers by maintaining positive relationships, contractors, and suppliers to facilitate successful project
- Coordinate and interact daily with Suppliers onshore/offshore on daily demands
Build accurate cost estimation quote and update routine customer pricing templates and sound understanding:
- Aluminum billet pricing (based on market rates)
- Die/tooling costs
- Extrusion press run rates and yield
- Scrap and recovery factors
- Secondary operations and outsourced processes
- Freight and packaging
Engage in cross functional areas:
- Work with customers and their Engineering team Drawings to optimize cost
- Coordinate with Suppliers/Factory on press capacity, lead times, and constraints
- Interact with the internal Operations teams (Logistics, Billing, ands Accounting)
- Partner with Sales to align pricing strategy and customer expectations Die/tooling costs
Qualifications
- Education: Associate's degree and hands-on experience in sales, aluminum extrusion or manufacturing; preferred Bachelor's degree in business or supply chain; preferred Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or Materials Engineering
- Experience: 2–5 years of experience in aluminum extrusion, metals supply, or industrial quoting estimation or sales
- Strong understanding of manufacturing process, Aluminum extrusion process, Common alloys and Fabrication and finishing processes
- Ability to read technical drawings and specifications
- Proficiency in Excel for cost modeling and quoting (formulas, lookups, scenario analysis)
- Impressive Time Management skills ability to multitask intake and existing deliverables, and able to manage multiple customers and project stages
- Quick Learner: Adapts rapidly to new processes, systems, and product knowledge
- Attention to Detail: Maintain accuracy in quotes, calculations, and documentation
- Analytical Mindset: Evaluates pricing quotes and identify issues to resolution, and exercises sound judgment to optimize cost, efficiency and quality
- Independent Problem Solver: Resolves challenges minimal supervision
- Effective Communication: Clearly communicate across teams, stakeholders, and vendors
- Positive Attitude: Demonstrates ‘can do’ attitude with an optimistic approach
Nice to Have
- CAD software experience (AutoCAD, SolidWorks)
- Lean manufacturing or cost reduction certification
- Familiarity with ERP systems (Not required)
- Knowledge of pricing, margin calculation, and cost analysis
- B2B sales experience
Language Proficiency (Preferred)
- Bilingual in Cantonese and/or Mandarin