What are the responsibilities and job description for the Quotations Manager position at SESCO Lighting and Careers?
Position Summary: The Quotations Manager is responsible for leading the operations and strategy of the quotation department. This role oversees a team of direct reports and ensures accurate, timely, and competitive quotations for lighting projects of all sizes. The Quotations Manager plays a key role in coordinating bid strategies, maintaining manufacturer and customer relationships, and driving profitability. All project quotations must be finalized at least 24 hours prior to bid submission.
Key Responsibilities:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, manufacturers, and sales representatives.
- Manage and lead quotation efforts for large and complex projects.
- Interpret and analyze project specifications to ensure product compliance and cost accuracy.
- Oversee the preparation and delivery of project quotations, ensuring they are completed on time and meet all project requirements.
- Collaborate with Branch Manager and Sales Representatives to develop business opportunities and bid strategies.
- Coordinate closely with Inside Sales Support and Project Managers to ensure seamless handoff of awarded projects.
- Negotiate with manufacturers, customers, and sales teams to secure competitive pricing and win projects.
- Review all pricing to ensure consistency, profitability, and market competitiveness.
- Monitor and direct daily workflow for the quotation department to meet deadlines and workload demands.
- Provide performance evaluations, coaching, and mentorship to quotation team members.
- Lead training and development for department staff to enhance skills and performance.
- Resolve escalated issues and enforce compliance with company policies and procedures.
- Collaborate with leadership to define and improve departmental processes, tools, and KPIs.
- Track and report on metrics such as quote win rate, turnaround time, margin analysis, and hit ratio.
- Ensure compliance with manufacturer terms, internal controls, and confidentiality protocols.
- Identify opportunities to improve quoting accuracy, speed, and quality.
- Stay current on industry trends, market pricing, and product innovations.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Branch Manager.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- Minimum 5 years of experience in a lighting manufacturer’s rep agency quotations role.
- Proven ability to manage large project quotations as well as small and miscellaneous quote requests.
- Extensive knowledge of lighting products and their applications.
- Experience in project buyout negotiations.
- Ability to read and interpret architectural and electrical drawings and specifications.
- Strong leadership, communication, and team management skills.
- Excellent mathematical and analytical skills.
- Exceptional attention to detail and organizational abilities.
- Ability to multitask and perform in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, internet research, and Bluebeam.
- Experience with quoting software such as Prime or similar platforms preferred.
- Ability to work extended hours when needed to meet critical bid deadlines.
- Occasional travel may be required.