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.