Manufacturing Estimator

Manufacturing Estimator

Join Indelco Plastics, where innovation, sustainability, and community thrive! As the leading supplier of corrosion-resistant thermoplastic products for fluid control and storage, we are seeking talented individuals to join our team. With 13 locations across the Midwest and representing over 70 industry-leading manufacturers, we offer unparalleled opportunities for growth and impact. Experience a supportive and inclusive environment, continuous professional development, and a commitment to work-life balance. Join us at Indelco and be part of shaping the future while making a difference.

The Manufacturing Estimator is responsible for developing accurate, timely, and competitive cost estimates for fabricated assemblies, sub-assemblies, and finished goods. The role partners with sales, engineering, operations, and supply chain to translate customer drawings, specifications, and bills of material into structured quotes that reflect true cost-to-produce, target margins, and on-time delivery commitments. The Estimator is a key driver of win rate, gross margin discipline, and quote turnaround speed across the business.

Estimating & Quoting

• Review customer RFQs, drawings, isometrics, P&IDs, specifications, and bills of material to fully scope the work required.
• Develop detailed cost estimates covering material, labor, equipment, consumables, outside services, freight, and applicable overhead.
• Apply standard labor rates, routings, and shop production data to build accurate labor and machine-hour estimates.
• Identify scope gaps, drawing inconsistencies, and missing information; issue requests for information (RFIs) to the customer or sales team.
• Prepare formal quotations and proposal documentation, including assumptions, exclusions, lead times, and validity periods.
• Maintain quote logs and ensure timely follow-up on outstanding bids in coordination with sales.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with sales and business development to align estimates with customer expectations and competitive positioning.
• Partner with engineering and shop leadership to validate buildability, routings, and labor assumptions on non-standard work.
• Coordinate with supply chain and purchasing to obtain current material pricing, supplier quotes, and lead-time confirmation.
• Support project managers and operations during job handoff to ensure estimates are clearly communicated and actionable.

Cost & Margin Discipline

• Apply standardized estimating methodologies, templates, and pricing logic to ensure consistency across branches and product lines.
• Track quoted vs. actual job performance; analyze variances and feed findings back into labor standards, material factors, and pricing models.
• Recommend pricing adjustments for risk, complexity, expedites, and customer-specific terms in line with margin targets.
• Support continuous improvement of estimating tools, libraries, and ERP-based pricing structures.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain organized records of quotes, supporting calculations, supplier pricing, and revision history.
• Ensure estimates comply with applicable codes, standards, and customer specifications.
• Adhere to internal approval thresholds, signature authority, and pricing governance policies.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, Construction Management, Business, or related field — or equivalent combination of education and hands-on shop experience.
• 3+ years of estimating, production planning, or shop-floor experience in a manufacturing, fabrication, or industrial environment.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, isometrics, weldments, and specifications.
• Strong working knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and joining methods relevant to the role.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including formulas, lookups, and structured cost models.
• Experience working within an ERP or MRP system (e.g., Epicor, NetSuite, SAP, Infor, Made2Manage).
• Strong analytical, organizational, and time-management skills with the ability to handle multiple bids under deadline pressure.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills for customer-facing proposals and internal coordination.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience in estimating fabricated piping, sheet metal, weldments, machined components, or similar engineered-to-order work.
• Familiarity with thermoplastic and/or metallic piping systems, structural fabrication, or industrial process equipment.
• Exposure to centralized or multi-site estimating environments.
• Experience with estimating, takeoff, or quoting software (e.g., FabSuite, Bluebeam, PipeLogix, Trimble, custom in-house tools).
• Working knowledge of relevant industry codes and standards (ASME, ASTM, AWS, ASTM F-series, etc.).
• Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement training.

Key Performance Indicators

• Quote turnaround time (RFQ received to quote issued).
• Quote-to-order conversion rate/win rate.
• Estimated vs. actual gross margin variance on awarded jobs.
• Estimating accuracy on labor hours and material cost.
• Quote volume and on-time response rate.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based with regular time spent on the shop floor reviewing work, validating routings, and observing production.
• Occasional travel to customer sites, supplier facilities, or other company locations may be required.
• Must be able to navigate an active manufacturing environment in compliance with applicable PPE and safety requirements.

Indelco operates as a vital subsidiary within Flow Control Group (FCG), a prominent holdings company that is a leading solutions provider focused on technically oriented products and services for flow control, fluid handling and process, industrial automation, and life sciences with locations throughout North America. As a critical intermediary between over 3,000 suppliers and 15,000 customers, over 90 brand companies, and close to 1,700 employees, FCG's distribution and technical expertise serve an essential function in the movement of mission-critical components to a diverse array of end markets and applications.

Why Build a Career with Us?

Everyone's an Owner of the Company: Because every team member contributes to Flow Control Group's success, everyone has the benefits of ownership! Flow Control Group has a broad-based employee ownership program extended to every employee within our portfolio companies.

Competitive Benefits: Enjoy an attractive benefits package that includes Medical, Dental and Vision insurance (among other plans), competitive 401(k) matching program, career growth opportunities, employee referral program, paid time off and holidays, as well as parental leave. Training: FCG University learning and training platform available to all employees offering over 80k courses.

Career Growth Opportunities: At Flow Control Group, we are committed to your professional development. With a vast network of over 100 brands across North America, we provide unparalleled opportunities for growth and advancement. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to take it to the next level, we offer custom training programs, mentorship, and a supportive environment to help you achieve your goals. Join us and be part of a dynamic team where your contributions make a real impact.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Flow Control Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or any other legally protected characteristics.