Procurement & Estimating Generalist

Vulcan Industries has been providing merchandising display solutions for over 75 years. We take pride in our diverse customer base which includes some of the world’s best known retailers and brand marketers. With domestic and off-shore manufacturing, as well as sales offices in key markets across the country, we offer global solutions in today’s global economy.

Job Summary

The Procurement & Estimating Generalist supports the preparation of cost estimates for manufactured products and sourced materials or components from vendors. They evaluate project requirements, plans, and specifications to determine labor, material, equipment, and service needs. By leveraging benchmark data, trends, previous estimates, and historical pricing, they create detailed cost estimates featuring itemized expenses, labor hours, material quantities, and potential cost fluctuations. This role collaborates closely with sales, engineering, and manufacturing teams to ensure accurate and timely production planning. Additionally, they assist the Director of Procurement and Import Sourcing Specialist in procuring goods and services based on approved requisitions or minimum stock levels. They review bid proposals, negotiate price limits, and maintain computerized procurement records covering purchased items or services, costs, delivery schedules, product quality, performance, and inventory levels. .

Job Requirements

Basic Qualifications

• Demonstrated exceptional leadership, organizational, and time management abilities.
• Must communicate clearly with confidence and professionalism.
• High School diploma required; post-secondary education or relevant coursework is preferred.
• Minimum of one year experience in an administrative or clerical role; background in purchasing, procurement, or estimating is advantageous. Proficient in performing all four basic arithmetic operations involving decimals and fractions.
• Capable of calculating discounts, interest, markups, and final selling prices.
• Capable of interpreting or learning to interpret engineering drawings and preparing reports in the appropriate format.
• Intermediate computer proficiency, including data entry (mainframe), basic spreadsheet use, and word processing.
• Comfortable interpreting methods and procedures to produce clear estimates and reports.
• Detail-oriented, well-organized, and skilled at managing multiple tasks accurately and efficiently.
• Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail and process adherence.
• Able to build and maintain effective working relationships with vendors and VI team members.

Preferred Skills

• Experience using ERP or estimating software and/or BOM management systems.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and fabrication techniques.
• Understanding of packaging, shipping requirements, and logistics considerations.

Essential Job Function

• Facilitate clear and effective internal and external communication.
• Prepare or update cost estimates for products made by Vulcan Industries upon requests from sales representatives or managers.
• Use rough or detailed sketches, engineering drawings, photographs, renderings, and physical samples to identify materials and fabrication techniques
• Compile Bills of Materials (BOMs) and estimate labor requirements, covering component manufacturing, assembly, packaging, and shipping processes.
• Input BOM and labor data into the company ERP system and generate estimate reports for engineering review, approval, and sales markup. Gather product details, price quotes, availability, and delivery timelines from external vendors.
• Coordinate with vendors to provide all necessary information and specifications for production completion.
• Assess and rate vendor performance; collaborate with quality assurance and vendors to resolve issues with defective or unacceptable goods. Communicate with sales, manufacturing, and engineering teams about delivery status and related concerns.
• Keep precise records and documentation to support estimates and procurement activities.
• Consistently report to work punctually and reliably.

Vulcan Industries is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. Vulcan Industries strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.

Vulcan Industries complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended by the ADA Amendments Act, and all applicable state or local law.