Manager of Estimating and Procurement

Corporate Summary:

Based in Flemington NJ, Advanced Solar Products, Inc. ("ASP") is a leading company in the field of solar energy, energy storage, and related sustainable technologies. We provide turnkey service for commercial and industrial photovoltaic ("PV") systems. For 30 years, ASP has been serving clients throughout the mid-Atlantic and New England and is one of the oldest and most well-established solar installers in the Northeast. ASP has been involved in the installation of over 350 PV systems for corporations, public and private utilities, municipalities and governmental agencies, and public and private schools.

Position Overview:

As a member of the Operations team, the Manager of Estimating and Procurement will report to the Director of Operations. He or she will assist in implementing an estimating and procurement program, perform pre-bid estimates, and manage procurement across all markets and geographies where ASP is building projects. The Manager will ensure that ASP s bidding and procurement process takes advantage the latest and most accurate tools and data resources, a solid network of suppliers and contractors, favorable pricing, as well as the Manager s industry-leading judgement and experience.

In addition to leading estimating and procurement, the Manager will assist with project planning and scheduling, assist in creation and maintenance of project budgets, manage inventory, and work with engineering and construction functional groups to plan projects for successful execution. The Manager will be responsible for coordinating Business Development, Project Development, Engineering, and Construction functional groups to ensure seamless transition from the project sales stage to the execution stage. The successful candidate will continually seek to improve processes. The ability to work independently and as a team member are critical, as well as the desire and innovative mind set to operate as an important contributor within a fast-pace and dynamic company environment.

Responsibilities:

• Creation of or management of all estimates and budgets in support of Sales and Operations
• Work closely with Business Development in crafting competitive pricing approaches to project opportunities
• Assign costs to codes for proper cost breakdown
• Develop additional cost templates as ASP expands its regional and technical range
• Review all project documents. Clearly define project scope. Perform a careful review of preliminary and final scoping documents (engineering, RFP, contract terms and conditions) and contracting apparatus to gain a clear understanding of project risk and responsibilities
• Research local conditions, area-specific cost, tax liabilities, permitting and interconnection requirements, and labor markets to capture all costs for inclusion in the estimate
• Identify any scope gaps; ensure all cost are covered by either subcontractor pricing or internal estimates
• Responsible for overseeing the procurement, inventory management, and delivery of products and materials to ensure on-time, on budget project results
• Establish and grow strong supplier relationships
• Responsible for ensuring ASP Energy s software tools are fully functional and best-in-class
• Convert estimates to budgets, and track budgets through the life of projects, analyzing costs and variables for project cost controls support and to improve future estimate accuracy
• In collaboration with Project Management, develop cost-loaded schedules and project cash flows
• Find qualified Sub-Contractors and Suppliers and negotiate favorable price and delivery terms
• Assist Operations team members in developing and implementing processes to improve project execution
• Manage and upkeep of historical data for forward-looking cost analyses
• Identify best practices and opportunities for improvement in all related departments (bidding/estimating, project planning, engineering, project execution, etc.), with an emphasis on simplification

Near Term Goals and Objectives Measures of Success

• Quickly come up to speed and deliver on ASP s value proposition
• Identify and implement key improvements to current estimating to win profitable projects
• Step into the current estimating and procurement systems and keep current projects on track while improving payment terms and sourcing strategies
• Develop, improve, and maintain critical estimating and procurement tools and databases
• Collaborate with current partners and suppliers, as well as introduce new partners, to deliver competitive estimates in many markets
• Identify and apply value-engineering opportunities and cost reductions
• Foster trust and confidence to deliver industry-leading service that furthers ASP s sales and profitability objectives

Qualifications:

Must be passionate about the renewable energy business and thrive in the fast pace of a small, nimble company. In addition, the Manager of Estimating and Procurement must possess:

• Bachelor s degree in Business, Engineering, or related field, or an Electrical Contractor s license
• Minimum of 10 years of solid estimating and procurement experience. Construction experience a plus.
• In-depth technical experience sizing, specifying, and procuring medium-voltage electrical equipment, solar energy and energy storage systems, commercial construction, and electrical contracting
• Working knowledge of solar-related products and prices, contractors, labor rates for related trades and US regions, and current construction practices
• A strong resume of existing supplier contacts and relationships
• A track record that demonstrates successful communication and negotiation skills
• Working knowledge of estimating tools and database systems, spreadsheets, and integrated software applications (Procore knowledge a plus.)
• Success working across multi-functional areas within an organization

Personal Characteristics:

• Collaborative and engaging team member who partners well with Business Development, Engineering and Construction personnel among others
• The ability to explain complex technical issues so that they are easy to understand
• Patient and professional in stressful, deadline-driven situations
• Highly results-driven, with a strong work ethic and commitment to the company s overall success
• Analytical problem solver who views obstacles as opportunities and creates solutions to systemic problems
• Self-motivated creative thinker who generates new and different ideas
• Prefers a small-company environment where teamwork and role-flexibility are key