Estimating & Customer Programs Manager

Job Description Estimating and Customer Programs Manager

Position Summary

The Company is seeking an Estimating and Customer Programs Manager to serve as a central link between customers and internal operations from initial inquiry through final delivery. This role is ideal for a highly organized proactive communicator who can translate complex requirements into clear plans protect customer confidence and ensure commitments are both achievable and profitable.

Far more than a quoting or administrative position this role combines customer program leadership with rigorous cost estimating and operational coordination. The Estimating and Customer Programs Manager directly influences financial metrics delivery performance and long-term customer relationships by developing accurate estimates identifying risks early and aligning internal teams to execute successfully. The position serves as the primary interface for all non-sales customer activities ensuring transparency responsiveness and trust throughout the order lifecycle while supporting the companys growth objectives.

Working closely with Engineering Purchasing Production Quality and Leadership this role supports quoting contract review order execution and continuous improvementensuring that what is promised to the customer can be delivered efficiently competitively and with confidence.

Why This Role Matters

Every successful program begins with the right commitments. The Estimating and Customer Programs Manager ensures that what the company promises customers is realistic profitable and executable. By combining disciplined estimating with clear customer communication and cross-functional coordination this role protects margins strengthens delivery performance and builds the trust that leads to long-term aerospace partnerships and repeat business.

Key Responsibilities

Customer Programs & Communication

Serve as the primary point of contact for customers on order status delivery commitments technical coordination and issue resolution

Manage inbound and outbound communications with professionalism and urgency ensuring customers receive clear accurate and timely information

Translate production realities into understandable commitments setting expectations that protect both customer relationships and operational feasibility

Coordinate responses to nonconformances corrective actions and root cause investigations in partnership with Quality

Champion customer requirements internally ensuring all functions understand priorities constraints and success criteria

Estimating & Quoting

Develop comprehensive job estimates and quotations that reflect true production costs risks and operational constraintsnot just calculated figures

Analyze cost drivers including labor content machine utilization materials outside processing tooling and overhead to ensure competitive yet profitable pricing

Lead cross-functional quote reviews to validate assumptions identify risks and confirm execution capability prior to submission

Support formal contract review processes to ensure technical commercial and delivery commitments are achievable and compliant

Continuously refine estimating accuracy through feedback from actual job performance

Operational Coordination

Collaborate across departments to support and align schedules material readiness capacity and delivery plans with customer commitments

Monitor program execution and proactively identify risks to cost schedule or quality escalating issues early to enable corrective action

Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance quoting accuracy program visibility and customer satisfaction

Maintain clear accountability boundaries while influencing outcomes through coordination communication and problem solving

Qualifications

Associates or Bachelors degree in Business Engineering Operations or related field (or equivalent experience)

5 years of experience in estimating program management or customer coordination in manufacturing

Strong understanding of cost structures including labor materials and outside processing

Excellent communication and cross-functional coordination skills

Detail-oriented with strong analytical and organizational abilities

Benefits:

Salary commensurate with experience

Full-time onsite role; Monday-Friday

8 paid US holidays

Eligible for quarterly bonus subject to company policies

401(k) matching

Medical dental and vision insurance; Life Insurance; LTD & ADD insurance

Health Reimbursement Account

Paid Time Off

Required Experience:

Manager