Switchgear Manager

About Shepherd Electric SupplySince 1892, Shepherd Electric Supply has been the first call when complex, time-critical electrical challenges need to be solved, and reliability truly matters. We move materials accurately and on time, so contractors stay on schedule, projects stay on track, and customers never have to wonder if we will come through.Our success comes from people who take pride in doing things the right way — safely, accurately, and with care for teammates and customers alike. If you want to do work that matters at a company that notices, this is the place.Why This Role MattersSwitchgear is one of the most technically complex and margin-significant parts of our business. When bids are accurate, competitive, and submitted on time, Shepherd wins projects — and keeps the customers who depend on us to get it right.The Switchgear Estimating Manager leads the team responsible for that outcome. This is not a back-office role — it is a leadership position that sits at the intersection of technical expertise, customer relationships, and business growth. You oversee estimators, own process quality, and serve as the bridge between customers, sales, engineering, and vendors.When this function runs well — bids are clean, deadlines are met, and customers trust us with their next project — it becomes one of the most powerful drivers of Shepherd’s growth in commercial, industrial, and government markets.How This Role Connects To Our CompassWe Keep Our Promises: Customers trust Shepherd to deliver accurate bids on time. Your team’s estimates are the foundation of that promise — and when something is off, you own the correction, not the excuse.We Stay Hungry: You are always asking how bids can be faster, more accurate, and more competitive. You surface patterns in misses and wins, push for process improvement, and bring ideas that make Shepherd harder to beat.We Grow Together: Your estimators grow because you invest in them. You develop technical depth and process discipline on your team so the function does not depend on any one person — including you.We Own It: Bid accuracy and deadline performance are yours. You do not wait for someone else to flag a problem — you see it, address it, and redesign the process so it does not happen again.We Go Above & Beyond: You anticipate what customers need before they ask and what competitors will bid before you see their number. You bring differentiated service — technical knowledge, responsiveness, and reliability — that makes Shepherd the obvious call.Key OutcomesOrganized by what matters, not just what you do.Estimating Accuracy & Bid QualityReview project specifications, drawings, and requirements to develop detailed, accurate cost estimates for switchgear systemsEnsure bids are complete, competitive, and submitted on time — no dropped deadlines, no avoidable errorsMaintain accuracy standards and review team estimates before submission to catch errors before the customer doesTeam Leadership & DevelopmentOversee and mentor the switchgear estimating team — providing guidance, training, and direct performance feedbackSet clear expectations aligned with the Shepherd Compass and hold the team accountable to themDevelop estimators so the team builds technical depth and can execute without depending on you for every answerParticipate in executive meetings to represent estimating performance, surface challenges, and contribute to strategic planningCustomer & Cross-Functional CollaborationCollaborate with sales, engineering, and project management to ensure estimates align with customer needs and company goalsServe as the liaison between estimating, customer service, and technical teams to drive customer acquisition and project profitabilityCommunicate proactively on bid status, exceptions, and customer escalations — flag issues before they become missed opportunitiesVendor Relationships & ProcurementMaintain and grow relationships with switchgear vendors and manufacturers to secure competitive pricing and current product informationLeverage vendor partnerships to differentiate Shepherd’s bids on value, availability, and technical fit — not just priceStay current on product lines, specifications, and pricing so the team’s estimates are always grounded in real-world numbersProcess Improvement & Strategic GrowthLead efforts to improve estimating tools, workflows, and accuracy — act on inefficiencies, do not just report themSupport strategic growth initiatives including market expansion, new customer acquisition, and differentiated service offeringsEnsure compliance with company policies, industry standards, and safety regulations across all estimating activitiesWhat Success Looks LikeAfter 90 days, you and your manager should both be able to point to these markers:Bids go out accurately and on time — rework and errors tied to estimating mistakes are rareThe estimating team knows what is expected and executes without needing to be managed on every bidSales and leadership trust that the estimating function runs correctly and communicates proactivelyVendor relationships are active and producing competitive pricing that supports win rateAt least one process improvement has been identified, tested, and implemented in your first 90 daysWho Thrives HereThis role is a strong fit if:You are solutions-oriented and customer-focused — you see a customer’s problem and work backward to the right bid, not the easiest oneYou take pride in accuracy — an error in a bid is not just a number problem, it is a reliability problem, and you treat it that wayYou lead by developing people, not by doing their work for them — you want a team that improves because you invested in itYou communicate directly — with customers, with vendors, with sales, and with leadership — and you do not let issues sitYou are highly motivated and thrive in an environment that rewards ownership, not just activityQualifications & RequirementsHigh school diploma or equivalent required; college degree preferredExperience in switchgear estimating, preferably with a background in electrical distribution, manufacturing, or a related fieldProficiency in reading and interpreting electrical drawings and specificationsStrong leadership and team management skills with a demonstrated track record of developing peopleExcellent verbal and written communication skills; comfortable working across departments and with external partnersFamiliarity with vendor relationships and procurement processes in the electrical industryOnsite presence required; this is not a hybrid roleAbility to successfully complete pre-employment screening requirementsWhy Join Shepherd Electric SupplyCompetitive pay with opportunity tied to performanceMedical, dental, and life insurancePrescription drug coveragePaid vacation and personal time401(k) with employer match130+ years of industry leadership — and we’re still growingA culture where reliability is noticed, ownership is rewarded, and people come firstA company scaling into new markets — with real paths to grow with itCompensation Details: The expected starting rate of pay for this position is $150,000 annually, depending on experience. This position is also commission eligible, based on specific and relevant business metrics.Equal Opportunity EmployerShepherd Electric Supply is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.Why should you join Shepherd Electrical Supply?At Shepherd Electric Supply, excellence in service, pricing, and products has been our mission since 1892. As the oldest wholesale electrical distributor in the Baltimore/Washington area, we take pride in our exceptional customer service and extensive inventory.We have a rich history of partnering with industry leaders like Siemens and Eaton, and our commitment to quality and innovation has made us a trusted name in the industry. Join our team and be a part of our legacy!Apply now and find out what’s next for you.Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/DisabledNot the right fit? Let us know you're interested in a future opportunity by clicking Introduce Yourself in the top-right corner of the page or create an account to set up email alerts as new job postings become available that meet your interest!