Va Connect (Pty) Ltd

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are looking for an experienced Signage Estimator & Vendor Sourcing Specialist with direct sign industry experience to support the inside sales team. Because about half of the shop's custom jobs are produced out-of-house, the role is equal parts technical estimating and creative vendor sourcing. You need to understand how custom signs are constructed (substrates, fabrication techniques and installation methods) and be proactive in using digital tools, corporate vendor lists and AI tools such as Gemini to find and quote third-party fabricators fast.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• 1 Technical estimating Build precise, fast estimates in CoreBridge for custom interior and exterior signage projects. Specify substrates, vinyl, laminates, sizing, colours, finishing and quantities correctly for each job. Apply pricing logic and mark-ups so every estimate is ready to go to the client as a quote.
• 2 Outsourced vendor sourcing (approx. 50% of volume) Identify wholesale sign fabricators and specialty vendors for jobs that are not produced in-house. Contact vendors by phone, email or web submission and obtain competitive quotes. Track vendor responses, compare pricing and turnaround, and build the final customer quote.
• 3 Creative sourcing and problem solving Use corporate vendor directories, web research and AI prompt engineering (e.g. Gemini) to work out how a complex custom sign can be built. Find capable production partners quickly when a job falls outside the usual vendor list.
• 4 Internal collaboration Work hand-in-hand with the Stamford-based inside sales team to clarify project scope and confirm material specifications. Have estimates ready for rapid client presentation. Flag unusual or complex jobs early so the sales team can set client expectations.

MUST-HAVE QUALIFICATIONS

Sign industry experience Proven track record in sign shop estimation, production or project coordination. You understand sign construction, materials and substrates, digital printing and finishing processes. Sign software Hands-on experience with CoreBridge, or equivalent sign management software such as Cyrious Control or shopVOX. AI and sourcing aptitude Comfortable using AI tools (Gemini, ChatGPT) and modern web tools to research specialised fabrication techniques and locate wholesale vendors efficiently. Communication and overlap Strong written and conversational English. Available to overlap at least 4 hours per day with US Eastern Time for real-time collaboration with the Connecticut team.

WHO THIS ROLE SUITS

Former sign shop project managers, estimators or pre-production specialists, particularly those who have worked offshore for US-based signage or print operations. People who put speed and initiative first, and who would rather solve a custom fabrication challenge than read from a static price sheet.