Head of Customer Programs & Estimating

At Senra Systems, we believe that the future of manufacturing lies not in automation, but in configuration.  

We supercharge electrical wire harness manufacturing through software configuration, transforming skilled assembly tasks into high-throughput production lines. We enable customers to design what they want, when they want it and deliver harness builds at record-breaking speed.

Position Overview

We are looking for a Head of Customer Programs & Estimating to lead the organization responsible for customer engagement, technical program management, estimating, quoting, and long-term account growth. 

This is a highly visible executive leadership role with direct interaction with the COO, CEO, and CTPO. 

The Head of Customer Programs & Estimating is responsible for building and leading the customer-facing engine that converts customer demand into profitable, repeat production business. This leader will oversee all estimating, quoting, program management, technical program management, customer communications, and account growth activities. They will be accountable for customer experience, quote conversion, estimating accuracy, organizational scalability, and long-term revenue growth. 

This role requires a unique blend of manufacturing expertise, commercial acumen, technical credibility, leadership capability, and operational discipline. The ideal candidate has spent significant time in high-growth manufacturing environments and understands both how products are built and how customers are won and retained. This role will require up to 25% of travel time as required. 

Organization

The Head of Customer Programs & Estimating will lead the teams responsible for customer engagement, technical program management, estimating, quoting, and program execution. The organization currently consists of an Estimating function (Estimating Administrators, Estimators, and Estimating Engineers), a Program Management function supporting awarded production programs, and a growing Technical Program Management function responsible for strategic customers and high-priority opportunities through an end-to-end ownership model. This leader will be responsible not only for managing these teams, but also for determining how the organization should evolve and scale over time to support company growth. 

What you'll own:

Leadership & Organizational Development 

• Build and lead a high-performing Customer Programs & Estimating organization. Recruit, develop, and retain top talent. 
• Drive accountability through metrics, operating reviews, and performance management. 
• Create a culture of ownership, urgency, creativity, customer focus, and continuous improvement. 

Estimating & Quoting 

• Own company-wide estimating and quoting performance. 
• Improve quote turnaround times, estimate accuracy, and consistency.  
• Establish scalable estimating methodologies and pricing frameworks. 
• Refine labor estimating models and quoting tools. 
• Drive continuous improvement of estimating systems and workflows. 
• Develop processes for both standard production work and large, strategic contract opportunities. 

Customer Programs & Account Management 

• Own strategic customer relationships. Develop customer engagement strategies that increase retention and repeat business. 
• Drive proactive customer communication throughout the program lifecycle. 
• Ensure customer expectations are understood, communicated, and met. 
• Create systems for capturing customer feedback and converting it into operational improvements. 

Revenue Growth & Commercial Performance 

• Improve quote win rates and customer retention. Increase repeat business and long-term program conversions. 
• Partner with executive leadership on pricing strategy. 
• Analyze win/loss trends and implement corrective actions. 
• Ensure customer growth strategies align with company capacity and profitability goals. 

Systems, Process & Automation 

• Partner closely with Product and Software teams to improve business systems. 
• Identify opportunities for automation throughout the customer lifecycle. 
• Improve visibility into quote status, customer activity, forecasting, and program execution. 
• Define software requirements and process improvements that improve throughput without requiring proportional headcount growth. 

Cross-Functional Leadership 

• Partner closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Business Development, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance, Product, and Software teams. 
• Ensure customer commitments align with operational realities. 
• Resolve cross-functional issues impacting customers, schedules, or profitability. 
• Act as the executive escalation point for major customer and program issues. 

What you'll bring to the team:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations, or a related field. 
• 8+ years of experience in hardware, aerospace, defense, automotive, industrial technology, or advanced manufacturing environments. 
• 5+ years of leadership experience at the Senior Manager, Director, VP, General Manager, or equivalent level. 
• Experience leading managers and multi-disciplinary organizations. 
• Experience operating within a high-growth, high-mix manufacturing environment. 
• Experience working directly with customers, suppliers, engineering teams, and manufacturing organizations. 
• Strong understanding of estimating, quoting, pricing, customer programs, or commercial operations. 
• Demonstrated success building teams, processes, and operating systems. 
• Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving capabilities. 
• Experience using metrics and KPIs to drive organizational performance. 
• Excellent communication and executive presentation skills. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Engineering degree strongly preferred. 
• Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Operations leadership background. 
• Experience leading customer-facing organizations within aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing. 
• Experience scaling organizations from startup through rapid growth. 
• Experience with ERP, MES, CRM, and estimating software platforms. 
• Experience supporting large strategic contracts and long-term production programs. 

Compensation:  

• Compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.  
• Salary Range: $195,000-$300,000 
• This is an onsite role at our headquarters in Cypress, CA.   

Benefits:  

• Unmatched opportunities to drive impact on a friendly and mission-driven team  
• Own a piece of the pie with equity participation!   
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability coverage  
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Spending Account (DSA) for health-related expenses  
• 20 vacation days per year and 12 company holidays for rest and relaxation
• a 401(k) plan to set yourself up for retirement
• Choose a record you love, and we’ll add it to our growing vinyl collection!  
• $50/month DoorDash credit – lunch is on us!   
• Up to $100/month reimbursement for gym memberships   
• Fully stocked kitchen with snacks and beverages  
• Regular team-building events, lunches, and the occasional breakfast burrito!   
• Bright, open office with communal spaces for collaboration and free parking  
• Conveniently located near the metro, major freeways and local dining spots  

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Contact us at [email protected] or visit our website https://senrasystems.us. 

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.