Estimating Manager

Chess Engineering; Welshpool; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Wales is seeking an experienced Estimating Manager to lead estimating functions for OEM-manufactured equipment. This senior role requires extensive experience in estimating, strong leadership skills, and an understanding of manufacturing processes. You will manage estimates, ensure tender accuracy, and directly influence pricing strategies. The position offers a competitive salary and a long-term career opportunity within a stable business focused on growth and system capabilities.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

Long-term career opportunity

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in estimating for OEM manufacturing or mechanical equipment.
• Proven leadership and ability to manage multiple tenders concurrently.
• Strong understanding of fabrication, machining, and assembly processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating and tendering activities for OEM-manufactured equipment.
• Prepare and review detailed cost build-ups for materials and labour.
• Ensure timely tender submissions with clear assumptions.
• Review specifications to identify risks and value-engineering opportunities.
• Work with teams to ensure accurate and competitive pricing.

Skills

Estimating for OEM manufacturing

Strong Excel skills

Leadership

Detail-oriented

Job description

Chess Engineering is a CC3-certified, triple-ISO accredited steel fabrication and mechanical engineering business based in Welshpool, WA. We manufacture complex structural and mechanical equipment for Tier-1 mining and infrastructure clients across Western Australia and nationally.

We are seeking an experienced Estimating Manager to lead our estimating function, with a strong background in OEM manufacturing, fixed plant equipment, and engineered products.

The Role

As Estimating Manager, you will be responsible for leading all estimating and tendering activities for OEM-manufactured equipment and fabricated assemblies. This is a senior, hands‑on role suited to someone who understands how equipment is actually built on the shop floor and priced accordingly.

You will manage estimators, own tender accuracy and on-time performance, and work closely with operations to ensure estimates are buildable, competitive, and commercially sound.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the estimating function for OEM-manufactured equipment and fabricated products
• Prepare and review detailed cost build‑ups covering materials, labour, surface treatment, transport, and risk
• Ensure 100% on-time tender submissions with clear assumptions, exclusions, and clarifications
• Review drawings, specifications, and scopes to identify risks and value‑engineering opportunities
• Work closely with production, procurement, and project teams to ensure pricing reflects real manufacturing outcomes
• Maintain and improve estimating systems, rate libraries, and templates
• Support post‑tender clarifications and commercial negotiations

About You

• Extensive experience in estimating for OEM manufacturing, fixed plant, bulk materials handling, or mechanical equipment
• Proven ability to lead estimators and manage multiple tenders concurrently
• Strong understanding of workshop fabrication, machining, welding, and assembly processes
• Commercially astute, detail‑driven, and comfortable owning pricing decisions
• Strong Excel and estimating system capability

What We Offer

• Senior leadership role within a stable, growing WA‑based manufacturer
• Direct influence on pricing strategy and workload pipeline
• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience
• Long‑term career opportunity within a business investing in systems and capability