Estimator

Lodestone Recruitment Ltd; Barnsley; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Life assurance

Medicash Health Cash Plan

Employee Assistance Programme

Ongoing training

Career progression

Job summary

Lodestone Recruitment Ltd in Barnsley is seeking an experienced Estimator for a growing fabrication operation. You’ll turn drawings into accurate cost estimates and manage the tender process from enquiry to bid submission.

The role involves interpreting drawings, evaluating supplier quotations, and identifying commercial risks to drive profitable projects. A background in steel fabrication or heavy engineering is preferred, with clear career progression.

Qualifications

• Experience as an Estimator in steel fabrication or related heavy engineering.
• Ability to interpret engineering and fabrication drawings.
• Strong commercial awareness and cost understanding.
• Proven track record preparing competitive tenders and quotations.
• Excellent attention to detail and numerical accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Prepare estimates and detailed cost plans for fabrication and steelwork projects.
• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Obtain and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Assess material, labour, plant, and manufacturing costs.
• Identify commercial risks and opportunities in tenders.
• Support contract reviews and develop customer relationships.

Skills

Estimator experience

Drawings interpretation

Commercial awareness

Tender preparation

Attention to detail

Costing proficiency

Job description

Are you an experienced Estimator from a steel fabrication, structural steelwork, heavy engineering, or manufacturing background? Do you enjoy turning technical drawings into winning commercial opportunities while playing a key part in business growth? If so, Lodestone Recruitment has an excellent opportunity in Barnsley

Lodestone Recruitment is partnering with a leading engineering manufacturer to recruit an Estimator for their growing fabrication operation in Barnsley — a business with strong investment, a full order book, and clear UK-wide growth plans.

The role

Reporting directly to the Operations Manager, you'll own the estimating process from enquiry to bid submission — interpreting drawings and specifications to prepare accurate, competitive cost estimates across a range of structural steel and fabrication projects.

What you'll be doing

• Preparing estimates and detailed cost plans for fabrication and steelwork projects
• Interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation
• Obtaining and evaluating supplier and subcontractor quotations
• Assessing material, labour, plant, and manufacturing costs
• Identifying commercial risks and opportunities in tenders
• Supporting contract reviews and developing customer relationships

What we're looking for

• Ideally apprentice trained in Fabrication discipline like Plating, welding or general fabrication
• Previous Estimator experience in steel fabrication, structural steelwork, heavy engineering, or manufacturing
• Strong ability to interpret engineering and fabrication drawings
• Good commercial awareness and understanding of project costing
• Excellent attention to detail and numerical accuracy
• Experience preparing competitive tenders and quotations
• Desirable: knowledge of structural steel fabrication processes; exposure to bridges, rail, infrastructure, or construction projects would be an advantage

What's on offer

• £45,000–£60,000 (DOE) plus company car or car allowance
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, increasing with service
• Pension, life assurance, and Medicash Health Cash Plan
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Ongoing training and clear career progression