Estimator

Straco Group; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading design and manufacturing specialist in London is seeking an Estimator / Buyer to manage costing and purchasing activities. This varied role requires ensuring that designs are commercially viable and efficiently produced, alongside preparing cost estimates and liaising with team members to maximize project profitability.

Responsibilities

• Managing the costing and enquiry schedule.
• Attending meetings and understanding market expectations.
• Analysing concept designs and developing practical, cost-effective engineering solutions.
• Applying in-house costing methods to balance cost, quality, and efficiency.
• Preparing costing sheets for sign-off.
• Creating cost estimates using in-house estimating packages.
• Making quick make/buy decisions with the Manufacturing Manager and Commercial Director.
• Preparing and sending RFQs to suppliers with supporting drawings/specifications.
• Value engineering designs to maximise profitability.
• Supporting designers with cost parameters during early concept development.
• Liaising with technical and purchasing teams at handover meetings.
• Supporting sales colleagues in client meetings from a technical/costing perspective.
• Conducting post-production analysis to improve future projects.
• Managing purchasing activity, placement of orders, and budget tracking.

Job description

Overview

Our client is a leading design and manufacturing specialist in retail and brand environments. With a strong heritage and reputation for innovation, they deliver bespoke solutions across displays, fixtures, and point-of-sale for some of the world’s most recognisable brands and retailers. They’re now looking for an Estimator / Buyer to join their team. This is a varied role working across estimating, purchasing, and value engineering, ensuring concepts are not only creatively exciting but also commercially viable and efficiently produced.

Responsibilities

• Managing the costing and enquiry schedule
• Attending meetings and understanding market expectations
• Analysing concept designs and developing practical, cost-effective engineering solutions
• Applying in-house costing methods to balance cost, quality, and efficiency
• Preparing costing sheets for sign-off
• Creating cost estimates using in-house estimating packages
• Making quick make/buy decisions with the Manufacturing Manager and Commercial Director
• Preparing and sending RFQs to suppliers with supporting drawings/specifications
• Value engineering designs to maximise profitability
• Supporting designers with cost parameters during early concept development
• Liaising with technical and purchasing teams at handover meetings
• Supporting sales colleagues in client meetings from a technical/costing perspective
• Conducting post-production analysis to improve future projects
• Managing purchasing activity, placement of orders, and budget tracking