Estimator

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

Job summary

A leading design and manufacturing specialist in Greater London is looking for an Estimator / Buyer to join their team. The role involves managing costing schedules, preparing RFQs, and collaborating with designers to ensure efficient and cost-effective solutions. Ideal candidates will have experience in estimating and purchasing within a similar industry, and be able to engage effectively with suppliers and technical teams.

Qualifications

• Experience in estimating, purchasing, and value engineering.
• Knowledge of costing methods and market expectations.

Responsibilities

• Manage costing and enquiry schedule.
• Attend meetings to understand market expectations.
• Analyze concept designs for cost-effective solutions.
• Prepare costing sheets for sign-off.
• Create cost estimates using in-house software.
• Make prompt buy decisions with management.
• Prepare and send RFQs to suppliers.
• Value engineer designs to maximize profitability.

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