Manufacturing Estimator

New Appointments Group Ltd; Stone Cross; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A skilled recruiting agency is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Estimator to join a busy engineering team. The ideal candidate will prepare detailed estimates and support production planning. Key qualifications include experience in manufacturing, proficiency in Excel and ERP systems, and strong analytical skills. The role offers a full-time, permanent contract in Sandwich, UK.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Manufacturing Estimator or similar role in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of materials and production methods.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates and quotations by reviewing drawings.
• Calculate costs of materials, labour, tooling, and duration.
• Liaise with suppliers for up-to-date pricing.
• Support production planning and identify potential bottlenecks.

Skills

Cost estimation

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Excel

CAD software

Job description

Manufacturing Estimator
Location: Sandwich
Contract: Full-time, Permanent

About the Role

On behalf of our client, we are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Estimator to join a busy engineering/manufacturing team. In this role, you'll be responsible for producing accurate and competitive quotations by analysing drawings, specifications, and customer requirements. You'll calculate realistic material, labour, tooling, and production time costs, and enter Bill of Materials, routing information, and time estimates into the ERP system where required. Beyond estimating, you'll support production planning to ensure smooth workflow from quotation through to delivery, updating time estimates where necessary after production to improve accuracy.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates and quotations by reviewing drawings, specifications, and job requirements.
• Calculate costs of materials, labour, tooling, overheads, and job duration.
• Enter Bill of Materials, routing information, and time estimates into ERP/MRP systems.
• Liaise with suppliers to obtain up-to-date material and subcontractor pricing.
• Support production planning by helping schedule jobs, monitoring progress, and identifying potential bottlenecks.
• Align material availability with planned production schedules.
• Provide feedback to improve costing accuracy and contribute to process improvements that reduce waste and enhance efficiency.
• Maintain clear communication across estimating, sales, production, and planning teams.

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience as a Manufacturing Estimator, Cost Engineer, or similar role in a manufacturing/engineering environment.
• Strong understanding of materials, machining, fabrication, and production methods.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
• Knowledge of production planning principles and workflow scheduling.
• Proficiency in Excel; experience with ERP/MRP systems desirable. CAD or engineering drawing software knowledge would be an advantage.
• Excellent numeracy, analytical skills, and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills with commercial awareness of margins, cost recovery, and profitability.
• Methodical, accurate, and organised approach, with a proactive and continuous improvement mindset.

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment in line with the Equality Act 2010. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. New Appointments Group acts as an Employment Agency for permanent roles and as an Employment Business for temporary roles.