Manufacturing Estimator

JR United Kingdom; Wirral; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A thriving manufacturing business in the UK seeks an Estimator to manage customer inquiries, develop costings, and drive commercial decisions in a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion. This role offers long-term stability and contributes to technically challenging projects using advanced machining technology, ideal for professionals with a background in engineering and estimation.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

Generous pension contributions

Family-friendly benefits

Qualifications

• Proven experience in technical estimation within a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to interpret complex specifications.
• Competent use of MS Office for project management.

Responsibilities

• Manage customer enquiries from initial receipt through to quotation submission.
• Conduct make-vs-buy analysis and compile profitability statements for quotations.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, purchasing, and finance teams.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical abilities

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

HNC/HND or equivalent experience

Tools

MS Office

MS Excel

MRP system

Job description

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A great long-term opportunity for an Estimator to join a successful and fast-growing manufacturing business with a globally recognised brand.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Estimator to join a thriving and forward-thinking manufacturer based near Ellesmere Port. With a state-of-the-art facility equipped with advanced machining technology, you will be joining a team that is at the forefront of technical excellence and continuous growth. The company boasts an impressive order book extending well into the next decade, offering you long-term stability and the chance to contribute to highly technical projects. You will benefit from a competitive salary package, generous pension contributions, enhanced family-friendly benefits, and a supportive environment that champions equality, diversity, and inclusion.

What you'll do:

Your day-to-day responsibilities as Estimator will involve managing customer enquiries from initial receipt through to quotation submission, working collaboratively with engineering, production, purchasing, and finance colleagues to assess project feasibility and develop accurate costings. By conducting thorough make-vs-buy analysis and compiling profitability statements for each quotation, you'll help drive sound commercial decisions, while accurate and concise proposals and records will be key in securing new business while supporting ongoing process improvements. Success in this role requires excellent communication skills, attention to detail, strong analytical abilities, and a commitment to delivering outstanding service both internally and externally.

• Process customer enquiries efficiently by following established Enquiry/Quotation Procedures while adhering to customer instructions and deadlines.
• Assess the requirements of each customer enquiry by consulting with engineering, production, purchasing, and finance teams to evaluate capability, production capacity, manufacturing methods, resource allocation, project management needs, make-vs-buy considerations, and potential capital investments.
• Determine whether it is appropriate to submit bids for specific projects after thorough internal consultation and analysis.
• For submitted bids, estimate required man-hours accurately and ensure competitive quotes are obtained for all externally sourced components or services.
• Compile detailed cost analysis and produce profitability statements for all quotations to support informed decision-making within the business.
• Undertake make-vs-buy analysis when necessary to optimise manufacturing strategies and resource utilisation.
• Construct clear and compelling quotations and proposals; follow up on submissions as needed to secure orders from clients.
• Maintain the integrity of the enquiry/quotation database by ensuring all relevant information is kept up-to-date at all times.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams throughout the quotation process to ensure alignment with business objectives and client expectations.
• Support ongoing improvements in processes related to estimation, quoting, and project handover by sharing insights gained from day-to-day activities.

What you bring:

You will bring proven experience in technical estimation within a manufacturing environment - ideally with a formal engineering qualification (HNC/HND or similar) to help with the need for interpreting complex specifications. A level of proficiency in MS Office will allow you to manage projects efficiently while communicating effectively across departments, while interpersonal strengths should assist building trust-based relationships with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. As the company are utilising MS Excel and a local MRP system ahead of a scheduled migration to SAP, experience using these systems would be a massive advantage.

• HNC level engineering qualification or equivalent experience is essential for understanding technical requirements within manufacturing environments.
• Competent use of MS Office is required for effective project planning, data analysis, documentation management, and communication across departments.
• Excellent interpersonal skills are vital for collaborating with cross-functional teams including engineering, production, purchasing, finance, and project management.
• Strong organisational abilities enable you to manage multiple enquiries simultaneously while maintaining accuracy under tight deadlines.
• Analytical thinking supports your ability to conduct detailed cost analyses and make-vs-buy assessments that inform strategic decisions.
• Attention to detail ensures that all quotations are precise and that database records remain reliable for future reference.
• Effective written communication skills allow you to construct clear proposals that resonate with clients while meeting internal standards.
• A collaborative approach helps foster positive relationships within teams focused on shared goals of quality delivery and customer satisfaction.

What's next:

If you're interested in the position and want to explore the opportunity further, please apply using the link provided.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates