Planner Estimator

Holt Engineering; Wyke Regis; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A precision engineering business in Dorset is seeking a Planner Estimator to manage CNC machining workflows from enquiry to production. The ideal candidate should have strong manufacturing knowledge, experience in estimating CNC components, and the ability to liaise effectively across teams. This full-time role offers a competitive salary in a hands-on environment, ensuring quality and efficiency in high-spec industries.

Qualifications

• Strong manufacturing knowledge from a precision engineering environment.
• Confidence in reading and interpreting engineering drawings.
• Understanding of materials such as aluminium, stainless, titanium, and plastics.
• Experience in estimating or planning CNC machined components.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full workflow from enquiry to production release.
• Review drawings, generate quotes, and plan production.
• Prepare commercial quotations and support customer queries.
• Load confirmed jobs into the MRP system.

Skills

Strong manufacturing knowledge

Ability to read engineering drawings

Understanding of materials

Experience estimating CNC components

Ability to calculate machining times

Comfortable using MRP systems

Good communication skills

Tools

Tricorn MRP system

Job description

Planner Estimator

Location Dorset

Hours Full time

Salary £40,000-£50,000 per annum

We are recruiting a Planner Estimator for a growing precision engineering business in Dorset. As Planner Estimator, you will supply high-quality CNC machined components into aerospace, defence, marine and specialist industrial markets. The company values quality, efficiency and strong communication on the shop floor.

The Role of Planner Estimator

As Planner Estimator, you will manage the full workflow from enquiry to production release. You’ll review drawings, generate quotes, load work into the MRP system and plan production. The ideal Planner Estimator has solid manufacturing knowledge, especially in CNC machining, materials, processes and machining times.

Estimating & Quoting

• As Planner Estimator, pick up new enquiries and prepare accurate quotations
• Review engineering drawings, BOMs and models as part of your Planner Estimator duties
• Identify materials, processes, tolerances and required operations
• Calculate cycle times, tooling requirements and costings
• Liaise with suppliers for material and subcontract prices
• Prepare commercial quotations and support customer queries

Planning & Workflow Coordination

• As Planner Estimator, load confirmed jobs into the MRP system (Tricorn)
• Create routings, works orders and capacity plans
• Schedule work through machining, inspection and assembly
• Review WIP and job progress, adjusting plans as the Planner Estimator
• Provide clear manufacturing instructions to production

Contract Review & Project Support

• Perform contract reviews for new orders to confirm scope, specs and commercial terms
• Ensure all customer requirements and special processes are captured
• Work alongside production, quality and machining teams to ensure job readiness

General Manufacturing Support

• Communicate with shop-floor machinists regarding methods and timings
• Support process improvements and efficiency initiatives
• Assist in resolving material, drawing or data issues as the Planner Estimator

Required Skills & Experience for the Planner Estimator

• Strong manufacturing knowledge from a precision engineering environment
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings confidently
• Understanding of materials (aluminium, stainless, titanium, plastics) and machining methods
• Experience estimating or planning CNC machined components
• Ability to calculate machining times and produce accurate cost estimates
• Comfortable using MRP systems (Tricorn experience is a plus)
• Good communication skills, you’ll be the Planner Estimator liaising across customer and shop-floor

Desirable for the Planner Estimator

• Experience in aerospace, defence or other high-spec industries
• Knowledge of inspection requirements and tight tolerances
• Understanding of subcontract processes (anodising, heat-treatment, coatings)
• Able to work in a small business environment where your Planner Estimator role will be flexible and hands-on

What Next?

Apply now or call Hayden at Holt Engineering on (phone number removed) for more information on the Planner Estimator role