Technical Sales Estimator (Laser Cutting)

Spooner Industries Ltd; Long Lee; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

25 holidays + bank holidays

Cycle to work scheme

Job summary

Spooner Industries Ltd is seeking a commercially driven Sales Estimator to grow our flatbed laser cutting subcontracting division in Keighley. You will own the sales process from identifying opportunities and preparing quotations to securing orders and coordinating handover into production.

You’ll review drawings, prepare competitive quotes, balance capacity and margins, and drive profitable orders while building strong customer relationships across the UK.

Qualifications

• Experience in estimating, technical sales or commercial operations within laser cutting, sheet metal fabrication or subcontract engineering.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and manufacturing specifications.
• Knowledge of sheet metal materials, grades, thicknesses and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop new business opportunities across subcontract laser cutting and sheet metal fabrication markets.
• Proactively engage prospective customers, generate enquiries and develop repeat business and long-term supply relationships.
• Review engineering drawings, CAD files and technical specifications.
• Prepare accurate, competitive quotations covering materials, cutting time, machine utilisation, labour and additional processing.
• Balance customer requirements, production capacity, lead times and commercial margins.
• Follow up quotations to maximise conversion into profitable orders.
• Process purchase orders accurately and coordinate order handover with production planning, purchasing and manufacturing teams.
• Keep customers informed about order progress, amendments and delivery expectations.
• Monitor quotation conversion, order intake, sales performance and achieved margins.
• Identify opportunities to improve estimating accuracy, material utilisation, pricing consistency and profitability.

Skills

Estimating experience

Interpret drawings

Commercial mindset

Excel proficiency

Customer communication

Organisational skills

Proactive / self-motivated

Multi-enquiry management

Tools

Excel

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Spooner Industries is looking for a commercially driven and technically capable Sales Estimator to help develop and grow our flatbed laser cutting subcontracting business in Keighley.

This newly created role offers the opportunity to shape our commercial approach, build a strong customer base and contribute directly to the growth and profitability of the operation. You will own the sales process from identifying opportunities and preparing quotations through to securing orders and coordinating a smooth handover into production.

What you’ll do

• Identify and develop new business opportunities across subcontract laser cutting and sheet metal fabrication markets.
• Proactively engage prospective customers, generate enquiries and develop repeat business and long-term supply relationships.
• Review engineering drawings, CAD files and technical specifications.
• Prepare accurate, competitive quotations covering materials, cutting time, machine utilisation, labour and additional processing.
• Balance customer requirements, production capacity, lead times and commercial margins.
• Follow up quotations to maximise conversion into profitable orders.
• Process purchase orders accurately and coordinate order handover with production planning, purchasing and manufacturing teams.
• Keep customers informed about order progress, amendments and delivery expectations.
• Monitor quotation conversion, order intake, sales performance and achieved margins.
• Identify opportunities to improve estimating accuracy, material utilisation, pricing consistency and profitability.

What we’re looking for

• Experience in estimating, technical sales or commercial operations within laser cutting, sheet metal fabrication or subcontract engineering.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and manufacturing specifications.
• Knowledge of sheet metal materials, grades, thicknesses and manufacturing processes.
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to protect margins while remaining competitive.
• Excellent customer communication, relationship-building and organisational skills.
• Confidence using Microsoft Excel and business management systems.
• A proactive, self-motivated approach and the ability to manage multiple enquiries and orders independently.

It would be an advantage if you have

• Experience of flatbed fibre laser cutting and associated manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of laser cutting estimating, CAD/CAM or nesting software.
• An understanding of production planning, machine capacity and material utilisation.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems.
• Established contacts within the Yorkshire manufacturing and engineering sectors.

What you’ll bring

• A strong focus on winning profitable business.
• Confidence in approaching prospective customers.
• Technical capability and excellent attention to detail.
• A professional, responsive and customer-focused approach.
• The ability to build effective relationships across sales, purchasing and manufacturing.
• Accountability and ownership from initial enquiry through to order completion.

What's on offer and role details

• Benefits: Company pension, 25 holidays plus bank holidays, corporate eye care, cycle to work scheme plus more
• Location: Hybrid spending time in either Ilkley or Keighley, with occasional travel to customer sites in the UK
• Reporting to: Operations Director