Cost Estimator

Winning Form; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

Winning Form in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal is seeking a cost estimator/quotations specialist for signage projects. You will review complex requests, propose alternatives, and craft economical quotations considering materials, labor, and time.

Collaboration with Production Team Leader ensures feasible production, on-time delivery, and updated quoting records. The role requires strong negotiation, administration, and analytical skills.

Qualifications

• 5 years experience within a signage environment.
• 3 years experience of job costing analysis.
• An understanding of printing software.
• An understanding of fabrication within a signage, engineering or similar environment.
• An understanding of installation within a signage, engineering or similar environment.
• An understanding of material usage and management within a signage, engineering or similar environment.
• A valid drivers license.

Responsibilities

• Review and analyze complex requests received by customers to prepare a quotation, taking into account materials, labor cost, time etc.
• Provide suitable alternatives or suggestions to the customer with comprehensive information for an informed decision.
• Evaluate methods for producing a job and provide quotes based on the most economical method.
• Liaise with Production Team Leader on capabilities and production processes to meet deadlines.
• Provide quote revisions based on changes.
• Perform job cost analysis to ensure pricing is competitive and compliant with standards.
• Develop understanding of materials and source better suppliers for pricing.
• Work with sales team to ensure turnaround times on quotes are met.
• Act as a client liaison where required.
• Maintain administration and internal records, generate quote numbers, and file documents properly.
• Assist with internal and external stakeholders and with internal job cards.
• Assist with ad-hoc functions and create costing models for functions/departments.
• Advise and provide direction to employees on project specifications.
• Able to manage a team and anticipate market trends.
• Minimize color innovations exposure to risk on projects.

Skills

Administration

Negotiation

Tools

Printing software

Job description

• Review and analyze complex requests received by customers to prepare and provide a quotation, taking into account materials, labor cost, time etc.
• Provide suitable alternatives or suggestions to the customer based on the request with comprehensive information being supplied for the customer to make an informed decision. Look at multiple ways to execute a job and provide quotations to the customer.
• Evaluate all methods available for producing a job and provide quotes based on the most economical method.
• Liaise closely with the Production Team Leader on production capabilities and optimal production processes to meet the customer deadlines.
• Provide quote revisions based on any changes.
• Perform job cost analysis to ensure the pricing offered is competitive and in line with the business standards.
• Develop a thorough understanding of the materials used and look for additional / better suppliers to propose to management for better quality or better pricing.
• Work closely with the sales team to ensure turnaround times on quotes are met.
• Act as a client liaison where required.
• Ensure that all administration and updating of internal record keeping such as generation of quote numbers is in order. All paperwork and relevant supporting documentation to be saved in accordance with easy to understand naming conventions and accessible.
• Assist with internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist with internal job cards where necessary.
• Assist with any other ad-hoc functions as required by management.
• Create costing models for various functions / departments.
• Advise and provide direction and support to employees trying to determine specifications on a project
• Able to manage a team.
• Able to understand and anticipate market trends and be abreast of industry related matters.
• Work to minimize color innovations exposure to risk on projects.

People

• Able to build and maintain effective and productive relationships with team members, stakeholders, and suppliers.
• Good communication, negotiation, interpersonal and influential skills.
• Analytical, numerically astute with strong demonstrated problem-solving abilities.
• Able to manage time effectively, prioritize tasks and achieve set targets.
• Commercial and financial awareness with a full understanding of how failure impacts the production and customer order fulfilment.
• Able to work well under pressure and handle emergency and stressful situations.
• Keen attention to detail and accuracy.

Compliance, risk and quality

• Creating, maintaining and enforcing company policies and procedures.
• Compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
• Ensure final version and other documents are chronologically saved / backed up.

Growth and new markets/products

• Customer and supplier relationship management.
• Assist with company projects or lead company projects if specific to stock control.
• Automation and management of the ordering process using Pastel/HIS/Website.

Qualifications

• A valid drivers license
• 5 years experience within a signage environment
• 3 years experience of job costing analysis
• An understanding of printing software
• An understanding of fabrication within a signage, engineering or similar environment
• An understanding of installation within a signage, engineering or similar environment
• An understanding of material usage and management within a signage, engineering or similar environment

Required Skills

• Administration
• Negotiation

About Us

Winning Form was founded in 1987 and has since grown to become a prominent brand in South Africa. Over the years, Winning Form has expanded to include four other companies, SplashOut, Star Merchant, Star Bar & Café and Racing Distribution, making it a large and dynamic brand with a wide range of expertise.

The Winning Form Group has created an environment where our Team can thrive. We believe in fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence. Our Team is made up of talented individuals who are passionate about their work and committed to delivering the highest quality results.

As a part of our Team, you will have the opportunity to work on exciting projects, collaborate with Team Members from different areas of the business, grow with our development plans and contribute to the success of the Wining Form Group.

Job Info

• Job Identification 1260
• Job Category Signage, Printing and Publications
• Posting Date 07/23/2026, 06:22 AM
• Locations 6, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, 4320, ZA (On-site)
• Apply Before 12/06/2026, 06:20 AM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Roster No