At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage customer enquiries and create accurate costings for projects.
- Company: Dynamic engineering firm in the North of Birmingham.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for growth and a supportive team.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Gain real responsibility and make an impact in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Mechanical or manufacturing background, strong numerical skills, and a proactive mindset.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Location: North of Birmingham
Employment Type: Full-time, permanent
About the Role
We’re looking for a Cost Engineer to join our clients commercial team, supporting both new and repeat customer enquiries by producing accurate, commercially sound quotations. This role goes beyond traditional estimating. You’ll combine technical understanding, commercial awareness, and customer communication, taking ownership of the full enquiry lifecycle — from technical review to quotation follow-up.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Taking ownership of customer enquiries from receipt through to quotation and follow-up
- Preparing detailed and accurate costings, including materials, tooling, subcontract processes, and internal manufacture
- Liaising with suppliers and internal teams (Production, Engineering, QA, Toolroom) to gather technical and cost input
- Reading and interpreting technical drawings and specifications to ensure feasibility and identify risks
- Maintaining accurate records in the ERP and CRM systems, including parts, BOMs, and routers
- Following up quotations to maximise conversion rates and gather customer feedback
- Reviewing estimated vs actual costs to improve costing accuracy and margin control
- Supporting continuous improvement by identifying weaknesses in costing data and processes
About You
You don’t need to tick every box — we’re much more interested in attitude, curiosity, and potential. Ideally, you’ll have:
- A mechanical or manufacturing engineering background (degree or apprenticeship welcome)
- Experience in a manufacturing or production environment (presswork, stamping, machining, or similar)
- Some exposure to costing, estimating, or commercial engineering activities
- The ability to read and understand technical drawings
- Experience using or working with ERP/MRP systems and Excel
- Strong numerical skills and attention to detail
- The confidence to communicate with customers and internal teams
- A proactive mindset with a desire to learn, develop, and progress
Why Join
- A technically engaging role with real responsibility and ownership
- Exposure to customers, manufacturing, tooling, and commercial decision-making
- Opportunity to grow beyond estimating into broader engineering or process improvement work
- Supportive, collaborative team environment
- A business that values ideas, accuracy, and continuous improvement
Our Commitment
We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. If you’re interested in the role but unsure whether you meet every requirement, we’d still love to hear from you.
Cost Engineer in Birmingham employer: 1492 Ltd
Join a dynamic team in the North of Birmingham as a Cost Engineer, where you will enjoy a supportive and collaborative work culture that values your ideas and encourages continuous improvement. With opportunities for professional growth beyond traditional estimating roles, you will take on real responsibility while engaging with customers and various internal teams. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that all backgrounds are welcomed, making this an excellent place for meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Engineer in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and understanding their projects. Tailor your answers to show how your skills in costing and engineering can directly benefit them. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can set you apart from other candidates. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference. Plus, it’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Engineer in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Cost Engineer role. Highlight any relevant engineering background, costing experience, and your ability to read technical drawings. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your enthusiasm for the role and explain why you're the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your proactive mindset and desire to learn – we love that!
Show Off Your Attention to Detail:As a Cost Engineer, accuracy is key. Make sure your application is free from typos and errors. This shows us that you take pride in your work and understand the importance of precision in costings.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at 1492 Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Cost Engineer, you'll be dealing with costings all the time. Brush up on your numerical skills and be ready to discuss how you approach cost estimation. Bring examples of past projects where you successfully managed costs or improved accuracy.
✨Understand Technical Drawings
Make sure you can read and interpret technical drawings. Familiarise yourself with common symbols and terminology used in engineering. During the interview, be prepared to explain how you've used this skill in previous roles or projects.
✨Show Your Communication Skills
This role involves liaising with various teams and customers. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think of examples where you've effectively communicated complex information to non-technical stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Your Proactive Mindset
Employers love candidates who take initiative. Be ready to share instances where you've identified weaknesses in processes or suggested improvements. Highlight your eagerness to learn and grow within the role.
