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- Tasks: Design innovative packaging solutions and create accurate estimates for production.
- Company: Join Ablebox, a sustainable packaging manufacturer with a community focus.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, extra holiday, and fun team events.
- Why this job: Be part of a progressive team using AI to revolutionise packaging design.
- Qualifications: CAD design experience preferred; strong commercial awareness is a plus.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Salary: £35k - £45k, dependent on experience
Location: Primarily based at our Sherborne site (office-based)
Hours: Monday to Friday, full-time
Company: Ablebox
Ablebox is a well-established, independently owned manufacturer of sustainable corrugated packaging, with three well-invested sites in Sherborne, Yeovil and Henstridge. We produce our own corrugated board, convert it into high-quality packaging solutions, and deliver using our own fleet.
We are progressive and improvement-led, actively harnessing AI and modern digital tools to streamline workflows, improve decision-making and raise standards across the business. We are also working towards B Corp accreditation and are proud supporters of our local community. We invest in our team and are always looking for great people to join us.
We are looking for a CAD Designer & Estimator to join our ambitious Sherborne team. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys combining technical design with commercial thinking, creating well-engineered packaging solutions and pricing them accurately and confidently. Full training is provided.
You will work closely with Sales, Operations and Production to turn customer requirements into practical, manufacturable designs, backed by estimates that reflect both performance needs and commercial reality.
Key responsibilities:
- Create corrugated packaging designs (FEFCO and bespoke concepts) suitable for manufacture
- Produce CAD drawings, specifications and supporting documentation
- Build accurate estimates and quotations
- Reproducing artwork graphics
- Support value engineering by optimising design and board grades to meet performance requirements without unnecessary cost
- Liaise with internal teams to ensure designs are production-ready and efficiently manufacturable
- Assist with sample/NPD work and respond promptly to technical queries from customers and colleagues
- Maintain strong cost discipline and clear records for repeatability and consistency
What we are looking for:
- CAD design experience (corrugated packaging experience welcome, but not essential)
- Estimating experience, or strong commercial awareness with the desire to develop into estimating
- Knowledge of or appetite to learn board grades, case styles and manufacturing constraints
- Confident communicator who can work across technical and commercial teams
- Organised, accurate and able to manage multiple jobs at once
- A do it properly mindset, with drive to improve how things are done
What you will get:
- A key role in a progressive manufacturing business with sustained investment and a strong pipeline of work
- A supportive team environment with clear standards and proper backing
- Variety: bespoke designs, real-world problem solving, and meaningful commercial impact
- Competitive salary
- Company pension, holiday entitlement and additional holiday purchase scheme
- Paid day off for your birthday
- Loyalty bonus, cycle to work scheme, regular company-funded social events
- Free on-site parking and more
How to apply:
Send your CV and a short note on your experience (design, estimating, or both) and why this role suits you. In line with our B Corp commitments and community focus, we particularly encourage applications from candidates based in the Wessex region; however, all suitably qualified applicants will be considered.
CAD Designer & Estimator in Sherborne employer: Ablebox Ltd
Contact Detail:
Ablebox Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land CAD Designer & Estimator in Sherborne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local events, and connect with potential colleagues 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
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best CAD designs and estimating work. This visual evidence of your talent can really set you apart from other candidates when you’re chatting with hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Ablebox and understanding their values, especially their commitment to sustainability and community. Tailor your answers to reflect how you can contribute to their goals and culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Ablebox.
We think you need these skills to ace CAD Designer & Estimator in Sherborne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are relevant to the CAD Designer & Estimator role. Highlight any design or estimating experience you have, and don’t forget to mention your commercial awareness!
Craft a Compelling Cover Note: In your cover note, share why you’re excited about this role at Ablebox. Talk about how your background aligns with their focus on sustainable packaging and your passion for combining technical design with commercial thinking.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since the role involves liaising with various teams, it’s important to demonstrate your communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to show that you can effectively convey ideas across technical and commercial teams.
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 this exciting opportunity at Ablebox!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ablebox Ltd
✨Know Your CAD Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your CAD skills before the interview. Familiarise yourself with the specific software they use and be ready to discuss your previous design projects. Being able to talk confidently about your technical experience will show them you're serious about the role.
✨Understand the Packaging Industry
Do some research on corrugated packaging and the latest trends in sustainable materials. Knowing about FEFCO standards and how they apply to the designs you'll be creating can really impress the interviewers. It shows that you're not just interested in the job, but also in the industry as a whole.
✨Prepare for Estimating Questions
Since estimating is a key part of the role, be prepared to discuss how you would approach pricing and cost management. Think of examples from your past experiences where you had to balance quality and cost. This will demonstrate your commercial awareness and problem-solving skills.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
This role involves working closely with various teams, so highlight your communication skills and teamwork experience. Be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated with others to achieve a common goal. They want to see that you can fit into their supportive team environment.
