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- Tasks: Prepare accurate cost estimates and support technical operations in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Company: Established engineering and manufacturing organisation with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days leave, pension scheme, and full training provided.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and gain valuable experience in a specialist engineering role.
- Qualifications: Strong IT skills, CAD experience preferred, and a practical, solutions-focused mindset.
- Other info: Opportunity for long-term stability and career growth in a modern office setting.
We are partnering with a long-established engineering and manufacturing organisation to appoint an Estimator who will play a key role within their technical and commercial operations. This vacancy arises due to an upcoming retirement, creating a period of transition in which knowledge transfer and structured handover will be available.
The successful candidate will contribute directly to accurate cost preparation, quotation quality and technical support, working closely with internal teams to ensure high standards of customer service and operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities- Preparing accurate cost estimates covering materials, labour and associated services
- Inputting cost data into internal systems, predominantly Excel and the company's CRM
- Identifying, investigating and addressing variances between estimated and actual costs
- Reviewing and processing all Requests for Quotes (RFQs) from customers and sales colleagues within agreed service levels
- Liaising with internal and external sales teams to clarify technical or commercial queries
- Producing CAD drawings where required; the business currently uses SolidWorks
- Reading, interpreting and working from engineering drawings
- Ensuring drawings and technical files are stored and maintained in line with company policy
- Contributing to internal process improvements and supporting product and process standardisation initiatives
- Supporting new product development activities where required
- Maintaining accurate CRM entries, including pricing and project information
- Building effective working relationships across departments to support overall sales performance
- Carrying out any additional duties reasonably required to support the team
The ideal candidate will bring a combination of technical understanding, analytical ability and professional communication skills. Specifically, we are seeking:
- Strong IT proficiency, particularly within Excel
- CAD experience, ideally SolidWorks, or the willingness to upskill quickly
- Ability to confidently read and interpret engineering drawings
- Previous experience within an engineering or manufacturing environment
- A practical, solutions-focused approach
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Confident telephone manner when engaging with suppliers and colleagues
- Ability to work independently while contributing to a team-based environment
- Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
- Salary: £30,000 to £37,000 depending on experience, with potential flexibility for an exceptional candidate
- Hours: Monday to Thursday: 8:00 to 16:35, Friday: 8:00 to 15:45
- Office-based role in a modern working environment
- Free on-site parking
- Pension scheme (auto enrolment)
- 25 days annual leave plus 8 statutory days
- Death in Service benefit
- Sickness Bonus
- Full in-house training provided
This is an excellent opportunity for an Estimator seeking long-term stability, structured training and involvement in a specialist engineering environment. With key team members available for a full handover, the successful candidate will be well supported as they become established in the role.
Estimator in Leeds employer: Headway Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Headway Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the engineering and manufacturing sectors, especially those who work as estimators. Use LinkedIn to connect and engage with them; you never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and CAD skills. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled cost estimation challenges in the past. We want to see your problem-solving skills shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills! During interviews, make sure to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently. Remember, you're not just an estimator; you're a key player in ensuring customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimator in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Estimator role. Highlight your technical skills, especially in Excel and CAD, and any relevant experience in engineering or manufacturing. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your analytical ability and communication skills. We love a good story that shows your passion for the industry!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role involves reading engineering drawings and using CAD software, make sure to mention any relevant projects or experiences. If you’ve worked with SolidWorks, let us know! We’re keen on candidates who can hit the ground running.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about StudySmarter and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at Headway Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Estimator, you'll be dealing with cost estimates and pricing. Brush up on your Excel skills and be ready to discuss how you've used it in previous roles. Be prepared to talk about specific examples where your analytical skills made a difference in cost preparation.
✨Get Familiar with CAD
If you have experience with SolidWorks or any CAD software, make sure to highlight it. If you're not as familiar, show your willingness to learn. You might even want to bring a portfolio of any relevant CAD drawings you've worked on to showcase your skills.
✨Understand the Engineering Basics
Since the role involves reading and interpreting engineering drawings, take some time to brush up on your technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you've approached similar tasks in the past and how you ensure accuracy in your work.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing technical concepts. Think about examples where you've successfully liaised with teams or suppliers to resolve issues or clarify queries.
