At a Glance
- Tasks: Bridge engineering and purchasing by estimating costs for multi-million-pound projects.
- Company: Join Oliver Valves, a global leader in valve technology with over 45 years of innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, 31 days leave, pension scheme, and healthcare benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and recognition for long service.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while optimising costs and ensuring quality.
- Qualifications: Engineering background, strong negotiation skills, and experience with machine drawings required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Knutsford, Parkgate Industrial Estate (office based)
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:30 - 17:00 with 30 minute lunch
Can you look at a valve drawing and see the exact machining hours and material costs behind it? We’re looking for a Technical Estimator to bridge the gap between engineering and purchasing for our multi-million‑pound projects. Reporting to the Head of Purchasing, you’ll take the lead on commodity pricing (forgings, fasteners, bar) and drive down the total cost of acquisition.
About Us: With over 45 years of valve technology innovations, Oliver Valves is a global leader in the design, manufacture and supply of high‑quality valves and valve systems, serving industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical and other critical sectors. We have won recognised awards for Export, Manufacturing and Growth – as well as the coveted Queen’s Award and recently the King’s Award for Industry. We’re a profitable, privately owned, fast‑moving company looking for talented individuals to join our team and deliver our strategic objectives.
What You’ll Be Doing: Unlike a standard procurement role, this position sits at the heart of our operations. You will be responsible for translating complex engineering requirements into competitive, accurate costs. Reporting directly to the Head of Purchasing, you will manage a multi‑million pound spend and ensure we secure the best total cost of acquisition without compromising on the stringent quality standards our industry demands.
- Precision Quoting: Generate competitive costs against client enquiries, specifically pricing key commodities including bar, forgings and fasteners.
- Cost Optimization: Drive the reduction of total acquisition costs across raw materials, labour, machining and finished components.
- Supply Chain Intelligence: Monitor supplier capacity to optimise lead times and ensure our production schedule remains agile.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the bridge between the supply chain and internal operational departments to ensure seamless production flow.
- Quality Assurance: Ensure all quoted components strictly adhere to defined technical specifications and quality standards.
What You’ll Bring: The Technical "Know‑How": A solid engineering or machine shop background is essential. You must be able to interpret machine drawings to determine accurate pricing. Market Acumen: An excellent understanding of commodity markets and the technical standards of metals. Negotiation Power: Proven ability to influence vendors and stakeholders to achieve better costs and reduced lead times. Systems Fluency: Experience working within an integrated ERP system (such as SAP or Oracle) and proficiency in Microsoft Office. Analytical Mindset: Strong organisational skills with a track record of implementing successful costing techniques. Demonstrable experience in commodity management and reducing overall acquisition costs. Direct experience working with or within machine shops. Proven ability to manage high‑value spend in a fast‑paced engineering environment.
What’s On Offer? A competitive salary that is negotiable based on skill and experience level. Discretionary bonus after 1 year’s service. 31 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays) which increases with tenure. A company pension scheme to help you plan for the future. Medical cash plan benefits, covering essential healthcare costs such as dental treatment, check‑ups, optical care, physiotherapy and more. Long service awards, recognising your continued commitment. Access to an Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and confidential support.
How to Apply: Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your experience with machined component costing.
Technical Estimator in Knutsford employer: Oliver Valves
At Oliver Valves, we pride ourselves on being a dynamic and innovative employer, offering a collaborative work culture that values precision and excellence. Located in the thriving Parkgate Industrial Estate in Knutsford, our team enjoys competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and comprehensive healthcare benefits, all while contributing to multi-million-pound projects in a fast-paced engineering environment. With a strong focus on employee growth and recognition, we provide unique opportunities for professional development and long service awards, making us an exceptional choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Estimator in Knutsford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Oliver Valves and understand their products, values, and recent achievements. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your technical skills! Brush up on interpreting machine drawings and costing techniques. Being able to discuss these confidently during interviews will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the interview process and what it’s really like to work at Oliver Valves.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and ready to take the next step in your career.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Estimator in Knutsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your engineering background and experience with machine drawings. We want to see how your skills align with the Technical Estimator role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects or achievements!
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 your understanding of commodity markets and any negotiation successes you've had. We love a good story that shows your passion for the industry!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves cost optimisation and analytical thinking, make sure to include examples of how you've successfully managed costs in previous roles. We’re looking for someone who can think critically and drive down acquisition costs!
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 shows you’re keen on joining our team at Oliver Valves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oliver Valves
✨Know Your Drawings
Before the interview, brush up on your ability to interpret valve drawings. Be prepared to discuss how you would determine machining hours and material costs from these drawings, as this is crucial for the Technical Estimator role.
✨Understand Commodity Markets
Familiarise yourself with current trends in commodity pricing, especially for metals like bar, forgings, and fasteners. Being able to speak knowledgeably about market fluctuations will show that you have the acumen needed for this position.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Think of examples where you've successfully negotiated costs or improved supplier relationships. Prepare to share these stories during the interview to demonstrate your ability to influence vendors and stakeholders effectively.
✨Highlight Your Systems Experience
Make sure to mention any experience you have with ERP systems like SAP or Oracle. Discuss how you've used these tools to manage high-value spends and optimise costs, as this will be a key part of your role.
