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- Tasks: Bridge engineering and purchasing to optimise 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, generous leave, pension scheme, and healthcare support.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and recognition for long service.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving cost efficiency in a fast-paced engineering environment.
- Qualifications: Solid engineering background, strong negotiation skills, and experience with machine drawings.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ 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:
- 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 employer: Oliver Valves
Contact Detail:
Oliver Valves Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Estimator
✨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
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to technical estimating and cost management. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your skills and how they align with the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Estimator
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 us at Oliver Valves. Mention your understanding of commodity markets and any negotiation successes you've had – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires a strong analytical mindset, make sure to include examples of how you've successfully implemented costing techniques in the past. We’re keen to see how you can drive down acquisition costs while maintaining quality.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates from our team. Let’s get started on this journey together!
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 analyse 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 and fasteners. Being able to speak knowledgeably about market fluctuations and how they impact costs will impress your interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully negotiated better costs or reduced lead times with suppliers. This will demonstrate your ability to influence vendors and stakeholders effectively.
✨Highlight Your Analytical Mindset
Be ready to discuss specific costing techniques you've implemented in previous roles. Show how your strong organisational skills have led to successful outcomes in managing high-value spends in a fast-paced environment.