Job Description:
Estimator - Bespoke Sheet Metal Fabrication
Location: Runcorn / Widnes
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £35,000 upwards, dependent on experience - salary open to discussion for the right candidate
We're a busy and growing bespoke sheet metal fabrication company looking for an experienced Estimator to join our office team.
This is not a general or trainee estimating position.
We're looking for somebody who already understands the type of work we do and can come into the business with the knowledge and experience to price jobs accurately and efficiently.
The ideal candidate will have previously worked within bespoke sheet metal fabrication, roofing and cladding, architectural metalwork or a closely related industry.
Experience within a bespoke sheet metal fabrication company would be a major advantage.
Please Read Before Applying
The successful candidate must be capable of hitting the ground running.
There will of course be training on our own systems, processes and the way we operate, but we are not looking to train somebody to become an estimator from scratch.
You must already have genuine estimating experience, be confident reading technical drawings and have relevant industry knowledge. You should be comfortable looking at a job, understanding how it will be manufactured and producing an accurate quotation.
This position is not suitable for somebody who feels they could learn the role with some training. We are specifically looking for an experienced estimator who can bring existing knowledge and ability into the business from day one.
The Role
You will be responsible for estimating and preparing quotations for a wide variety of bespoke sheet metal work.
Our work ranges from relatively straightforward folded flashings through to more involved fabricated items requiring multiple processes, including cutting, folding, welding, fabrication and powder coating.
You will need to be comfortable reading customer drawings, understanding what is actually required and working out the most practical and cost-effective way for us to manufacture it.
Typical responsibilities will include:
- Reviewing customer drawings, specifications and quotation requests
- Producing accurate quotations for bespoke sheet metal work
- Calculating material requirements, sheet usage and wastage
- Understanding fabrication and manufacturing times
- Allowing for processes including cutting, folding, welding, fabrication and powder coating
- Producing and working from CAD drawings
- Using CAD and/or Radan software
- Using Xero as part of the quotation, customer and job process
- Using Microsoft Excel for pricing, calculations, costing and general estimating work
- Liaising with customers where drawings or requirements need clarification
- Liaising with the workshop to ensure quoted work can be manufactured efficiently
- Working with purchasing where material prices or specialist items need to be sourced
- Taking account of subcontracted processes where required
- Working to customer deadlines and recording required/wanted dates
- Managing multiple quotations and enquiries at the same time
- Following quotations through and dealing with amendments where necessary
What We're Looking For
For this position, previous relevant experience is essential.
You should have:
- Proven experience as an Estimator
- Experience using CAD, Radan or both
- The ability to read and understand technical drawings
- Previous experience within roofing and cladding, sheet metal fabrication or a closely related industry
- A good understanding of sheet metal materials and fabrication processes
- Experience calculating material quantities, manufacturing times and job costs
- Good commercial awareness when pricing work
- Confidence dealing directly with customers and suppliers
- Good general computer skills
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel
- Experience using Xero or similar business/accounting software would be advantageous
- The ability to organise and prioritise a large number of enquiries
Experience specifically within a bespoke sheet metal works would put you at a significant advantage.
The Working Environment
This is an important part of the role.
We are a busy bespoke fabrication company, and the office can get hectic.
Priorities change. Urgent jobs come in. Customers need answers. The workshop may need information. Drawings can change, and several quotations may need dealing with at the same time.
We therefore need somebody who is comfortable working in that type of environment.
You need to be able to keep your head, prioritise your workload and get things done without needing constant supervision.
If you are used to a busy manufacturing, fabrication, roofing or cladding office you'll understand exactly what we mean.
The Person
We're looking for somebody practical rather than somebody who simply looks good on paper.
You should be able to look at a drawing and understand how the job is actually going to be made, not simply enter figures into an estimating system.
Ideally, you will understand things such as:
- Sheet sizes and material utilisation
- Girths and developments
- Cutting and folding
- Fabrication and welding
- Aluminium, galvanised steel and other sheet materials
- Powder coating and other finishing processes
- Labour and machine time
- Bought-in components
- Subcontract processes
- Material wastage
- Delivery requirements
Accuracy, organisation and taking ownership of your workload are important parts of this role.
Why Join Us?
We are an established bespoke sheet metal business that is continuing to invest and grow.
You’ll be joining a company where the estimator is an important part of the operation and works closely with the people actually manufacturing the jobs.
For the right person, this is an opportunity to take ownership of their role and become a key part of the business.
