At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare accurate quotes and build strong customer relationships in a dynamic sales role.
- Company: Join R E Thompson, a leading aerospace engineering company with 75 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, life assurance, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Modern facilities, team building events, and opportunities for career growth await you!
- Why this job: Be at the heart of commercial success and work with prestigious clients in aerospace and defence.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating or technical sales, strong analytical skills, and a customer-focused approach.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 € per year.
We are seeking a Sales Estimator to join our commercial team. In this role, you will prepare accurate manufacturing quotations and liaise with customers and engineers to understand their requirements. You’ll play a crucial role in winning profitable contracts for precision components and building lasting client relationships. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with technical understanding who enjoys customer interaction and wants to be at the heart of our commercial success.
About Us
R E Thompson is a leading precision aerospace engineering company with over 75 years of experience providing complete manufacturing solutions. Operating from our advanced facilities in Hampshire, we are home to the UK’s most sophisticated automated 5-axis machine shop. Our state‑of‑the‑art Flexible Manufacturing System enables 24/7 lights‑out production, and we hold AS9100, ISO9001, ISO14001, and ISO45001 certifications. We work with prestigious clients including GE Aviation, BAE Systems, and Ontic, delivering complex precision components for the aerospace, defence, automotive, and electronics industries.
- Prepare accurate and competitive manufacturing quotations for precision components
- Analyse customer drawings and specifications to determine manufacturing requirements
- Liaise with customers to understand their needs and build strong relationships
- Work closely with manufacturing engineers to assess production methods and costs
- Calculate material costs, machine time, and labour requirements
- Negotiate pricing and terms with customers
- Maintain accurate records in CRM and quoting systems
- Follow up on quotations and support the sales pipeline
- Identify opportunities for new business and account growth
- Support contract review and order processing
Experience & Qualifications
- Experience in estimating, quoting, or technical sales within manufacturing
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications
- Strong numerical and analytical skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
- Proficient with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
- Detail‑oriented with strong organisational skills
- Ability to work to deadlines and manage multiple quotations
- Customer‑focused approach with commercial awareness
- Experience in aerospace or precision engineering sector
- Understanding of CNC machining processes
- Knowledge of manufacturing costs and pricing strategies
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems (ideally Epicor)
- HNC/HND or degree in engineering or related field
We Offer
- Competitive salary as advertised
- Pension scheme with employer contributions
- Life Assurance
- Bike2Work Scheme
- Opportunities for professional development and training
- Business mileage allowance
- Company laptop and mobile phone provided
- On‑site parking at our modern facility
- Team building events
Please note that candidates must be eligible to work in the UK to be considered, as we will not be sponsoring visas for this role.
Sales (Estimator) employer: R.E. Thompson & Co. Ltd
R E Thompson is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Hampshire's advanced aerospace engineering sector. With over 75 years of expertise, we provide our employees with competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth, all while fostering a collaborative culture that values innovation and teamwork. Join us to be part of a company that not only leads in precision manufacturing but also invests in the development of its people through training and team-building events.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales (Estimator)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research R E Thompson, their projects, and their clients. 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 pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Sales Estimator. Highlight your technical understanding and customer interaction skills to make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and potentially a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After interviews or meetings, send a quick thank-you note. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales (Estimator)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in estimating and technical sales. We want to see how your skills match the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements in similar positions!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re excited about the Sales Estimator role and how your background in aerospace or precision engineering makes you a perfect fit for us.
Show Off Your Technical Skills:Since we’re all about precision, make sure to mention your ability to read technical drawings and your familiarity with CNC machining processes. This will show us that you understand the nitty-gritty of the job!
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!
How to prepare for a job interview at R.E. Thompson & Co. Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Sales Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate strong numerical and analytical skills. Brush up on your ability to calculate material costs, machine time, and labour requirements. Be prepared to discuss how you approach pricing strategies and any relevant experience you have in estimating or quoting.
✨Understand Technical Drawings
Make sure you can read and interpret technical drawings and specifications. Familiarise yourself with common terms and symbols used in the aerospace and precision engineering sectors. During the interview, be ready to explain how you've used this skill in past roles to meet customer needs.
✨Build Rapport with Customers
Since this role involves liaising with customers, practice your communication skills. Think of examples where you've successfully built relationships or negotiated terms. Show that you understand the importance of a customer-focused approach and how it contributes to commercial success.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Collaboration with manufacturing engineers is key in this role. Prepare to discuss how you've worked in teams to assess production methods and costs. Highlight any experiences where your teamwork led to successful outcomes, especially in high-pressure situations.
