Technical Estimator

  • Bridge Recruitment UK Ltd
  • Tonbridge, Kent
  • May 03, 2026
Full time Manufacturing

Job Description

Role Overview
Job - Technical Estimator
Salary - up to 40,000
Location - Tonbridge

My client has an exciting opportunity for an Estimator to join a team who will be responsible for the accurate preparation of cost estimates and technical quotations based on customer enquiries, drawings, and specifications. This role is central to ensuring commercially viable pricing while reflecting real manufacturing and supply chain constraints.

Working closely with Engineering, Production, and Purchasing, the Estimator will take full ownership of enquiries from initial review through to quotation submission, ensuring all technical and commercial aspects are clearly defined and aligned.

Key Responsibilities
Estimating & Costing
Analyse customer enquiries, technical drawings, and specifications to determine full project scope
Produce detailed and accurate cost estimates covering materials, labour, subcontract operations, and overheads
Carry out material and labour take-offs with a high degree of accuracy
Apply strong commercial judgement to optimise pricing and maximise gross profit
Identify cost risks, uncertainties, and opportunities for value engineering
Quotation Preparation
Compile structured quotation packs including scope, assumptions, exclusions, options, and lead times
Ensure all quotations are technically compliant and commercially robust
Use NetSuite to manage enquiries, maintain pricing data, and generate formal quotations
Maintain clear documentation and version control of all estimates
Technical Review & Coordination
Liaise with customers to clarify technical requirements and resolve ambiguities in specifications
Work closely with CAD, Engineering, Production, and Purchasing teams to validate manufacturability and cost assumptions
Incorporate supplier and subcontractor pricing, lead times, and constraints into estimates
Ensure alignment between quoted solutions and operational capability

Workload & Process Management
Manage multiple tenders and enquiries simultaneously, meeting strict deadlines
Track and prioritise workload to ensure timely and accurate submissions
Support the continuous improvement of estimating systems, templates, and processes

Essential Skills & Experience

Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications
Proven experience in detailed estimating within a fabrication/manufacturing environment
High level of accuracy in take-offs and cost modelling (materials, labour, subcontract)
Strong numeracy and commercial awareness with the ability to assess risk and margin
Practical understanding of manufacturing processes, constraints, and cost drivers
Experience working with supplier pricing and lead time considerations
Advanced Excel skills and strong document control discipline
Ability to communicate technical information clearly across internal teams and with customers
Highly organised, methodical, and accountable, with full ownership of estimates end-to-end

If you feel you have the relevant experience and are a car driver (due to the location) - then please apply today