• To prepare accurate, detailed, and competitive quotations for products, components, or large-scale manufacturing projects by analysing technical specifications, production requirements, and customer needs.
• The Estimator works closely with sales, engineering, and production teams to develop quotes and proposals that align with the company’s commercial objectives while ensuring feasibility, profitability, and compliance with technical standards and timelines.

Key responsibilities:
Estimating & Quotation Development

• Analyse drawings, specifications, and customer requirements to determine project scope.
• Liaise with engineering, procurement, and production teams to validate costing assumptions.
• Compile a quotations as per the specification of the organisation by obtaining various quotes from subcontractors, vendors and suppliers
• Compile quotation by calculating direct labour (assembly-fabrication-welding) costs, machine costs, and material costs
• Understand the need/s of our various customers to ensure we quote accurately and competitively
• Determine factors affecting costs, such as production time, materials, direct labour and services
• Work to obtain material costs that fits the customers requirements namely lead time, price and alternates
• Compile damage reports on repair jobs together with the technical team to accompany quotations
• Presenting prepared estimates to management

Sales Support

• Collaborate with the sales team to align technical estimates with customer needs and expectations.

Risk & Cost Management

• Assess commercial and technical risks
• Review and manage pricing strategies in line with market conditions and company margins.

Reporting & Analysis

• Maintain a pipeline of active quotations and monitor win/loss ratios.
• Prepare monthly management reports

This role interacts internally with:

• Engineering,
• Procurement,
• Production,
• Finance
• Quality

This role interacts externally with:

• Customers
• Suppliers

Competencies required:
Qualifications

• National Diploma or Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or related

Knowledge

• Familiarity with South African labour and materials markets and pricing structures.
• Solid understanding of relevant industry standards and project management principles.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and BOMs (Bills of Materials).
• Proficiency in estimating tools/software
• Deep understanding of machining, welding, fabrication, assembly, and other industrial processes.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and 3D models.
• Familiarity with CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Inventor) and integration with estimating workflows.
• Currency fluctuations, inflation, and logistics costs specific to the South African context.

Experience

• Minimum 7–10 years of estimating experience in a heavy manufacturing or engineering environment (e.g., steel fabrication, mining equipment, process plants).
• Expertise in preparing complex cost estimates and bid proposals for heavy manufacturing projects (e.g., steel, mining equipment, industrial machinery).
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (including Power Query, pivot tables, macros).
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Syspro, Oracle).

Technical Competencies

• Advanced numerical and analytical skills.
• Advanced Estimating & Costing Skills
• Engineering & Manufacturing Process Knowledge
• Sales & Commercial Acumen
• Technical Drawing Interpretation & CAD Integration
• Supply Chain & Procurement Awareness
• Risk management
• ERP and Data Analytics Proficiency
• Tendering & Bid Management
• Regulatory & Industry Compliance

Behavioural Competencies

• Negotiation skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Analytical Thinking & Attention to Detail
• Customer Orientation
• Communication & Influencing
• Collaboration & Teamwork
• Problem Solving & Innovation
• Resilience & Adaptability
• Ethical Judgment & Integrit

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