Germiston: Estimator posted by Mecad Systems

Job Description

Job purpose:

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

This role interacts internally with:

This role interacts externally with:

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