Design Estimator
Our client are designers and makers of unique furniture, and artworks of the highest calibre. They are commissioned by celebrated interior decorators, collectors and discerning private individuals worldwide. By nurturing, inspiring and enriching our relationships with our artisan craftspeople, our clients, the communities we support and our partners, our goal is to help shape remarkable interior beauty.
As the Estimator your mission is to effectively research and select the best practice processes, materials and suppliers for the purpose of manufacturing company designs. Your goal is to ensure maximum profitability for the company with the combination of affordability and outstanding quality for the customer. A comprehensive understanding of materials and processes is essential alongside being able to interpret production drawings. You will be expected to have a good rapport with all stakeholders in the business both in-house, and externally with suppliers to maintain and develop good working relationships. You will have an eye for optimum costings and be able to form efficient database administration.
Key Responsibilities Include
Liaising with sales to understand the scope of custom or bespoke projects and advising.
Building up strong positive relationships with existing company suppliers to obtain quotations on component parts as well as sourcing new and appropriate suppliers.
Consult with technical experts, internally and externally, to gather costs and processes for manufacturing.
Identify and quantify cost factors, such as production time and raw material, equipment, and labour expenses to prepare and submit RRP quotations for the Sales Team.
Understanding suppliers’ capabilities through research and visits to gather information on materials and outsourcing.
Use internal system to calculate estimates.
Read off-plan and CAD technical documents to prepare estimates.
Collaborate with Production Management, Technicians, Designers, Company Directors and Sales Team to ensure smooth running of projects.
Ensure all relevant and essential information pertaining to quotations are passed on to production.
Recommend ways to make a product more profitable while improving or maintaining quality and client expectations.
Ensure all pricing meets with company margins post manufacturing and is sustainable for repeat orders.
Assisting finding information for company reports.
Yearly review of company catalogue collection and rechecking costs throughout the year. Alerting significant changes to the Creative and Sales Directors.Skills and Behaviours (essential)
Respectful, calm and considered.
Detailed knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and costs.
Excellent Microsoft Office skills.
Highly numerical.
Understanding of design, form, colour and function.
An awareness of regulations, price trends and exchange rates.
Analytical, problem solving and time management skills.
The ability to meet deadlines.
Fluent spoken and written English, with excellent communication and presentation skills.
Flexible and a can-do positive attitude.
An understanding of the importance of discretion.
Smart, calm and professional manner.
Ability to lead and motivate a team.Knowledge and Experience
Knowledge of industry-specific software and tools including Adobe Creative Cloud, Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Outlook.
Previous knowledge of estimating software would be an advantage.
Experience and strong understanding of cost estimating, costing, budgeting and design within the manufacturing of interior products for the high end design sector. (Would be an advantage but not essential).
3-5 years plus experience in a similar role.
Strong analytical and communication skillsQualifications (desirable)
BA(Hons) Product Design, Architecture or Engineering
BSs Business Management