Are you a detail-driven professional with a passion for precision and customer service? We're looking for an experienced
Sales Estimator
to join our growing team and support the delivery of high-quality fabrication and welding solutions across complex engineering sectors.
The Role
In this role, you'll play a key part in our project lifecycle, from interpreting technical drawings to producing accurate and competitive estimates. You'll liaise with customers, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure our proposals meet client requirements while aligning with delivery capabilities and cost targets.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong background in fabrication estimating, particularly within the Defence and Nuclear sectors, who enjoys a dynamic, client-facing environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Interpret engineering drawings and specifications to prepare precise cost estimates
* Collaborate with internal departments to align quotes with operational capacity
* Prepare detailed breakdowns for labour, materials, cutting, welding, and finishing
* Evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotes, and manage RFQs
* Visit client sites as required to scope and assess fabrication needs
* Lead technical take-offs and analyse enquiry documentation
* Deliver pre- and post-tender presentations to customers
* Identify project risks and value engineering opportunities
* Support continuous improvement of estimating processes
* Maintain a prioritised tender pipeline and manage post-tender clarification
What We're Looking For
* At least 5 years' experience in estimating, costing, or a supervisory role within fabrication/manufacturing
* Strong knowledge of welding and fabrication techniques
* Familiarity with Defence and Nuclear industry standards and compliance
* Proficiency in reading and interpreting complex technical drawings
* Excellent attention to detail and cost accuracy
* Effective communicator with strong organisational skills
* Confident in customer interactions and technical discussions
Ideal Candidate Attributes
* Highly organised with a fine attention to detail
* Commercially astute and numerate
* Able to influence both internally and externally
* Capable of managing work throughput from RFQ to delivery
* Adaptable to changing project requirements
* Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport at all levels
Requirements
* Please be aware that roles at Hythe Engineering require security clearance. Candidates must meet the requirements to be able to obtain, and maintain, appropriate security clearance to be considered for this role.
Benefits
* Contributory pension scheme
* Private medical insurance, including optical and dental
* 24/7 employee assistance programme
* Life assurance scheme
* Competitive holiday allowance
NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE
ABOUT HYTHE ENGINEERING
Hythe Engineering is a leading provider of turnkey engineering, manufacturing and repair services, serving clients across maritime defence, nuclear and other highly-regulated critical infrastructure sectors. Our comprehensive service portfolio spans a wide array of specialised skills and techniques – including multiple welding disciplines, advanced fabrication processes and intricate pipework solutions – enabling us to tackle complex and evolving challenges faced by our clients with precision and confidence.
Committed to quality, agility, reliability, safety and technical excellence, Hythe Engineering is the trusted partner for some of the UK's principal Defence, Nuclear and Renewable sector contractors and organisations seeking engineering solutions tailored to meet their exact requirements.
Headquartered in Portsmouth, Hythe's strategically located teams hold full security clearance, making us ideally positioned to carry out both planned and rapid-response work across the UK.