Role: Technical Estimator
Location: Knutsford, Parkgate Industrial Estate (office based)
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:30 - 17:00 with 30 minute lunch
Can you look at a valve drawing and see the exact machining hours and material costs behind it? We’re looking for a Technical Estimator to bridge the gap between engineering and purchasing for our multi-million‑pound projects. Reporting to the Head of Purchasing, you’ll take the lead on commodity pricing (forgings, fasteners, bar) and drive down the total cost of acquisition.
About Us
With over 45 years of valve technology innovations, Oliver Valves is a global leader in the design, manufacture and supply of high‑quality valves and valve systems, serving industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical and other critical sectors. We have won recognised awards for Export, Manufacturing and Growth – as well as the coveted Queen’s Award and recently the King’s Award for Industry. We’re a profitable, privately owned, fast‑moving company looking for talented individuals to join our team and deliver our strategic objectives.
What You’ll Be Doing
Unlike a standard procurement role, this position sits at the heart of our operations. You will be responsible for translating complex engineering requirements into competitive, accurate costs. Reporting directly to the Head of Purchasing, you will manage a multi‑million pound spend and ensure we secure the best total cost of acquisition without compromising on the stringent quality standards our industry demands.
* Precision Quoting: Generate competitive costs against client enquiries, specifically pricing key commodities including bar, forgings and fasteners.
* Cost Optimization: Drive the reduction of total acquisition costs across raw materials, labour, machining and finished components.
* Supply Chain Intelligence: Monitor supplier capacity to optimise lead times and ensure our production schedule remains agile.
* Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the bridge between the supply chain and internal operational departments to ensure seamless production flow.
* Quality Assurance: Ensure all quoted components strictly adhere to defined technical specifications and quality standards.
What You’ll Bring
* The Technical "Know‑How": A solid engineering or machine shop background is essential. You must be able to interpret machine drawings to determine accurate pricing.
* Market Acumen: An excellent understanding of commodity markets and the technical standards of metals.
* Negotiation Power: Proven ability to influence vendors and stakeholders to achieve better costs and reduced lead times.
* Systems Fluency: Experience working within an integrated ERP system (such as SAP or Oracle) and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
* Analytical Mindset: Strong organisational skills with a track record of implementing successful costing techniques.
* Demonstrable experience in commodity management and reducing overall acquisition costs.
* Direct experience working with or within machine shops.
* Proven ability to manage high‑value spend in a fast‑paced engineering environment.
What’s On Offer?
* A competitive salary that is negotiable based on skill and experience level.
* Discretionary bonus after 1 year’s service.
* 31 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays) which increases with tenure.
* A company pension scheme to help you plan for the future.
* Medical cash plan benefits, covering essential healthcare costs such as dental treatment, check‑ups, optical care, physiotherapy and more.
* Long service awards, recognising your continued commitment.
* Access to an Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and confidential support.
How to Apply
Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your experience with machined component costing.
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