Business Development / Technical Estimator
Location: Harlow
Job Type: Full-Time
Working Schedule: Monday to Thursday 8am to 4.45pm, Friday 8am to 2pm.
Our Client
Our client is a well established electroplating and surface finishing business supplying high-quality coating solutions to a wide range of industries including aerospace, automotive, defence, engineering, and manufacturing. Due to continued growth they are now looking to strengthen their business development team with a technically capable and sales driven Technical Estimator.
The Role
This is not just a desk-based estimating role.
We are looking for someone with a technical engineering background who has a level of understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, tolerances, and finishing requirements, who can confidently convert that knowledge into accurate, profitable quote to existing and new customers.
Equally important, this role requires someone with an outbound sales mindset who is proactive in developing new business opportunities, building relationships, and growing our customer base.
You will be responsible for:
🔧 Technical Estimating
* Reviewing engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements
* Calculating process times, material consumption, and production costs
* Liaising with production teams and the customer validating and updating process routes and cycle times
* Preparing accurate and commercially viable quotations
* Following structured pricing and approval procedures
📞 Business Development & Sales
* Proactively identifying and targeting potential new customers
* Making outbound calls to engineering and manufacturing companies
* Following up quotations to convert opportunities into orders
* Developing long-term client relationships
* Maintaining and growing an active sales pipeline
What We’re Looking For
Essential:
* Engineering background (manufacturing, mechanical, materials, surface finishing or similar)
* Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications
* Experience in estimating within manufacturing or engineering
* Commercial awareness and understanding of margin control
* Confident and comfortable making outbound sales calls
* Process-driven and organised
* Strong communication skills
Highly Desirable:
* Experience within electroplating, surface finishing, anodising, or metal treatment
* Knowledge of aerospace/automotive quality requirements
* Experience using ERP/MRP systems
* Proven track record of developing new business
The Ideal Candidate
You are:
* Technically minded but commercially sharp
* Confident on the phone and not afraid to prospect
* Structured and process-focused
* Motivated by growing accounts and winning new work
* Comfortable working between the shop floor and the boardroom
* Results-driven with a proactive mindset
What We Offer
£30k Salary
Pension scheme
Career progression opportunities
Supportive and technically strong team environment
Training
This is an opportunity to play a key role in the commercial growth of a specialist manufacturing business. You will have real influence over pricing strategy, customer development, and company expansion.
If you have the technical understanding to price complex work accurately — and the drive to pick up the phone and win new business — we want to hear from you