About

Our client is a leading design and manufacturing specialist in retail and brand environments. With a strong heritage and reputation for innovation, they deliver bespoke solutions across displays, fixtures, and point-of-sale for some of the world’s most recognisable brands and retailers.

They’re now looking for an Estimator / Buyer to join their team. This is a varied role working across estimating, purchasing, and value engineering, ensuring concepts are not only creatively exciting but also commercially viable and efficiently produced.

Job Role

• Managing the costing and enquiry schedule
• Attending meetings and understanding market expectations
• Analysing concept designs and developing practical, cost-effective engineering solutions
• Applying in-house costing methods to balance cost, quality, and efficiency
• Preparing costing sheets for sign-off
• Creating cost estimates using in-house estimating packages
• Making quick make/buy decisions with the Manufacturing Manager and Commercial Director
• Preparing and sending RFQs to suppliers with supporting drawings/specifications
• Value engineering designs to maximise profitability
• Supporting designers with cost parameters during early concept development
• Liaising with technical and purchasing teams at handover meetings
• Supporting sales colleagues in client meetings from a technical/costing perspective
• Conducting post-production analysis to improve future projects
• Managing purchasing activity, placement of orders, and budget tracking

Skills and Experience

• A degree in design or 2–3 years’ industry experience (minimum)
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Knowledge of a wide variety of materials (timber, metal, plastics etc.)
• Understanding of mixed-medium manufacturing processes
• Experience sourcing and managing subcontractors both in the UK and globally
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Ability to work independently and manage workload priorities
• Purchasing and negotiation experience
• Commercial awareness with the ability to balance quality, cost, and profitability
• Project management experience (desirable)
• A collaborative mindset, with the confidence to challenge design concepts constructively