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 Were 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 youll 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 Queens Award and more recently Kings Award for Industry. Were a profitable privately owned and fast-moving company looking for talented individuals to join our team and deliver our strategic objectives.
What Youll 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 ensuring we secure the best total cost of acquisition without ever 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 optimize 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 Youll Bring
The ideal candidate doesnt just look at a drawing; they see the machining process behind it. To succeed you will need:
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 organizational 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.
Whats On Offer
We offer a collaborative environment where your technical expertise directly impacts the companys bottom line.
A competitive salary that is negotiable based on skill and experience level.
Discretionary bonus after 1 years 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.
At the forefront of valve technology our four companies deliver exceptional products tailored to various sectors. From subsea to hydrogen applications we ensure precision and reliability in every solution.