📍 Location: Dorset Dorset
💷 Salary: £36,000 - £40,000 (depending on experience)
🏭 Sector: Precision Manufacturing / Engineering
About the Business
I am currently supporting a well-established but forward-thinking manufacturing business based in Dorset in the search for a Manufacturing Estimator. The business combines a strong family-oriented culture with ambitious plans for growth and continued technical development.
They take pride in delivering high-quality engineered components and solutions to a wide and varied customer base. As they continue to expand, they are investing in strengthening their engineering and commercial capability-particularly within estimating and manufacturing planning.
The environment is hands-on and supportive, with a strong emphasis on developing people internally and providing long-term progression opportunities.
The Role
I am looking to speak with a Manufacturing Estimator with a background in mechanical engineering or manufacturing to join the engineering team.
This could be a development-focused position, suited to someone early in their career-such as a mechanical apprentice or engineering graduate-who is keen to build strong commercial awareness alongside technical manufacturing understanding, under the guidance of an experienced Production Engineering Manager. Or this could be a seasoned estimator looking for their next steps.
The main purpose of the role is to interpret customer requirements and convert them into accurate manufacturing costings, routings, and quotations.
Key Responsibilities
Review and interpret customer drawings and technical specifications
Break down designs into manufacturing operations and process steps
Determine material requirements and calculate labour content
Produce accurate and competitive cost estimates and quotations
Create and maintain factory routings within internal systems
Liaise with engineering and production teams to ensure manufacturability and accuracy
Support continuous improvement in estimating methods and cost accuracy
Develop a strong understanding of machining, fabrication, and assembly processes About You
The ideal candidate will be:
From a mechanical engineering or manufacturing background (apprenticeship or degree level)
Confident reading technical drawings and engineering specifications
Numerate, analytical, and highly detail-oriented
Interested in how products are manufactured rather than just designed
Eager to learn commercial estimating and costing principles
A team player who will thrive in a close-knit, supportive environmentDesirable (but not essential)
Experience using CAD software such as SOLIDWORKS
Exposure to machining, fabrication, or sheet metal environments
Basic understanding of manufacturing costing or production planning
Why This Opportunity?
A stable and supportive family-feel working environment
The chance to join an ambitious and growing manufacturing business
Direct mentorship from experienced engineering leadership
A hands-on role with real exposure to manufacturing decision-making
Please get in touch for a chat (phone number removed) or email me at
Salary description
£36000.00 - £40000.00 per year