At SmithBrewer, we design, manufacture, and deliver high-performance commercial environments for many of the world’s leading sports, luxury, and retail brands.
What sets us apart is our “End-to-End” in-house capability. Operating from our Lower Weare HQ, we manage every stage of a project from initial design and technical engineering to manufacturing, print, and final installation, entirely under one roof.
The Commercial Estimator is responsible for developing accurate, commercially robust cost estimates that support profitable project delivery across SmithBrewer's retail interiors business.
The role acts as the commercial bridge between Business Development, Design, Manufacturing, Procurement, Project Management and Operations, ensuring proposed solutions are commercially viable, technically achievable and aligned with SmithBrewer's manufacturing capabilities.
The role reports to the Head of Project Finance and works closely with the SLT and all operational functions.
DIMENSIONS
· Project estimating.
· Maintain and continuously improve SmithBrewer's estimating processes, cost models and pricing database.
· Implementation of digital and AI-assisted estimating tools to improve efficiency.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Commercial Estimating
· Interpret client briefs, technical drawings and specifications to develop robust cost models.
· Identify commercial risks, assumptions and exclusions within each estimate.
· Support bid/no-bid decisions through early-stage costing and feasibility assessments.
· Produce accurate and commercially competitive estimates for bespoke retail fixtures, displays and interior projects.
· Obtain supplier quotations and assess labour, material and subcontract costs.
Commercial & Technical Collaboration
· Work closely with Business Development, Design, Development, Production, Procurement and Project Management throughout the estimating process.
· Develop a detailed understanding of SmithBrewer's capabilities and cost drivers.
· Estimate products incorporating joinery, acrylic, solid surface, glass, metalwork, LED lighting and other specialist materials.
· Support value engineering initiatives that improve commercial outcomes without compromising design intent or quality.
Estimating Process Ownership
· Maintain and continuously improve SmithBrewer's estimating processes and standards, templates, labour models, pricing databases and cost libraries.
· Review completed projects to improve estimating accuracy and identify lessons learned.
· Monitor estimating performance and recommend improvements to commercial processes.
Digital Innovation
· Identify opportunities to improve estimating through digital systems, automation and AI-assisted estimating.
· Evaluate and implement technologies that improve estimating accuracy and efficiency.
· Support the wider business in developing data-driven commercial estimating practices.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND BEHAVIOURS
Skills & Knowledge
· Strong commercial estimating skills within a manufacturing or project-based environment.
· Sound understanding of bespoke joinery and retail display manufacturing methods.
· Knowledge of mixed-material construction including joinery, acrylic, solid surface, glass, metalwork and illuminated products.
· Ability to interpret technical drawings and manufacturing information.
· Excellent numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills.
· High level of competence in Microsoft Excel and estimating software, with confidence adopting new digital technologies and AI tools.
Experience
· Demonstrable experience in:
o Estimating within shopfitting, joinery, display manufacturing or a similar environment.
o Developing cost models, pricing structures and estimating processes.
o Working collaboratively with commercial, technical and operational teams.
o Supporting value engineering and commercial decision-making.
o Implementing or improving digital estimating systems would be advantageous.
Behaviours
· Commercially aware and focused on delivering profitable outcomes.
· Naturally curious, with a desire to understand product designs, manufacture and installation.
· Proactive in identifying opportunities for improvement and innovation.
· Data-driven, organised and methodical, with excellent attention to detail.
· Collaborative, able to build strong relationships across departments and with suppliers.
· Comfortable challenging assumptions and constructively influencing commercial decisions.
· Committed to continuous improvement and embracing new technologies, including AI-assisted ways of working.
Pay: £42,000.00-£47,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
