About Gartsherrie Engineering
Gartsherrie Engineering Ltd is a leading Scottish fabrication, machining and welding specialist based in Coatbridge, serving customers across the defence, rail, renewables, energy, industrial and infrastructure sectors. Established in 1980, the company has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality engineered solutions, from one-off bespoke fabrications to complex production projects.
As part of the Patersons Quarries Group, one of Scotland's most established privately-owned industrial groups, Gartsherrie benefits from the financial strength, long-term investment philosophy and stability of a diverse organisation with interests spanning quarrying, waste management, manufacturing and engineering services.
Operating from a modern manufacturing facility with extensive fabrication, machining and robotic welding capabilities, Gartsherrie Engineering is committed to delivering exceptional quality, service and value to customers throughout the UK.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced and commercially aware Fabrication Estimator to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing accurate and competitive quotations for fabrication, machining, welding and engineering projects across a variety of sectors.
This is a key position within the business and will play a critical role in securing profitable work while ensuring customer requirements, manufacturing capabilities and delivery expectations are fully aligned.
The successful candidate will be expected to work closely with all departments throughout the business, ensuring estimates are based on real manufacturing capability, available capacity and current market conditions.
Key Responsibilities
Estimating & Quotation Preparation
- Review customer enquiries, engineering drawings, specifications and technical documentation.
- Prepare detailed cost estimates covering materials, labour, machining, fabrication, welding, assembly, finishing and subcontract operations.
- Obtain and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations.
- Determine manufacturing methods and production routes.
- Assess material requirements and manufacturing hours.
- Prepare and submit accurate, competitive quotations within agreed timescales.
- Maintain quotation records and estimate histories.
- Follow up quotations and monitor conversion rates.
Customer & Commercial Support
- Liaise directly with customers to clarify technical and commercial requirements.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with new and existing customers.
- Support pricing negotiations and commercial discussions.
- Identify opportunities for value engineering and cost reduction.
- Assist in securing new business opportunities and repeat work.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
The Fabrication Estimator will be expected to engage regularly with all departments and become an integral part of the business operation.
Responsibilities include:
- Working closely with Production to understand current workload, manufacturing capacity and resource availability.
- Liaising with Workshop Supervisors and Team Leaders to validate labour estimates and manufacturing methods.
- Collaborating with Purchasing to obtain material pricing, lead times and subcontract costs.
- Engaging with Quality personnel to ensure customer specifications and quality requirements are fully understood.
- Working alongside Engineering and Design personnel to clarify technical requirements and identify manufacturing risks.
- Participating in production and planning meetings where required.
- Supporting project handovers to ensure all technical and commercial information is transferred accurately.
- Developing strong working relationships across the business to ensure quotations reflect actual manufacturing capability and delivery performance.
Technical Assessment
- Interpret engineering drawings, specifications and customer requirements.
- Assess manufacturing feasibility and identify project risks.
- Ensure quotations align with current production capabilities and business objectives.
- Identify capacity constraints and delivery risks before quotation submission.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives within the estimating process.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Quotation response time.
- Quotation conversion rate.
- Accuracy of estimated versus actual project costs.
- Gross margin achievement.
- Number of quotations completed per month.
- Customer satisfaction and responsiveness.
- Acknowledgement of customer enquiries within 24 hours.
- Achievement of agreed quotation turnaround targets.
- Effective communication and collaboration across departments.
Skills & Experience Required
Essential
- Proven experience in a fabrication estimating role within an engineering or manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of fabrication, welding, machining and assembly processes.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
- Good commercial awareness and understanding of manufacturing costs.
- Strong numerical and analytical skills.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to prioritise workload and manage multiple enquiries simultaneously.
Desirable
- Experience using ERP/MRP systems.
- Knowledge of defence, rail, renewables, offshore, energy or heavy engineering sectors.
- Familiarity with CAD software and 3D models.
- HNC/HND or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or a related discipline.
Personal Attributes
- Self-motivated and proactive.
- Commercially focused with a commitment to profitability.
- Strong problem-solving ability.
- Able to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Excellent communicator with the ability to engage effectively at all levels of the organisation.
- Ability to build strong working relationships across Production, Purchasing, Quality, Engineering and Management teams.
- Positive team player with a collaborative approach.
- Customer-focused and committed to delivering excellent service.
Benefits
- Competitive salary of £35,000 – £45,000 per annum, depending on experience.
- Company pension scheme.
- 33 days annual leave including public holidays.
- Ongoing training and development opportunities.
- Opportunity to work on a diverse range of engineering projects.
- Secure employment within a well-established and growing business.
Pay: £35,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
