About the business
Korn Ferry is partnering with Less Common Metals, a growing engineering business based in Ellesmere Port.
Operating in a specialist area of the metals market, Less Common Metals are an essential partner to organisations in advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies, alongside other industries where performance and precision matter.
Less Common Metals is in an exciting phase of growth, expanding into new markets and investing in their people and capabilities. This is a chance to join a forward‑thinking organisation in a niche, future‑focused sector—where your contribution is visible, your development is supported, and there’s real opportunity to grow alongside the business
About the role:
Less Common Metals is looking for a Technical Sales Estimator to join the Commercial team, the Sales Estimator will take ownership of preparing customer quotations and estimates, working with complex and specialist materials such as rare earth elements, critical minerals and other non‑standard raw material.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and manage cost estimates from initial enquiry through quotation and order processing, ensuring accuracy and commercial viability.
- Coordinate with R&D, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Production, and Laboratory teams to establish timelines, costs, material availability, and resource requirements.
- Issue, track, and progress quotations using CRM systems, Access databases, and ERP/MRP systems.
- Support sales order processing and coordinate actions resulting from customer feedback or complaints.
- Contribute to sales forecasting and support the preparation of the Annual Operating Plan.
- Work alongside the New Product Introduction (NPI) Lead to support development, qualification, and scale‑up of new metals and alloy products.
- Develop and maintain strong understanding of relevant markets, monitoring trends and sharing insights with internal stakeholders.
- Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, Environmental, and Quality standards, including ISO 9001/14001 and regulatory requirements such as RoHS, REACH, conflict minerals, and ESG.
Job Requirements
- 3–5 years’ experience in estimating, costing, or a similar commercial/technical role.
- Experience with advanced materials, and manufacturing processes such as casting, forging, machining, or powder metallurgy.
- Strong ability to interpret technical specifications, drawings, and data to develop accurate cost models.
- Exposure to supply chain pricing, financial analysis, sales support, and negotiation.
- Proficiency in Excel (advanced skills advantageous) and experience using ERP/MRP and estimating tools.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate in a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary environment.
- Good understanding of industry standards, compliance, and regulatory frameworks.
- Degree, HNC, or HND in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field (desirable but not essential)
Remuneration & Benefits
- Competitive salary, negotiable depending on experience
- 25 days’ holiday plus public holidays, rising to 30 days after 10 years’ service
- Company pension scheme
- Healthcare and life assurance
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
Work Location: In person
