Technical Estimating Manager
Lucy Group · Essex
Technical Estimating Manager
Harlow, reporting to Commercial Director
Blakley Electrics designs, manufactures and supplies a range of high-quality, specialist electrical products, primarily serving the Construction and Building Services sectors, with strong links to the Rail, Military and Event sectors. We are market leaders in our key areas of operation and have an excellent reputation for quality, technical expertise and service.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Technical Estimating Manager to join our Technical Sales team, based at our facility in Harlow.
This is a technically focused and commercial role, with responsibility for managing new and existing customer enquiries and supporting projects from initial technical assessment and estimating through to quotation and tender submission.
The successful candidate will act as a key technical point of contact for customers, installers, contractors and internal teams, using their electrical engineering knowledge to develop practical, compliant and commercially viable solutions.
The role will involve both new and existing customers and will include:
- Providing technical product support and guidance to customers, contractors and electrical installers.
- Reviewing and assessing new enquiries, establishing technical requirements and developing appropriate solutions.
- Preparing project estimates and assessing costs, materials and technical requirements.
- Producing detailed and commercially competitive quotations.
- Leading the technical input into tenders and electrical projects.
- Review and interpret specifications, drawings and project requirements to identify opportunities, risks and potential technical issues.
- Working closely with customers and internal departments to ensure projects are clearly understood and effectively delivered.
- Providing authoritative technical guidance and support to colleagues and customers where required.
- Developing strong, long-term relationships with key customers and acting as a trusted technical point of contact.
- Ensure proposed solutions comply with relevant BS EN standards, legislation and the company's ISO 9001 quality management system.
- Support and mentor less experienced members of the Project team, sharing technical knowledge and best practice.
- Maintain and develop a strong working knowledge of electrical accessories, products and industry developments.
- Keep up to date with changes in electrical standards, regulations, technology and market trends.
- Support the continuous improvement of products, processes and technical documentation.
- Provide technical input into new product development and product improvements where required.
- Assist in identifying and managing project risks, ensuring issues are highlighted and addressed at an early stage.
The role would suit an experienced electrical engineer or electrical professional who has developed their career and is looking to take greater ownership of projects within a technical, commercial and customer-facing environment.
Requirements
Essential
- Strong electrical engineering background, preferably within Construction, Building Services, Military or Rail or general Industrial roles
- Recognised electrical qualifications, such as City & Guilds, 2396 - Design, Erection and Verification, 2391 - Inspection and Testing, 18th Edition Wiring Regulations – Amendment 4.
- Significant practical and technical experience within the electrical industry.
- Strong understanding of electrical products, accessories, installations and their practical application.
- Experience of estimating, producing quotations and/or tendering for electrical projects.
- Good commercial awareness, with the ability to balance technical requirements with project costs and customer expectations.
- Ability to interpret technical specifications, drawings and project requirements.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to engage with customers, contractors and technical stakeholders.
- Excellent organisational skills and a high level of attention to detail.
- Computer literate and comfortable working with Microsoft Office and other technical/commercial systems.
Desirable
- HNC/HND or Degree in Electrical Engineering.
- Experience using AutoCAD.
- Previous experience working in a project engineering, technical sales, estimating or tendering environment.
- Experience working with electrical manufacturers, contractors or specialist electrical products.
- Experience of supporting or mentoring junior engineers or technical colleagues.
- Knowledge of ISO 9001 quality management systems and associated processes.
The Person
We are looking for an experienced electrical professional who combines strong technical knowledge with commercial awareness and excellent customer-facing skills.
The successful candidate will be confident taking ownership of enquiries and projects, able to make sound technical decisions and comfortable working across multiple projects and stakeholders.
You will be practical and solutions-focused, with the ability to understand a customer's requirements, identify the appropriate technical solution and translate this into an accurate and commercially viable proposal.
A proactive approach, strong attention to detail and the ability to work independently while contributing effectively to the wider team are essential.