Cost Estimator for Crane Manufacturing in Johannesburg North
Network Finance · Johannesburg North, Gauteng
Overview
Network Finance is hiring a Cost Estimator for a permanent role in Johannesburg North. You will prepare accurate cost estimates and quotations for overhead cranes and lifting equipment. This is a great fit for someone with 3 to 5 years of estimating experience in crane manufacturing, structural steel, or heavy engineering who wants to grow in a fast paced, international business.
About the role
Our client designs and manufactures high quality overhead cranes, hoists and lifting equipment for customers in South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States. As a Cost Estimator, you will play a key role in preparing competitive quotations that help the business win projects.
You will work closely with engineering, suppliers and clients to calculate costs for materials, labour, manufacturing, installation, transport and commissioning. You will also review technical drawings, specifications and RFQs to make sure every estimate is accurate and commercially sound.
The role is based on site in Johannesburg North. You will work Monday to Thursday from 07:00 to 16:30 and Friday from 07:00 to 15:00, with overtime from time to time depending on workload and month end.
Application note: For more information, contact Monya Bolt at Mbolt@networkrecruitment.co.za. If you have not had a response within two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Requirements
- 3 to 5 years of experience in estimating within crane manufacturing, structural steel, heavy engineering or fabrication
- Experience with cranes or lifting equipment is preferable
- Proficiency in MS Excel and experience with estimating and ERP software
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings
- Strong analytical and numerical skills with high attention to detail
- Good communication and professional writing ability
- Commercial awareness and cost sensitivity
- Ability to manage multiple RFQs under time pressure
- Team oriented with the ability to work independently
Responsibilities
- Prepare detailed cost estimates and client quotations for cranes and lifting equipment
- Analyse client RFQs, technical specifications, drawings and scope of work
- Calculate material, labour, manufacturing, subcontracting, installation, transport and commissioning costs
- Ensure estimates comply with applicable standards and project specifications
- Apply correct margins while maintaining commercial competitiveness
- Liaise with engineering to verify crane configurations, capacities, spans, duty classes and finishes
- Assist in selecting appropriate components using the crane master programme
- Prepare professional, clear and complete quotations for submission to clients
- Clarify technical and commercial queries with customers
- Support negotiations by providing cost breakdowns and alternatives
- Maintain a database of historical costs, supplier pricing and previous quotations
- Obtain pricing from suppliers and subcontractors, and evaluate and compare supplier quotes
- Monitor market trends and cost changes affecting crane fabrication
- Support handover of awarded orders to projects
Job details
- Organisation
- Network Finance
- Location
- Johannesburg North, Gauteng
- Job type
- Full time
- Experience level
- Mid (3+ years)
- Salary
- R25k to R30k / monthly
- Category
- Construction & Engineering
- Application Email
- mbolt@networkrecruitment.co.za
- Application Method
- Apply via email
Success Guide
When applying for this Cost Estimator role, tailor your CV to highlight your experience with cost estimating in crane manufacturing, structural steel or heavy engineering. The hiring team will want to see that you can read engineering drawings, work with MS Excel and estimating software, and handle multiple quotations under pressure.
In an interview, be ready to talk through how you calculate costs for materials, labour and installation, and how you make sure your estimates stay competitive. Show that you understand the technical side of cranes and lifting equipment, even if it is just the basics. Attention to detail and commercial awareness are key here, so have examples ready that show both. Good luck!
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