Estimation Manager – Furniture & Woodworks Manufacturing

About This Role

Position Overview:

The Estimation Manager is responsible for managing and leading the estimation function for furniture and woodworks manufacturing projects. This role oversees the preparation of accurate, competitive, and commercially sound cost estimates for custom-made furniture, joinery, and fit-out works. The Estimation Manager ensures alignment between estimation, production capabilities, procurement strategy, and overall business objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Management

• Lead, manage, and mentor the estimation team to ensure consistent and high-quality outputs.
• Allocate tenders and estimation tasks, set priorities, and ensure deadlines are met.
• Establish and maintain standard estimation procedures, templates, and cost-control methodologies.

Estimation & Commercial Responsibilities

• Review and approve detailed cost estimates for furniture and woodworks projects, including materials, labor, machinery, finishes, hardware, logistics, installation, overheads, and margins.
• Analyze tender documents, drawings, specifications, BOQs, and contractual requirements.
• Ensure accurate quantity take-offs for all joinery and furniture components.
• Coordinate with production, engineering, procurement, and planning teams to validate costs, lead times, and manufacturing feasibility.
• Evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations and ensure best-value procurement strategies.
• Identify commercial risks and opportunities and incorporate appropriate contingencies.
• Develop value engineering and cost-optimization proposals without compromising quality or design intent.
• Support the commercial team during tender clarifications, negotiations, and contract finalization.
• Review and price variations, change orders, and scope modifications throughout the project lifecycle.

Reporting & Control

• Prepare cost reports, pricing breakdowns, tender summaries, and comparative analyses for senior management.
• Maintain and continuously update cost databases, material price lists, and historical project cost records.
• Monitor market trends, material price fluctuations, and supplier performance to maintain competitive pricing.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, contractual obligations, and industry standards.

Handover & Coordination

• Oversee the handover of awarded projects from estimation to production and project execution teams.
• Provide ongoing commercial and cost support during the project execution phase as required.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Quantity Surveying, or a related field.
• Minimum 10–12 years of experience in estimation within furniture, joinery, or woodworks manufacturing, with at least 3–5 years in a managerial or lead role .
• Strong technical knowledge of wood materials, finishes, hardware, fittings, and manufacturing processes.
• Extensive experience with custom-made furniture and large-scale residential, commercial, and hospitality projects.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD; experience with estimation software and ERP systems is a strong advantage.
• Strong leadership, decision-making, and commercial negotiation skills.
• Excellent analytical, numerical, and reporting abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple tenders and work effectively under pressure.

Core Competencies:

• Estimation strategy & management
• Cost control & budgeting
• Tender & bid management
• Value engineering
• Commercial risk assessment
• Team leadership & development
• Strong business and market awareness