Cost Estimator & Price Analyst

Job Description

Your Impact

If you enjoy analysing data to determine accurate cost positions, this role places you at the heart of shaping bids and proposals, as well as analysing supplier pricing.

As a Cost Estimator & Price Analyst within the Procurement & Commercial Capability UK function, you will join the Cost Estimating & Price Analysis (CEPA) team in Basildon, playing a key role supporting business growth across a diverse portfolio of products and Lines of Business.

Reporting to a CEPA Manager, you will use our in-house toolset to analyse data from multiple functions, producing cost estimates, pricing outputs and supporting reports for bids and projects. Your work will directly contribute to securing new business opportunities.

In addition, you will support Procurement activities by reviewing supplier Cost or Pricing Data (CPD) packs, helping to assess fair and reasonable pricing across our supply chain. You will also work closely with the Integrated Project Team (IPT), providing analytical support during customer negotiations and fact‑finding activities.

In this role, you will play a central part in delivering accurate, data‑driven cost estimates and pricing strategies to support successful bids and commercial outcomes.

This hybrid role combines on‑site and remote working, requires occasional UK travel with overnight stays, and involves regularly working to tight deadlines.

• Collaborating with Integrated Product Teams (IPT) to fully understand Request for Quotation (RFQ) requirements and project scope
• Analysing manufacturing processes and methodologies to inform robust cost modelling and estimation
• Reviewing and validating supplier quotations to ensure compliance and readiness for customer audit or fact‑find activities
• Assessing historical labour actuals to develop accurate and supportable labour cost estimates
• Producing learning curve calculations to strengthen manufacturing labour forecasts
• Developing detailed bottom‑up cost estimates for prime hardware, including materials, assembly and testing across all stages of the product lifecycle
• Building structured Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) and incorporating phased labour estimates for support functions
• Converting cost data into Works Cost Estimates (WCE) and translating these into competitive selling prices
• Applying risk analysis and contingency provisions in line with project risk registers
• Ensuring full compliance with CEPA processes, financial controls and governance standards throughout bid preparation
• Supporting adherence to MoD/DoD regulations and commercial frameworks
• Producing high‑quality Basis of Estimate (BoE) and audit documentation to underpin bid submissions
• Presenting cost insights, assumptions and analysis to stakeholders, including IPTs and senior management
• Conducting supplier cost analysis through evaluation of Cost or Pricing Data (CPD) packs, supporting Procurement decision‑making
• Identifying cost‑saving opportunities and value engineering initiatives to enhance competitiveness
• Working cross‑functionally to improve estimate accuracy and drive process efficiency
• Contributing to a culture of continuous improvement, best practice and knowledge sharing within the CEPA function

• HNC qualification (or equivalent) with experience in cost estimating, pricing or a similar analytical role
• A strong desire to learn, develop and build expertise within cost analysis and commercial functions
• High level of numerical accuracy with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• A methodical, detail‑oriented approach to data analysis and cost modelling
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint, with the ability to handle and present complex data sets
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within cross‑functional teams
• Strong time management and prioritisation skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines in a fast‑paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence in presenting data and insights
• Highly organised, with exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have…