Production Estimator

Role Overview

Ability Works Australia Ltd is looking for an experienced Production Estimator to join its Kew, Victoria team. In this role, you will evaluate production costs and workflows, prepare precise project estimates, and support commercial decision-making with practical, well-informed costing advice. The position calls for a strong grounding in production and manufacturing, process review, and project coordination, along with sharp analytical thinking and clear communication.

About the Position

This role goes beyond preparing supplier pricing. You will also review how production processes can be improved, identify efficiency gains, and highlight opportunities to reduce costs while helping the business grow sustainably.

Key Duties

• Assess manufacturing costs and prepare accurate estimates for a variety of projects.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders and team members to ensure quotes are reliable and complete.
• Examine project documents, specifications, and requirements to build sound estimates.
• Spot opportunities to improve production efficiency and lower costs.
• Track project changes and update estimates when needed.
• Liaise with clients and suppliers to collect the information required for quoting.
• Keep estimating records current, including databases, pricing rates, historical cost data, and project cost details.
• Make sure all estimates meet project requirements and compliance standards.
• Support project handover to delivery teams.

What The Role Demands

This is a customer-facing position where strong communication, responsiveness, and the ability to turn enquiries into practical commercial quotes are just as important as technical knowledge. The role is well suited to someone with experience in manufacturing, internal sales, or estimating who is comfortable handling both technical details and customer conversations. You will also have the opportunity to see the work you quote come to life on the production floor.

Qualifications And Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, or a related discipline is highly regarded.
• At least 3 years of experience in manufacturing production estimating or a similar role is required.
• Experience quoting or pricing packaging, digital, or 3PL services is desirable.

Skills And Attributes

• Project management capability is strongly preferred.
• Excellent analytical thinking and problem-solving ability.
• Confident spoken and written English, with the ability to manage client questions, follow-ups, and discussions independently.
• Highly organised, commercially aware, and dependable.
• Strong accuracy and attention to detail, with the ability to juggle several jobs at once.
• Well-developed interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Comfort using Microsoft Office and production-related software.
• Able to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Full working rights in Australia with no restriction on hours.

What’s On Offer

• Opportunity to work with a values-driven not-for-profit organisation.
• A supportive and cooperative team culture.
• Exposure to a broad range of custom and interesting projects.