Cost Estimator Customer Service - Smiths Detection - Hemel Hempstead

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group ( is a global leader in threat detection and screening technologies. The business caters to markets such as defense, urban security, ports and borders, and aviation. We provide solutions to defend society from threats and unauthorized movement of explosives, illicit weapons, contraband, toxic chemicals, and drugs, based on over 40 years of experience. Every day, our people and technology make the world safer. Join us. For more information, visit .

Job Description

Position: Cost Estimator (Fluent in German & English)

The Cost Estimator supports UK & German sales activities by developing and delivering accurate costing for complex, high-value, multi-year service contracts, bids, and renewals. Fluency in both German and English is essential.

This role is part of a global costing and commercial team that advises on deal structures, resource requirements, and improves costing, pricing, and contract design across regions and products.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Agree on outcomes and deliverables with internal stakeholders.
2. Review tender documents, statements of work, and deal strategies; develop and validate the scope of work for services. Assist bids and sales teams in creating innovative strategies.
3. Gather and validate data from various departments to build deal costing.
4. Create costing and pricing models using standard tools or develop bespoke models; coach others as needed.
5. Provide timely costing inputs for business cases.
6. Brief service delivery teams on costing for won business.
7. Communicate status and activities to stakeholders.
8. Use standard methodologies and deliver clear, standardized outputs for decision-making.
9. Assess and report risks and variances in cost and price models.
10. Offer pricing recommendations when requested.
11. Suggest contractual terms related to service costing/pricing.
12. Review current and historic contract data; compare proposed and past deals.
13. Monitor actual costs of service agreements, analyze variances, and suggest improvements.
14. Support resource planning through staffing cost modeling.
15. Identify and implement process improvements in costing and pricing.

Qualifications

Technical Skills:

• Graduate in finance, business, engineering, or related field.

Experience:

• Developing financial costing and pricing models for high-value bids.
• Being the go-to person for business costing and pricing.
• Identifying opportunities and risks.
• Bidding, tender review, and interpretation experience.
• Data, operational, and financial analysis expertise.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Financial modeling of long-term contracts for asset/equipment maintenance.
• Understanding of how costing affects contractual terms.
• Knowledge of Smiths Detection products.
• Proficiency with modeling tools and SAP systems.
• Advanced MS Excel skills and proficiency in MS Office.
• Excellent communication skills in French and English, both written and verbal.

Additional Information

We offer…

Opportunities for career growth, inclusive environment, strong leadership, safety focus, and flexible benefits to support your lifestyle and wellbeing.

Join us to work for a world leader committed to making the world safer, with rewarding training and benefits.