Estimator
Job Summary:
NCP International Ltd (NCPI) is seeking a dynamic and passionate Pricing Analyst with a keen interest in understanding the composition of component pricing. The ideal candidate is a strong negotiator, level-headed, and practical—balancing cost considerations with value, quality, and manufacturing processes. They should be naturally curious, constantly seeking optimization and new ideas, and possess excellent communication skills to ensure internal alignment on market trends, supplier strategies, and competitor movements.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Product and Technical Understanding
•Develop a full understanding of the components that make up our products, their function in the machine, and their critical properties.
•Understand technical drawings for each component to ensure accurate discussions with manufacturers and pricing alignment with manufacturing expectations.
•Gain in-depth knowledge of how our products operate in the field and their role in the mineral processing industry.
2. Supplier & Manufacturing Assessment
•Visit manufacturing facilities in South Africa (initially) and, once an assessment procedure is developed, expand this to overseas facilities to understand manufacturing processes and quality control.
•Gather procurement habits and sourcing details of competitors to identify industry trends.
•Review competitor vendors, gather pricing and technical details, visit their facilities, and assess their processes.
3. Pricing Analysis & Cost Benchmarking
•Collect global market prices for all components, including mechanical parts, electrical motors, variable speed drives, MCCs, PLCs, lubrication systems, and peripheral equipment.
•Analyze technical aspects of received quotes, including inclusions/exclusions, delivery periods, payment milestones, and terms.
•Benchmark pricing per region, country, and manufacturer while maintaining a deep understanding of cost structures, material and labor price changes, and historical trends.
•Maintain an up-to-date pricing database and provide accurate cost estimates where fixed prices are unavailable.
•Continuously compare pricing with similar tenders, orders, and ongoing work to ensure cost efficiency.
4. Tendering, Budgeting & Cash Flow Management
•Develop a detailed costing sheet for each tender/budget, incorporating cash flow predictions and vendor payment milestones.
•Assist project engineers in meeting or improving budget targets by providing real-time pricing intelligence.
•Recommend new vendors to project engineers and assist in obtaining necessary approvals.
5. Competitive & Market Intelligence
•Gather details on competitors’ installed machines to identify enhancements or weaknesses.
•Develop a competitor costing sheet for each machine size and configuration to predict their pricing and delivery strategies.
•Continuously monitor competitor pricing, procurement strategies, and market trends to ensure a competitive edge.