Overview of Job The Estimating Specialist plays a key role in driving Merlyn's success in customer tenders and major specification projects where bespoke or high-volume pricing is required (typically opportunities exceeding 10 units).
This role combines analytical rigour, commercial awareness, and product knowledge to deliver competitive pricing proposals and win high-value contracts.
The successful candidate will manage tender processes end-to-end, support business growth through proactive opportunity tracking, and uphold best-in-class bid practices.Your profileThe successful candidate will have:A pleasant, patient, and can-do attitude Personable with excellent customer serviceStrong detail orientation and strong numeracy skillsConfident with ability to communicate effectivelyGood organisational skillsKey ResponsibilitiesTender and Bid Management Lead the bid/no-bid assessment for assigned tenders or major project enquiries.Prepare and submit comprehensive tender documentation, ensuring compliance with customer and internal requirements.Manage and proactively pursue existing quotations to seek updates and keep Merlyn front of mind.Communicate effectively with key internal and external stakeholders.
Pricing Strategy & Competitor Analysis Understand and define the pricing approach for each tender, aligning within the pricing parameters and target margins.Research and analyse competitor positioning and pricing models to inform proposal strategy and strengthen commercial submissions.Maintain and update pricing and cost files to reflect market trends and internal cost structures.Market Intelligence & Forward Planning Use tools such as Barbour ABI to research upcoming tender opportunities and align with forward planning efforts and lead generation.Identify emerging specification trends, market shifts, and untapped contract opportunities across the UK market – for example, coloured shower enclosures.Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with Specification Sales Managers and Regional Sales Managers on both ROI and UK-based customer contacts to identify and pursue new business opportunities.Coordinate with internal stakeholders across Commercial, Product, and Operations to ensure tender submissions reflect current capabilities and strategy.Project Management & Reporting Provide project management support on key specification-led initiatives, ensuring timely progress and successful outcomes.Support the preparation of the annual specification budget, tracking ongoing pricing trends and commercial wins.
Process Improvement & Best Practice Drive continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to streamline bid processes and enhance internal efficiencies.Ensure adherence to Merlyn's commercial governance and documentation protocols.Client Engagement & Travel Represent Merlyn professionally during customer meetings, presentations, or site visits, with occasional travel within the ROI and to the UK as required.Qualifications/EducationEssential Skills & Experience: Proven experience in a tendering, estimating, or commercial pricing role (ideally within construction, building products, or manufacturing).Strong analytical and numerical skills, with excellent attention to detail.Experience preparing professional documentation for contracts or formal bids.Ability to interpret technical information and pricing structures with confidence.Comfortable working across departments and managing multiple priorities simultaneously.Proficient in Microsoft Excel and familiar with tools like Barbour ABI or similar lead generation platforms.
Desirable Skills Knowledge of the specification sales process or large-volume B2B product pricing.Background in architectural products, construction, interiors, or a related sector.Experience supporting UK-based commercial teams and dealing with customer-specific product requests.
Key Competencies Commercial acumen – Able to balance competitiveness with profitability in pricing scenarios.Initiative – Proactively seeks out information, opportunities, and improvements.Collaboration – Builds strong internal and external relationships across functions and markets.Communication – Articulates proposals and findings clearly to diverse stakeholders.Organisational skills – Manages workload efficiently and keeps multiple tenders on track.Attention to detail – Delivers accurate, thorough, and compliant documentation.BenefitsHybrid / Kilkenny Office-based (minimum 3 days in office)ContactPlease contact or email ****** for further details closing date Friday 9th May 2025.About usMerlyn design, engineer and craft the finest showering environments in the world.Based in Kilkenny, Merlyn has served the UK and Irish market for the last 23 years since its foundation in 2000.
Our forward thinking company has become increasingly well known within the industry through its accelerated growth and broad range of product offering.
Continuously building on its reputation for relentless attention to detail through innovation and design, whilst using only the finest sourced quality materials with an extensive range of finishes.Merlyn has an extensive brand portfolio of products focused on the mid to high end of the shower enclosure sector and meets the highest demands in terms of design, performance and quality.
Merlyn's offering also extends to bespoke options including customisation of glass, shape, space and colour.At the heart of the company is a simple ethos – to deliver on everything it promises to customers.