Sales & Estimation Engineer – Fire Trucks

Job Summary:

We are seeking a commercially astute and technically competent Sales & Estimation Engineer – Fire Trucks to join our team. The successful candidate will combine strong selling skills with vehicle engineering and estimation expertise to support pre‑sales, quotations and commercial negotiations for fire appliance builds, refurbishments and specialist vehicle conversions. This role requires excellent stakeholder communication, robust cost‑modelling ability and a pragmatic problem‑solving approach to ensure compliant, competitive and buildable proposals.

Key Responsibilities – Sales, Estimation & Stakeholder Communication

• Act as the primary technical and commercial contact for enquiries relating to fire trucks, advising clients on vehicle specification options, chassis and body packages, pump and pump‑control systems, water/foam systems, ancillary equipment and life‑safety fittings to meet operational requirements and regulatory standards.
• Prepare detailed, accurate and auditable estimates and quotations including labour, materials, subcontract works, chassis costs, equipment supply, transport and commissioning. Ensure margin, risk and programme implications are clearly captured.
• Develop and maintain bill of materials (BOM), equipment schedules, supplier price lists and estimation templates consistent with design drawings, client specifications and manufacturing best practice.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, procurement and project teams to review designs for buildability, serviceability and whole‑life cost, and to resolve technical or supply‑chain issues that affect cost or delivery.
• Conduct and document site surveys and client requirements workshops where required, producing clear scope documents, assumptions and exclusions to support bids and limit commercial exposure.
• Produce commercial justifications and value engineering options that enhance bid competitiveness while protecting quality and compliance; present proposals to clients, partners and internal stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate records of enquiries, proposals, pricing revisions, supplier correspondence and client decisions within the company’s CRM and project management systems.
• Identify commercial and technical risks early, perform root‑cause analysis, recommend pragmatic mitigations and coordinate implementation with relevant teams to protect programme, cost and compliance outcomes.
• Provide sales support throughout the contract lifecycle, including attending client meetings, tender clarifications, contract negotiations and supporting handover activities during build and commissioning phases.
  
  

Qualifications & Experience – Commercial Acumen, Technical Knowledge & Communication

• Relevant technical qualification in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, vehicle technology, or a related discipline is desirable.
• Typically3–7 years’ experience in vehicle engineering, bespoke vehicle builds or specialist bodywork estimation, with demonstrable involvement in costing, tendering or pre‑sales activities for emergency service vehicles preferred.
• Proven commercial and selling skills with experience preparing competitive proposals, negotiating terms and presenting technical and commercial solutions to clients and stakeholders.
• Strong technical knowledge of chassis and body integration, pumps and hydraulics, electrical systems, vehicle statutory requirements, and applicable standards and regulations for emergency vehicles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of conveying complex technical and commercial information clearly to clients, consultants and internal teams.
• Demonstrable problem‑solving mindset with the ability to assess design, manufacture or supply‑chain issues, propose pragmatic solutions and drive corrective actions that improve project outcomes.
• Proficiency with estimation tools, spreadsheets, CRM and project management systems; experience with CAD, vehicle specification software or ERP systems is advantageous.
  
  

The company is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.