Cost Estimation & Procurement Specialist
Company overview
RED FOX GROUP is a collective of 3 distinct divisions united by one vision
- We shape how people experience brands
- Red Fox Group is a solutionist-led brand collective uniting strategy, design and production to build brands that work commercially, physically and digitally.
Red Fox Create
- We create environments people choose to be in.
- Physical brand spaces, displays, retail visibility and fabrication.
Red Fox Connect
- We make brands look and feel unforgettable
- Brand identity, messaging, design systems, digital content and creative storytelling.
Red Fox Consult
- We define your commercial pathway to growth
- Commercial strategy, FMCG insights, portfolio structuring, pricing, and route-to-market expertise.
Red fox Group exists to protect, strengthen and grow the Dens we are entrusted with.
Cost Estimation & Procurement Specialist
Purpose of the Role
This role owns the full costing-to-purchasing cycle — from interpreting designs and building accurate cost estimates, through to sourcing suppliers, negotiating pricing, and placing orders.
You ensure that what we design is not only possible, but commercially viable, competitively priced, and efficiently procured.
You sit at the intersection of Design, Sales, Production, Finance, and Suppliers, bringing clarity, discipline, and commercial intelligence to every project.
Qualifications & Experience
- Grade 12 (Maths/Accounting advantageous)
- Diploma/Degree in Industrial Engineering, Cost Management, Supply Chain, Finance, or similar (advantageous)
- 3+ years’ experience in costing, procurement, or a similar role in a manufacturing environment
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes (fabrication, CNC, sheet metal, etc.)
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings (2D/3D)
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems (e.g. Paradigm, SAP)
- Advanced Excel (cost modelling, analysis)
- Knowledge of materials (metals, plastics, substrates, components)
Key Responsibilities
1. Cost Estimation & Commercial Analysis
- Prepare accurate, detailed cost estimates for products, prototypes, and production runs
- Interpret drawings and specifications to identify cost drivers
- Calculate material requirements, labour, fabrication time, and subcontracted processes
- Build and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs)
- Provide input to improve design efficiency and manufacturability
- Support feasibility assessments and pricing decisions
2. Supplier Sourcing & Procurement
- Source, evaluate, and onboard suppliers in line with quality and cost requirements
- Obtain and compare quotations to ensure best value
- Negotiate pricing, lead times, and terms aligned to project needs
- Place purchase orders and manage the full order lifecycle
- Follow up to ensure on-time delivery of materials and components
- Maintain strong, professional supplier relationships
3. Cost Control & Continuous Improvement
- Track actual vs estimated costs and identify variances
- Identify opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency improvements
- Monitor price fluctuations and proactively adjust sourcing strategies
- Support the use of slow-moving or obsolete stock where appropriate
4. Data, Systems & Reporting
- Maintain accurate cost databases, supplier records, and pricing libraries
- Ensure BOMs, supplier lists, and procurement records are always up to date
- Load and maintain master data within ERP systems
- Prepare cost reports, variance analyses, and procurement insights
- Ensure documentation complies with company and ISO standards
5. Inventory & Stock Alignment
- Work with warehouse and production teams to monitor stock levels
- Support stock counts and investigate discrepancies
- Align procurement with production timelines and inventory needs
- Contribute to inventory optimisation and turnover efficiency
6. Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Design and Technical teams to align cost and build feasibility
- Support Sales with accurate, timely costing
- Partner with Production to ensure materials are available and correctly specified
- Act as the commercial bridge between internal teams and external suppliers
Key Attributes
- Highly analytical and detail-oriented
- Commercially minded — balances cost, quality, and practicality
- Strong negotiator with sound judgment
- Organised, disciplined, and deadline-driven
- Calm under pressure, able to manage multiple projects
- Clear communicator across technical and non-technical teams
- High integrity when handling pricing and supplier information
About You (Red Fox Lens)
You don’t just cost things — you make them viable.
You understand that a great idea only matters if it can be built efficiently, at the right price, and at scale.
You take ownership from first number to final order.
You question, refine, and improve — not blindly execute.
You’re a team player who understands that every number you produce impacts someone else’s ability to deliver.
And most importantly — you take pride in getting it right.
Before you apply, ask yourself:
Am I excited by a fast paced, varied environment where pressure is high and perfection is the goal?
Does the idea of working on multiple diverse projects fill me with joy?
Does getting into the most intricate of detail give me a thrill?
“The clearly defined required skills and experience will secure an interview, a culture and values match will secure the job”
Apply
If you believe you’d be a great fit, please send your CV and portfolio (where applicable) to:
Be sure to include the position you’re applying for in the subject line.
All applications will be reviewed carefully, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted shortly after submission. Due to the volume of applications received, only successful applicants will be contacted.
We look forward to hearing from you.