Senior Mechanical Estimator

We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Senior Mechanical Estimator to join our growing Commercial team at Group Metropolitan Ltd.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in mechanical engineering and building services, with particular experience in plant relocations, infrastructure upgrades, critical environments and data centre projects across the UK.

This is a senior position requiring a combination of technical expertise, commercial awareness and strong organisational skills. The successful candidate will take ownership of the estimating process from initial tender enquiry through to final submission, ensuring all estimates are accurate, competitive, technically compliant and commercially viable.

Responsibilities will include preparing detailed cost plans, carrying out quantity take-offs, assessing labour and material requirements, obtaining and evaluating subcontractor quotations, identifying project risks and opportunities, and participating in commercial tender reviews.

Working closely with clients, suppliers, subcontractors, Project Managers and the wider Commercial team, the Senior Mechanical Estimator will play an important role in securing new business and supporting the successful delivery of projects.

In addition, the role will involve providing guidance, technical support and ongoing mentoring to the existing Junior Mechanical Estimator, helping to develop their estimating capabilities and supporting continuous improvement within the department.

The position will report directly to the Estimating Manager and Commercial Director.

Experience & Technical Knowledge

• Proven experience working in a Senior Mechanical Estimator or experienced Mechanical Estimator position within the construction, mechanical engineering or building services sector.
• Strong technical understanding of mechanical building services installations, including HVAC, heating, cooling, pipework, plantroom equipment and associated mechanical infrastructure.
• Demonstrable experience estimating complex mechanical projects, ideally involving plant relocations, infrastructure upgrades, data centres or other critical environments.
• Experience managing mechanical tenders independently, from initial enquiry through to final submission.
• Strong understanding of mechanical installation methods, construction sequencing, labour productivity and material requirements.
• Ability to interpret and evaluate mechanical drawings, technical specifications, schematics, schedules and tender documentation.
• Proven experience producing accurate quantity take-offs, labour assessments, material schedules and detailed cost estimates.
• Experience obtaining, analysing and negotiating subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Sound understanding of commercial tendering principles, including risk assessment, value engineering, pricing strategies and cost management.
• Previous practical experience working on mechanical installations or within a site-based mechanical engineering role would be highly advantageous.
• Experience working on live operational sites or within critical environments, where service continuity and careful project planning are essential, would be particularly beneficial.

Qualifications & Systems

• Completion of a recognised mechanical apprenticeship or possession of a relevant qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Building Services Engineering or a related discipline.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, with the ability to prepare and maintain detailed estimating spreadsheets, cost plans and pricing schedules.
• Experience using mechanical estimating software and digital measurement or take-off tools.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings using relevant drawing review or construction software.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to client sites and project locations as required.

Skills & Personal Attributes

• Excellent numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong commercial awareness, with the ability to balance competitive pricing against project risks and profitability.
• Highly organised and capable of managing multiple tender opportunities simultaneously while meeting demanding submission deadlines.
• Self-motivated and proactive, with the confidence to take ownership of the estimating process and work independently.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage professionally with clients, suppliers,…