Senior Mechanical Estimator, HELPLINE

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Job Type: Full‑Time, Permanent – Office Based.

Salary: £60,000 – £70,000 per annum, depending on experience.

Location: Maidstone, Kent ME15.

Established in 1983, Guardian is a respected mechanical services contractor delivering high‑quality HVAC solutions across London and the South East. They work across commercial, high‑end residential, education and public sectors, offering mechanical design, installation and commissioning services. Following a recent change of ownership, the business is entering a significant phase of modernisation, investment and process improvement. As part of this transformation, they are seeking an experienced Mechanical Estimator to take ownership of their estimating function and help shape the future of how they price and win work.

This is a key senior hire. You will be responsible for all mechanical estimating activities across the business and will play a pivotal role in developing a formal estimating department.

You will work closely with the Managing Director and Projects Team to:

• Lead all mechanical estimating for tenders ranging from small works to multi‑million‑pound packages.
• Carry out detailed take‑offs, cost analysis and tender submissions using drawings, specifications and site information.
• Review and improve current pricing methods (largely Excel‑based) and implement a consistent, structured estimating system.
• Establish best‑practice procedures, databases, templates and cost libraries.
• Liaise with supply chain and subcontractors across mechanical, electrical and BMS packages.
• Provide value‑engineering options and technical input during bid stages.
• Support business strategy by helping to forecast, analyse and improve their win rates.
• Work with project managers to ensure smooth handover of successful bids into delivery.

Specialty sectors include:

• Hotels & hospitality
• Residential refurbishments and new build
• Commercial offices
• Schools and education projects
• Specialist upgrades (AC, ventilation, BMS, plant replacement, VRV/VRF, etc.)
• Experience with electrical and BMS integration is highly advantageous.

• Significant experience as a Mechanical Estimator within an M&E contracting environment.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical building services (HVAC, pipework, ductwork, plant, BMS interface, etc.).
• Comfortable working independently as the primary estimator for the company.
• A process‑driven mindset with the ability to modernise and implement new systems.
• Excellent commercial awareness and understanding of how to build competitive but profitable tenders.
• Strong Excel skills and familiarity with digital estimating tools/databases (or ability to introduce them).
• Confident communicating with consultants, clients, suppliers and internal teams.
• High attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tenders at varying stages.

• Opportunity to build and lead a modern estimating department from the ground up.
• Work with a company that has been trusted for over 43 years with excellent repeat‑business clients.
• Be part of a leadership team that is investing heavily in modern systems, processes and people.
• A stable, growing pipeline of work across multiple sectors.
• Long‑term progression opportunities as the business continues to scale.
• Competitive salary, benefits and the opportunity to shape the future of the company.

If you feel that you have the relative skills/attributes to fulfil this role then please apply now for immediate consideration.

The employer fully supports Equality in Employment. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit and business need.