Mechanical Estimator

Mechanical Estimator (Building Services) Role Summary

We are looking for a Mechanical Estimator to join our pre-construction / commercial team. In this role, you will be responsible for preparing detailed and competitive cost estimates for mechanical building services projects — such as HVAC, plumbing, heating systems, and plant — with a focus on accuracy, risk analysis, and value engineering.

• Review and analyse tender documentation, including technical drawings, specifications, and project scope.
• Perform “take-offs”: quantify materials, labour, plant, and preliminaries required for mechanical works.
• Liaise with suppliers, subcontractors, and vendors to obtain quotations, pricing, and lead-time information.
• Evaluate received quotes, benchmark against internal and market costs, and identify potential risks or cost‑saving opportunities.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates and pricing schedules for mechanical systems, incorporating materials, labour, plant, commissioning, transport, and other relevant factors.
• Support value‑engineering exercises by proposing alternative options or optimisations.
• Compile and submit tender documents, ensuring compliance with client requirements, assumptions, and exclusions.
• Work closely with project managers, engineers, and operational teams to align cost estimates with technical and commercial requirements.
• Maintain and update estimating databases, historic cost models, and benchmarking data.
• Highlight and manage risks, assumptions, and contingencies in estimates; prepare risk registers where necessary.
• Participate in pre‑tender and post‑tender meetings, clarifying assumptions, lead times, and scope.
• Handover successful estimates to delivery teams, ensuring they understand the basis of cost, scope, and assumptions.
• Continuously monitor market trends (material costs, labour rates, supply chain risks) and feed insights back into the estimating process.

• Proven experience in mechanical estimating, ideally within the building services / M&E sector.
• Strong technical understanding of mechanical systems: HVAC, plumbing, heating, plant, ductwork, etc.
• Excellent numerical, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, schematics, and BOMs.
• Proficiency in spreadsheets, estimating software (or willingness to learn), and Microsoft Office.
• Commercial awareness, attention to detail, and ability to manage assumptions and risk.
• Effective communication skills for working with internal teams and external suppliers/subcontractors.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple bids, and meet tight deadlines.
• Full UK driving licence (if the role requires site visits).

• Previous experience in value engineering / cost optimisation.
• Experience of estimation software tools (e.g., Amtech, Conquest, Trimble, etc.).
• Familiarity with Building Information Modelling (BIM) or other design tools.
• Building Services or Mechanical Engineering qualification (HNC, HND, Degree).
• Understanding of project delivery methods (Design & Build, Traditional, ECI).

Based in an office environment with travel to supplier offices or occasional site visits (if required).

Full‑time, standard working hours; bid deadlines may occasionally demand extra hours.

Collaborative role: working closely with commercial, design, and delivery teams.

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
• Car allowance or company car (if travel is required).
• Pension scheme.
• Opportunities for professional development and training (estimating, systems, technical).
• Performance‑related bonus structure (depending on company).
• Annual leave + public holidays