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.

Key Responsibilities

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Review and analyse tender documentation, including technical drawings, specifications, and project scope.

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Perform “take-offs”: quantify materials, labour, plant, and preliminaries required for mechanical works.

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Liaise with suppliers, subcontractors, and vendors to obtain quotations, pricing, and lead-time information.

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Evaluate received quotes, benchmark against internal and market costs, and identify potential risks or cost-saving opportunities.

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Prepare detailed cost estimates and pricing schedules for mechanical systems, incorporating materials, labour, plant, commissioning, transport, and other relevant factors.

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Support value-engineering exercises by proposing alternative options or optimisations.

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Compile and submit tender documents, ensuring compliance with client requirements, assumptions, and exclusions.

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Work closely with project managers, engineers, and operational teams to align cost estimates with technical and commercial requirements.

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Maintain and update estimating databases, historic cost models, and benchmarking data.

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Highlight and manage risks, assumptions, and contingencies in estimates; prepare risk registers where necessary.

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Participate in pre-tender and post-tender meetings, clarifying assumptions, lead times, and scope.

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Handover successful estimates to delivery teams, ensuring they understand the basis of cost, scope, and assumptions.

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Continuously monitor market trends (material costs, labour rates, supply chain risks) and feed insights back into the estimating process.

Person Specification

Essential

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Proven experience in mechanical estimating, ideally within the building services / M&E sector.

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Strong technical understanding of mechanical systems: HVAC, plumbing, heating, plant, ductwork, etc.

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Excellent numerical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

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Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, schematics, and BOMs.

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Proficiency in spreadsheets, estimating software (or willingness to learn), and Microsoft Office.

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Commercial awareness, attention to detail, and ability to manage assumptions and risk.

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Effective communication skills for working with internal teams and external suppliers/subcontractors.

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Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple bids, and meet tight deadlines.

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Full UK driving licence (if the role requires site visits).

Desirable

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Previous experience in value engineering / cost optimisation.

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Experience of estimation software tools (e.g., Amtech, Conquest, Trimble, etc.).

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Familiarity with Building Information Modelling (BIM) or other design tools.

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Building Services or Mechanical Engineering qualification (HNC, HND, Degree).

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Understanding of project delivery methods (Design & Build, Traditional, ECI).

Working Conditions & Hours

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.

Benefits & Package (Typical)

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