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. Key Responsibilities * 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. Person Specification Essential * 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). Desirable * 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). 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