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
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