Estimator

Red Rock Consultants Ltd; Derby; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A mechanical building services contractor is seeking a Mechanical Estimator to join their team in Derby, UK. The role requires extensive experience in preparing cost estimates and knowledge of mechanical systems and good communication abilities. Candidates should have familiarity with UK construction standards and proficiency in estimating software. This full-time position offers a salary range of £55,000 to £65,000 per year, supporting a robust project lifecycle across diverse sectors.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as a Mechanical Estimator in mechanical or building services.
• Strong technical understanding of plumbing, HVAC, ventilation, heating.
• Proficiency in industry-standard estimating software.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates from project drawings and specifications.
• Conduct site visits to verify the scope and gather information.
• Collaborate with project managers and design teams for accurate estimates.

Skills

Mechanical systems understanding

Analytical skills

Microsoft Excel

Stakeholder management

Cost estimation

Education

HNC/HND or degree in Mechanical/Building Services Engineering

Tools

Estimating software

Job description

Location: Derby
Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 per year
Employment Type: Full-time
Hours: Monday to Friday

Red Rock Consultants are working with a well-established mechanical building services contractor delivering design, installation, and maintenance solutions across commercial and residential projects. Our expertise covers plumbing and heating systems, HVAC, ventilation, gas services, and energy-efficient technologies. We work on projects of varying scale, from smaller developments through to complex, multi-discipline installations, supporting clients throughout the full project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyse project drawings, specifications, and tender documentation to prepare detailed cost estimates.
• Conduct site visits to verify scope, measure works, and gather information for accurate estimating.
• Produce material take-offs, labour costs, plant hire, preliminaries, and subcontractor costs.
• Issue enquiries to suppliers and subcontractors and evaluate returned quotations.
• Prepare and present tender submissions, cost breakdowns, and commercial reports.
• Collaborate with project managers, design teams, and procurement to ensure estimates reflect design intent and risk.
• Maintain and update estimating databases, supplier rates, and cost libraries.
• Support value engineering, risk assessment, and cost optimisation.

Desirable Experience

• Experience with design-and-build projects and integrated MEP contracts.
• Understanding of UK construction standards, contracts, and regulatory frameworks.
• Previous site-based mechanical services exposure would be an advantage.

Candidate Requirements

• Extensive experience as a Mechanical Estimator in mechanical services, building services, or construction.
• Strong technical understanding of mechanical building systems, including plumbing, HVAC, ventilation, heating, and related disciplines.
• Proven track record of preparing competitive and accurate tender estimates.
• Experience attending site surveys and reading construction drawings.
• Proficiency in estimating software, Microsoft Excel, and industry standard tools.
• Excellent analytical, numerical, and commercial awareness skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Professional qualifications such as HNC/HND or degree in Mechanical/Building Services Engineering or equivalent estimating experience (preferred).