Head of Estimating

NRL; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Glasgow is seeking a Head of Estimating to lead an estimating team focused on providing accurate cost estimates for HVAC, mechanical services, and water projects. The ideal candidate should have over 10 years of experience in estimating, a strong background in team development, and excellent communication skills. This role is critical in ensuring compliance with industry standards and supporting project managers with accurate financial information.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in mechanical estimating, focusing on HVAC, mechanical services, and water projects.
• Proven track record of leading and developing high-performing estimating teams.
• Experience in the commercial, residential, and industrial sectors is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the estimating team to ensure high performance.
• Oversee the preparation of detailed cost estimates for HVAC and mechanical services.
• Stay updated with industry regulations and ensure compliance.
• Provide project management support and cost information to project managers.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.

Skills

Extensive technical knowledge within HVAC, mechanical services, and water industries

Excellent communication and negotiation skills

Solution-oriented with strong problem-solving abilities

Financial acumen and attention to detail

Strong project management skills

Ability to interpret contracts

Proficiency in estimating software and tools

Customer focus

Adaptability

Develops effective teams

Communicates influentially

Collaborates

Cultivates innovation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Construction Management, or a related field

Professional certification or membership in relevant industry bodies

Tools

Estimating software

Job description

At NRL, we have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Estimating to join our client to lead and manage a high‑performing estimating team in providing accurate and competitive customer focused cost estimates for HVAC, mechanical services, and water projects.

The Head of Estimating will ensure compliance with industry regulations, develop the estimating team, and support the bid process to secure profitable projects while meeting customers’ bespoke requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the estimating team to ensure high performance and continuous improvement.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive team environment focused on excellence and surpassing the customer requirements.
• Identify training and development needs within the team and implement appropriate programs to enhance skills and knowledge.

Customer‑Focused Estimating and Costing

• Oversee the preparation of detailed cost estimates for HVAC, mechanical services, and water projects, ensuring they meet customers’ bespoke requirements.
• Ensure accuracy and competitiveness in all cost estimates, tailored to client specifications.
• Review and approve estimates prepared by team members, ensuring they align with customer expectations.

Regulatory Compliance

• Stay updated with industry regulations and ensure all estimates comply with relevant standards and guidelines.
• Implement and maintain best practices in estimating processes.

Project Management Support

• Provide cost information and support to project managers.
• Assist in the preparation of project budgets and financial reports.
• Track project costs and update estimates as necessary to reflect changes in scope or conditions.
• Participate in project handover meetings to ensure a smooth transition from estimating to project management.

Client and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and subcontractors.
• Attend client meetings to discuss and clarify project requirements and deliverables.
• Provide technical and cost advice to clients and project teams, ensuring their bespoke needs are met.

Continuous Improvement

• Stay updated with industry trends, best practices, and new technologies in HVAC, mechanical services, and water projects.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements in the estimating function.
• Maintain and update the estimating database and cost libraries.

Essential Technical Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• Professional certification or membership in relevant industry bodies (e.g., HVCA, CIBSE) is an advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in mechanical estimating, with a focus on HVAC, mechanical services, and water projects.
• Proven track record of leading and developing high-performing estimating teams.
• Experience in the commercial, residential, and industrial sectors is preferred.

Skills and Competencies:

• Extensive technical knowledge within the HVAC, mechanical services, and water industries.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Solution‑oriented with strong problem‑solving abilities.
• Financial acumen and attention to detail.
• Strong project management skills and ability to interpret contracts.
• Proficiency in estimating software and tools.
• Customer Focus – ability to build strong customer relationships and delivers customer‑centric solutions
• Adaptability – approach and demeanour in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations
• Develops Effective Teams – Develops people and proactively builds teams capable of delivering the organisation’s goals
• Communicates Influentially – Articulates ideas and information clearly, ensuring understanding and uses compelling arguments to gain the support and commitment of others
• Collaborates – Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives
• Cultivates Innovation – Creates new and better ways for the organisation to be successful

The NRL Group connect global companies with the right people to bring engineering projects to life. Supporting contracting companies with energy transition plans and working with our clients to create a cleaner, greener future.

We welcome applications from every walk of life and are committed to diversity within the industries we support, as a certified Inclusive Recruiter and Armed Forces friendly employer.