Hybrid M&E Estimator – Tendering & Costing Expert

Orchard Recruitment Solutions Ltd; England; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Opportunity to buy or sell additional/

Hybrid working

Job summary

Orchard Recruitment Solutions Ltd is seeking an experienced M&E Estimator to join our expanding team. You will develop accurate cost estimates for mechanical and electrical building services on commercial projects, pricing tenders to balance competitiveness with strong margins.

You will review drawings and tender documents, assess supplier quotations and work closely with clients, subcontractors and internal teams to ensure successful bids and smooth project handover.

Qualifications

• Experience in an M&E estimating environment.
• Strong understanding of mechanical and electrical building services and estimating principles.
• Experience preparing detailed project cost estimates, material take-offs and cost breakdowns.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications and tender documentation.
• Experience reviewing and assessing supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Good understanding of construction tendering and procurement processes.
• Ability to analyse market rates, benchmark data and project risks.
• Strong commercial awareness and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tenders and deadlines.
• A proactive approach to continuous improvement within the estimating function.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed M&E project cost estimates, material take-offs and cost breakdowns.
• Price mechanical and electrical building services packages across a range of commercial projects.
• Review drawings, specifications and tender documentation to understand project requirements and scope.
• Obtain, review and assess supplier and subcontractor quotations for accuracy, compliance and commercial value.
• Support the tender process, including bid preparation, coordination and handover to project teams.
• Analyse market rates, benchmark data and project risks to ensure competitive and accurate pricing.
• Identify potential commercial risks, omissions and opportunities throughout the estimating process.
• Work closely with internal teams and external partners to maintain strong commercial relationships.
• Assist with value engineering and identify opportunities to improve project cost and efficiency.
• Maintain accurate estimating records, pricing information and historical cost data.
• Contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of estimating processes and procedures.
• Drive continuous improvement within the estimating function.

Skills

M&E estimating

Building services

Cost breakdowns

Drawing interpretation

Supplier quotes

Tendering process

Market benchmarking

Commercial awareness

Communication skills

Collaboration

Organisation

Continuous improvement

Education

GCSEs English & Maths

HNC/BTEC Construction

Electrical/Mechanical Eng. desirable

Degree beneficial

Job description

Orchard Recruitment Solutions Ltd is seeking an experienced M&E Estimator to join our expanding team. You will develop accurate cost estimates for mechanical and electrical building services on commercial projects, pricing tenders to balance competitiveness with strong margins.

You will review drawings and tender documents, assess supplier quotations and work closely with clients, subcontractors and internal teams to ensure successful bids and smooth project handover.