Mechanical Estimator

Sustainable Resourcing; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable mechanical and electrical services provider is searching for a Mechanical Estimator to join their team. This role involves preparing accurate cost estimates for building services across various sectors. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in the M&E sector, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication abilities. This position offers opportunities for professional growth within a dynamic team focused on quality delivery in projects such as education and healthcare.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Mechanical Estimator within building services / M&E sector.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to interpret mechanical engineering designs.
• Confident in mechanical take-offs and preparing commercial submissions.

Responsibilities

• Prepare comprehensive mechanical estimates for various building services contracts.
• Analyse project specifications and create accurate cost plans.
• Engage with suppliers and subcontractors for quotations.

Skills

Mechanical take-offs

Cost analysis

Commercial submissions

Communication

Stakeholder management

Estimation software

MS Office (Excel)

Job description

Mechanical Estimator - Building Services (M&E)

Location: Cambridgeshire

Employment Type: Full-time

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Estimator to join our commercial estimating team within the building services sector. You will be responsible for preparing accurate and competitive mechanical cost estimates for a wide range of building services projects — from education and healthcare to commercial and industrial sectors. You will play a key role in supporting profitable growth by developing bids that reflect excellent commercial insight and technical understanding.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare comprehensive mechanical estimates for building services contracts including installations, renovation and maintenance works across heating, ventilation, chilled systems, air conditioning, gas and public health systems.
• Analyse project specifications, drawings, bills of quantities and subcontractor proposals to develop accurate cost plans.
• Conduct detailed take-offs of mechanical materials, plant, plantrooms and labour requirements.
• Engage with suppliers and subcontractors to obtain quotations and validate pricing.
• Produce tender submissions, cost reports and risk analyses that support internal and client decision-making.
• Work collaboratively with project management, design, commercial and operations teams to refine costs and ensure deliverability.
• Maintain and update estimating databases, cost models and historical pricing to reflect market trends and supply chain changes.
• Contribute to pre-construction meetings and value engineering exercises to optimise design and cost outcomes.
• Support post tender negotiation and contract award processes as required.

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience as a Mechanical Estimator within the building services / M&E sector.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to interpret mechanical engineering designs, specifications and bills of quantities.
• Confident in mechanical take-offs, cost analysis and preparing commercial submissions.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Competent with estimation software and MS Office (especially Excel).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver to tight tender deadlines.
• Enthusiastic team player with a proactive approach to problem solving.

Desirable

• Knowledge of BIM processes and digital estimating tools.
• Existing supplier and subcontractor pricing networks.
• Understanding of sustainability considerations and energy-efficient systems in mechanical design.

Why This Role?

You'll join a reputable mechanical and electrical building services provider with a strong reputation for quality delivery across sectors including education, healthcare, life sciences, historic and defence facilities. The successful candidate will have opportunities to grow commercially and technically within a supportive and forward-thinking team environment.