Mechanical Estimator

ARC Group; Colchester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Company pension

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Car allowance

Job summary

ARC Group is seeking a Senior Mechanical Estimator for our Colchester office to lead the mechanical estimating process on Building Services projects, producing accurate, commercially competitive tenders from enquiry through to contract award.

Working closely with senior management, design teams, suppliers and subcontractors, you will manage multiple tenders, ensure technical and commercial compliance, and deliver submissions on time while guiding the pre-construction team.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in Mechanical Estimator roles within Building Services or M&E.
• Strong understanding of mechanical building services systems and construction methods.
• Proven track record delivering competitive tenders for diverse projects.
• Excellent commercial awareness to identify risk and opportunity.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of detailed mechanical estimates for Building Services projects.
• Analyse tender docs, specifications and drawings to develop accurate cost plans.
• Produce detailed take-offs and evaluate project requirements.
• Source, negotiate and assess supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Prepare comprehensive cost comparison schedules and tender analysis.
• Raise and manage technical queries and RFIs.
• Contribute to design development to ensure compliant tender submissions.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and alternative designs.
• Present tender submissions and commercial recommendations to leadership.
• Support the handover of awarded projects to delivery teams.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, consultants, suppliers and subcontractors.

Skills

Estimating

Tendering

Cost analysis

Stakeholder communication

Tools

Excel

Job description

Senior Mechanical Estimator

Colchester

£50,000 - £65,000 + £6,000 Car Allowance + Benefits

Permanent

ARC is delighted to be partnering with a long-established and highly respected Building Services contractor to recruit a Senior Mechanical Estimator for their Colchester office.

With an enviable reputation for delivering high-quality Mechanical & Electrical projects across both the public and private sectors, our client continues to experience sustained growth and has an exciting opportunity for an experienced estimator to join their expanding pre-construction team.

This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in securing major projects while joining a financially strong business that offers genuine long-term career progression.

The Role

As Senior Mechanical Estimator, you will lead the mechanical estimating process on a wide variety of Building Services projects, producing accurate, commercially competitive tenders from initial enquiry through to contract award.

Working closely with senior management, design teams, suppliers and subcontractors, you will take ownership of multiple tenders simultaneously, ensuring all submissions are technically compliant, commercially robust and delivered within strict deadlines.

You will also provide technical guidance throughout the tender process and play an important role in supporting the continued success of the pre-construction department.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of detailed mechanical estimates for a range of Building Services projects.
• Analyse tender documentation, specifications and drawings to develop accurate cost plans.
• Produce detailed take-offs and evaluate project requirements.
• Source, negotiate and assess supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Prepare comprehensive cost comparison schedules and tender analysis.
• Raise and manage technical queries and Requests for Information (RFIs).
• Contribute to design development where required to ensure fully compliant tender submissions.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and alternative design solutions.
• Present tender submissions and commercial recommendations to senior leadership during adjudication meetings.
• Support the successful handover of awarded projects to operational delivery teams.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, suppliers and subcontractors.

About You

We're looking for an experienced Mechanical Estimator who is confident managing complex tenders and enjoys working within a collaborative and professional environment.

• 5+ years' experience within a Mechanical Estimator role in the Building Services or M&E sector.
• A strong understanding of mechanical building services systems and construction methodologies.
• Proven experience preparing competitive tenders across a variety of commercial and public sector projects.
• Excellent commercial awareness with the ability to identify risk and opportunity.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive, organised approach with the ability to prioritise multiple tender submissions.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

What's On Offer

• £50,000 - £65,000 basic salary
• £6,000 car allowance
• Private healthcare
• Company pension
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Permanent, full-time position
• Opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of high-value M&E projects
• Genuine career progression within a successful and growing Building Services contractor
• Supportive and collaborative working environment with an experienced senior leadership team