Mechanical Estimator

RGB Recruitment Ltd; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Pension

Holiday

Job summary

RGB Recruitment Ltd seeks a Mechanical Estimator to craft accurate mechanical tender packages for South West projects. You will review drawings, specs and documents to price and build robust estimates, engaging suppliers and BIM partners as needed.

The role requires strong Excel and estimating tool proficiency, plus knowledge of ductwork, pipework and plant installations. Based in the South West, with progression opportunities and a competitive package.

Qualifications

• Experience as Mechanical Estimator or similar pre-construction role in M&E building services.
• Strong understanding of ductwork, pipework, plant installations and regs.
• Proficient in Excel and dedicated estimating or take-off software.
• Good commercial awareness with numerical and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Tender preparation and pricing from enquiries, drawings, specs and docs.
• Prepare detailed take-offs for mechanical services (HVAC, water, etc.).
• Engage supply chain and analyse quotations for value and compliance.
• Identify design and material savings to improve competitiveness.
• Assess risks and review terms; contribute to tender risks.
• Collaborate with design managers and project teams; support handover.

Skills

Excel

Estimating software

Mechanical knowledge

Negotiation

Tools

MEP estimating software

Digital take-off tools

Job description

Mechanical Estimator

Role Overview

As the Mechanical Estimator you are responsible for preparing accurate, competitive, and commercially robust mechanical tender packages for building services, design-and-build, and installation projects across the South West

The company

A successful and respectable MEP contractor operating across the South West. Huge pipeline of secured work whilst sitting on a number of framework contracts, giving longevity of work for the foreseeable. A large privately owned firm who support staff to success with training and progression opportunities!

Key Responsibilities

• Tender Preparation & Pricing: Review client enquiries, architectural/MEP drawings, specifications, and technical documentation to formulate prime cost estimates.
• Take-offs & Build-ups: Complete detailed material and labour take-offs for mechanical services (including HVAC, low-temperature hot water heating, chilled water, domestic water, and public health systems).
• Supply Chain Engagement: Issue enquiries to equipment suppliers and mechanical subcontractors, analysing quotations for technical compliance and commercial value.
• Value Engineering: Identify alternative design proposals, material savings, and efficiency options to improve competitiveness while protecting project margins.
• Risk & Contract Review: Assess project risks, review commercial terms (such as NEC or JCT contract forms), and contribute to tender risk registers.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Liaise internally with design managers, project engineers, and operations teams, and attend client or tender settlement meetings.
• Handover Support: Manage the smooth commercial and technical handover of successful bids to the operational and delivery teams.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Experience: Proven track record working as a Mechanical Estimator or in a similar mechanical pre-construction role within the M&E building services sector.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles, ductwork, pipework, plant installations, and relevant building regulations.
• Software Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and dedicated M&E estimating or digital take-off software.
• Commercial Awareness: Strong numerical, analytical, and negotiation skills with great attention to detail.

I am also eager to hear from assistant estimators, or candidates with transferable commercial skills. The client is able to provide, training and support to such individuals.

What's on offer

A competitive salary, car allowance, pension, holiday plus more. Training, support, and progression