Mechanical Estimator

RGB Recruitment Ltd; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training and progression

Job summary

RGB Recruitment Ltd is seeking a Mechanical Estimator to join a South West MEP contracting team. You will prepare tenders, perform detailed take-offs for HVAC, piping and plant installations, and assess supplier quotations to secure competitive bids.

The role requires strong Excel skills, experience in pre-construction activities, and robust commercial awareness to manage risks and optimise margins. On-site collaboration with design and delivery teams will be essential.

Qualifications

• Experience as Mechanical Estimator or similar pre-construction role in M&E.
• Strong understanding of ductwork, pipework and plant installations.
• Proficiency in Excel and estimating software.
• Strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Tender preparation & pricing based on drawings, specs and client enquiries.
• Take-offs & build-ups for mechanical services including HVAC, water, and public health systems.
• Engage with supply chain to evaluate quotations for technical and commercial value.
• Identify cost-saving and design alternatives to improve competitiveness.
• Review contract terms (NEC/JCT) and contribute to risk registers.
• Collaborate with design managers, project engineers and operations teams, and support tender settlements.
• Ensure smooth handover of successful bids to delivery teams.

Skills

Mechanical estimation

Excel proficiency

Negotiation

Attention to detail

Tools

M&E estimating software

Job description

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!