Mechanical Estimator

RGB Recruitment Ltd; Noss Mayo; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Pension

Holiday

Training and progression

Job summary

RGB Recruitment Ltd is seeking a Mechanical Estimator to prepare accurate tender packages for building services projects across the South West. You will review drawings, specifications, and client enquiries to produce prime cost estimates and build-ups for HVAC, piping, and plant installations.

The role involves take-offs, supplier and subcontractor enquiries, value engineering, risk reviews, and liaison with design managers and project teams.

Qualifications

• Experience as Mechanical Estimator or similar pre-construction role within M&E building services.
• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering, ductwork, pipework, plant installations, and building regulations.

Responsibilities

• Tender Preparation & Pricing: review client enquiries, drawings, specs and docs to formulate prime cost estimates.
• Take-offs & Build-ups: complete detailed material and labour take-offs for mechanical services (HVAC, DHW, chilled water, domestic water, and PH systems).
• Supply Chain Engagement: issue enquiries to equipment suppliers and subs, analyse quotations for compliance and value.
• Value Engineering: identify alternative proposals and material savings to improve competitiveness while protecting margins.
• Risk & Contract Review: assess project risks, review terms (NEC/JCT), contribute to tender risk registers.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: liaise with design managers, project engineers, and operations; attend tender meetings.
• Handover Support: manage smooth handover of successful bids to operations/delivery teams.

Skills

Estimating experience

Numerical ability

Negotiation skills

Attention to detail

Tools

Excel

M&E estimating software

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 for more junior individuals!