Mechanical Estimator

RGB Recruitment Ltd; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Pension

Holiday entitlement

Training & progression

Job summary

RGB Recruitment Ltd in Plymouth seeks a Mechanical Estimator for a full-time, permanent role. You will prepare competitive mechanical tender packages for building services, design-and-build and installation projects across the South West.

The role requires reviewing client enquiries, drawings, specifications and documentation to produce prime cost estimates and detailed take-offs, with close attention to detail and strong analytical ability.

Qualifications

• Experience in mechanical estimating or pre-construction in M&E building services.
• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering, ductwork, pipework and plant installations.
• Proficient in Excel and estimating software.
• Good commercial awareness and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Tender preparation, pricing and reviewing client enquiries.
• Carry out take-offs and build-ups for mechanical services including HVAC, heating, cooling, water systems.
• Engage with suppliers and subcontractors to analyse quotations.
• Identify value engineering options to protect margins.
• Review project risks and commercial terms, and contribute to risk registers.
• Collaborate with design managers, engineers and operations, and participate in tender meetings.
• Support handover of successful bids to delivery teams.

Skills

Tendering

Take-offs

Mechanical drawings

Analytical thinking

Excel

Tools

MS Excel

Estimating software

Digital take-off tools

Job description

RGB Recruitment seeks a Mechanical Estimator in Plymouth for a full-time, permanent post offering a competitive salary. The successful candidate will prepare accurate, commercially sound tender packages for building services, design-and-build, and installation schemes throughout the South West. Duties include reviewing client enquiries, architectural and MEP drawings, specifications and technical documentation to produce prime cost estimates, alongside detailed take-offs and build-ups. Applicants should demonstrate strong analytical ability, close attention to detail, and confidence interpreting mechanical drawings. The employer, a privately owned MEP contractor with a substantial secured pipeline and framework agreements, provides training and clear progression prospects.

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!