Mechanical Estimator - East Midlands

Cento; Leicester; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

25 days annual leave

Career development opportunities

Collaborative working environment

Long-term progression opportunities

Job summary

Cento is seeking an experienced HVAC Estimator to join our pre-construction team in the East Midlands. You will produce accurate cost estimates for HVAC and mechanical building services, coordinating with project managers, engineers, suppliers and the commercial team to win bids.

The role requires strong technical knowledge, excellent organisation, and the ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines. You will contribute to robust tender submissions and value engineering opportunities.

Qualifications

• HVAC estimating experience in commercial or industrial environments.
• Strong understanding of mechanical building services and installation methods.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specs and tender docs.
• Excellent numerical, analytical and communication skills.
• Proficient in estimating software and MS Office.
• Ability to work independently and within a team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate and competitive cost estimates for HVAC and mechanical projects.
• Analyse drawings, specs and tender documents to establish requirements.
• Produce detailed material, labour and equipment take-offs.
• Obtain and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Support preparation and submission of tender documents.
• Attend site visits and surveys for informed bid submissions.
• Collaborate with project managers and commercial teams throughout bids.
• Identify value engineering and cost-saving opportunities.
• Manage multiple estimating streams and deadlines.
• Maintain estimating databases and cost models.
• Participate in bid reviews and presentations to support delivery.

Skills

HVAC estimating

Mechanical services

Drawings interpretation

Numerical skills

Estimating software

MS Office

Independent worker

Time management

Bid defense

Tools

Estimating software platforms

Job description

Mechanical Estimator | Up to £65,000 | East Midlands

We are seeking an experienced HVAC Estimator to join a dynamic pre-construction team. This role is responsible for producing accurate and competitive cost estimates for a range of HVAC and mechanical building services projects. Working closely with project managers, engineers, suppliers, and commercial teams, you will play a key role in securing new business opportunities through the delivery of robust, professional, and commercially sound tender submissions.

Success in this role will require strong technical knowledge, excellent organisational skills, and the ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate and competitive cost estimates for HVAC and mechanical building services projects.
• Analyse technical drawings, specifications, and tender documentation to establish project requirements.
• Produce detailed material, labour, and equipment take-offs.
• Obtain and evaluate quotations from suppliers and subcontractors.
• Support the preparation, compilation, and submission of tender and proposal documents.
• Undertake site visits and surveys where required to ensure informed and compliant bid submissions.
• Work collaboratively with project managers, engineers, and commercial teams throughout the tender process.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and cost-saving solutions while maintaining project performance and compliance.
• Manage multiple estimating workstreams and tender deadlines, adapting priorities as business demands change.
• Maintain and develop estimating databases, cost models, and historical project information.
• Participate in bid reviews, presentations, and adjudication meetings to support successful bid delivery.
• Contribute to bid writing activities and support the production of high-quality submissions, including multi-discipline and integrated trade tenders.

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience in HVAC estimating within commercial and/or industrial environments.
• Strong understanding of mechanical building services systems and associated installation methodologies.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and tender documentation.
• Excellent numerical, analytical, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in estimating software and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a wider team.
• Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent tender processes.
• Confident in presenting and defending cost submissions during internal and external bid reviews.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience working on Design & Build tenders.
• Familiarity with a variety of estimating software platforms.
• Broader understanding of mechanical project delivery and commercial processes.
• Experience in bid writing and tender submission preparation.
• Knowledge of multi-trade tendering and integrated project bids.

Benefits & Package

• Salary: £30,000 - £65,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
• Car allowance
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Opportunities for career development within a growing business
• Supportive and collaborative working environment
• Long-term progression opportunities

Company Overview

Our client is a well-established and growing mechanical building services contractor, delivering high-quality HVAC and mechanical solutions across commercial and industrial sectors. Renowned for its technical expertise and customer-focused approach, the business offers a collaborative working environment and genuine opportunities for long-term career progression.