Piping Estimator

Pyramid Recruitment Ltd; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Pyramid Recruitment Ltd is seeking an estimator with piping and mechanical knowledge to turn enquiries into reliable cost proposals. You will analyse drawings, prepare material take-offs and develop comprehensive cost estimates reflecting materials, labour, plant and subcontractor needs.

The role requires strong numerical skills, accuracy and the ability to manage multiple quotations to tight deadlines, with clear communication across technical and commercial teams.

Qualifications

• Ability to read technical drawings and specifications.
• Quantify materials and assess labour requirements.
• Experience preparing estimates or quotations is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Analyse enquiry packages and drawings to establish the basis of each estimate.
• Produce material take-offs and assess labour for fabrication and installation.
• Compile cost breakdowns for materials, labour, plant and subcontractors; compare quotations.
• Record scope, pricing assumptions and clarifications; resolve gaps with relevant teams.
• Prepare tender pricing and respond to client queries during bids; brief delivery teams on awarded work.

Skills

Technical drawings

Numerical skills

Excel proficiency

Bid management

Communication

Multitasking

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Turn engineering requirements into reliable cost proposals for piping and mechanical works. You will assess enquiries, establish what each job involves and prepare quotations that reflect the resources, delivery requirements and risks involved.

The work covers new installations and changes to existing systems, including repairs and replacement. You will collaborate with technical, project and commercial colleagues from initial enquiry through to the handover of awarded work.

What you will do

Analyse enquiry packages, engineering drawings, piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), specifications and quantity schedules to establish the basis of each estimate.

Produce material take-offs covering pipework, valves, fittings, supports and related components, and assess the labour needed for fabrication and installation.

Compile cost breakdowns for materials, labour, plant, subcontractors and other project requirements. Request supplier prices and compare quotations against the proposed scope.

Resolve gaps or ambiguities in project information with the relevant teams. Record the scope, pricing assumptions, exclusions and points requiring clarification.

Assess delivery constraints and technical or commercial uncertainties, highlighting risks and opportunities before a quotation is submitted.

Prepare tender pricing and supporting information, and help respond to client queries during the bid process.

Brief delivery teams on successful bids, explaining the scope and the basis on which the work was priced.

Keep clear estimating records and help improve pricing templates, cost information and estimating methods.

What you will bring

A background in piping, mechanical engineering, fabrication or installation, with a sound understanding of pipework materials and components and how work is carried out in the workshop and on site.

The ability to read technical drawings and specifications, quantify materials and assess labour requirements.

Ideally, experience preparing estimates or quotations for piping or mechanical work, supported by practical commercial judgement and strong numerical skills.

Confidence using Microsoft Excel, careful attention to detail and the ability to organise several enquiries with competing deadlines.

Clear written and verbal communication, including the ability to explain pricing assumptions to colleagues and clients.

Applications are also welcomed from engineers, supervisors and experienced technicians who want to move into estimating. Experience on complex engineering or industrial projects would be useful; relevant experience from other piping and mechanical settings will also be considered.