Senior Estimating Manager – MEP/Building Services

Energy Jobline CVL; Grays; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-related bonus

Company car / allowance

Pension scheme

Career progression opportunities

Private health care

Job summary

1st Step Solutions is supporting a building services engineering company in Grays, Essex, to recruit an Estimating Manager. You will lead and develop the estimating function, manage tender bids from enquiry to submission, and drive profitable growth across mechanical and electrical projects.

The role requires senior estimating experience in MEP/building services, strong leadership, advanced Excel and estimating software, and a track record of winning commercial, residential or industrial

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior estimating role within MEP / building services.
• Strong technical knowledge of mechanical & electrical systems.
• Track record of winning projects in commercial, residential, or industrial sectors.
• Excellent commercial awareness.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple bids under tight deadlines.
• Advanced Excel and estimating software experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the estimating team.
• Set estimating strategy aligned with company growth objectives.
• Implement best practice processes and systems.
• Work closely with senior management on pipeline planning.
• Oversee all MEP tenders from enquiry through to submission.
• Review specifications, drawings, and contract documents.
• Ensure accurate take-offs and pricing of labour, plant, and materials.
• Develop competitive yet commercially sound bid strategies.
• Manage risk and opportunity assessments on all bids.
• Attend pre-tender meetings and client interviews.
• Build strong relationships with clients, consultants, and supply chain.
• Negotiate with suppliers and subcontractors to secure best value.
• Support commercial team during contract award and handover.
• Assist in value engineering and cost-saving initiatives.
• Maintain and improve estimating software and databases.
• Track tender success rates and provide performance reports.
• Maintain cost data and benchmarking systems.

Skills

Senior estimating

MEP/building services

Leadership

Tendering

Excel

Estimating software

Communication

Multi-bid management

Education

HNC/HND or degree in Building Services/Engineering

Professional membership (CIBSE, RICS)

Tools

Estimating software

Advanced Excel

Job description

1st Step Solutions is supporting a building services engineering company in Grays, Essex, to recruit an Estimating Manager. You will lead and develop the estimating function, manage tender bids from enquiry to submission, and drive profitable growth across mechanical and electrical projects.

The role requires senior estimating experience in MEP/building services, strong leadership, advanced Excel and estimating software, and a track record of winning commercial, residential or industrial