Senior Mechanical Estimator

Recruitment Helpline Ltd; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected mechanical services contractor in Maidstone, Kent is seeking a Senior Mechanical Estimator to join their team. This pivotal role involves leading all mechanical estimating activities and developing a formal estimating department. The ideal candidate should possess significant experience in mechanical building services, strong Excel skills, and the ability to work independently. A competitive salary ranging from £60,000 to £70,000 is offered, along with opportunities for long-term progression within the company.

Benefits

Opportunity to build and lead a modern estimating department.

Work with a stable, trusted company.

Long-term progression opportunities.

Qualifications

• Significant experience as a Mechanical Estimator within an M&E contracting environment.
• Comfortable working independently as the primary estimator for the company.
• Strong Excel skills and familiarity with digital estimating tools/databases.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical estimating for tenders ranging from small works to multi-million-pound packages.
• Carry out detailed take-offs, cost analysis, and tender submissions.
• Review and improve current pricing methods and implement new estimating systems.

Skills

Mechanical building services knowledge (HVAC, pipework, ductwork)

Strong Excel skills

Commercial awareness

Excellent communication skills

Process-driven mindset

Job description

An excellent opportunity for an experienced Senior Mechanical Estimator to join a well-established company!

Job Details

Job Type: Full Time, Permanent – Office Based. Salary: £60,000 – £70,000 Per Annum, Depending on Experience. Location: Maidstone, Kent ME15.

About the Company

Established in 1983, they are a respected mechanical services contractor delivering high‑quality HVAC solutions across London and the South East. They work across the commercial, high‑end residential, education, and public sectors, offering mechanical design, installation, and commissioning services. Following a recent change of ownership, the business is entering a significant phase of modernisation, investment, and process improvement. As part of this transformation, they are seeking an experienced Mechanical Estimator to take ownership of their estimating function and help shape the future of how they price and win work.

About the Role

This is a key senior hire. You will be responsible for all mechanical estimating activities across the business and will play a pivotal role in developing a formal estimating department.

You will work closely with their Managing Director and Projects Team to:

• Lead all mechanical estimating for tenders ranging from small works to multi‑million‑pound packages
• Carry out detailed take‑offs, cost analysis, and tender submissions using drawings, specifications, and site information
• Review and improve our current pricing methods (largely Excel‑based) and implement a consistent, structured estimating system
• Establish best‑practice procedures, databases, templates, and cost libraries
• Liaise with supply chain and subcontractors across mechanical, electrical, and BMS packages
• Provide value‑engineering options and technical input during bid stages
• Support business strategy by helping to forecast, analyse, and improve their win rates
• Work with project managers to ensure smooth handover of successful bids into delivery

You will report directly to senior management and have the autonomy to build and shape an estimating function as the business continues to expand.

Typical Project Values

• Small works: £10k–£100k
• Medium projects: £100k–£1.5m
• Larger refurb/fit‑out packages: £1.5m–£4m+

Sectors

• Hotels and hospitality
• Residential refurbishments and new build
• Commercial offices
• Schools and education projects
• Specialist upgrades (AC, ventilation, BMS, plant replacement, VRV/VRF, etc.)
• Although the role is primarily mechanical, experience with electrical and BMS integration is highly advantageous

Candidate Requirements

• Significant experience as a Mechanical Estimator within an M&E contracting environment
• Strong knowledge of mechanical building services (HVAC, pipework, ductwork, plant, BMS interface, etc.)
• Comfortable working independently as the primary estimator for the company
• A process‑driven mindset with the ability to modernise and implement new systems
• Excellent commercial awareness and understanding of how to build competitive but profitable tenders
• Strong Excel skills and familiarity with digital estimating tools/databases (or ability to introduce them)
• Confident communicating with consultants, clients, suppliers, and internal teams
• High attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tenders at varying stages

Company Benefits

• Opportunity to build and lead a modern estimating department from the ground up.
• Work with a company that has been trusted for over 43 years with excellent repeat‑business clients.
• Be part of a leadership team that is investing heavily in modern systems, processes, and people.
• A stable, growing pipeline of work across multiple sectors.
• Long‑term progression opportunities as the business continues to scale.
• Competitive salary, benefits, and an opportunity to shape the future of the company.

If you feel that you have the relative skills/attributes to fulfil this role then please apply now for immediate consideration.

The employer fully supports Equality in Employment. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit and business need.