Senior Mechanical Estimator

An established and growing MEP contractor is looking to appoint an experienced Senior Mechanical Estimator to join its pre-construction team based in Basildon.

This is a senior-level opportunity working across technically challenging commercial fit-out and data centre projects, taking responsibility for mechanical tenders from initial enquiry through to final submission and handover.

The successful candidate will have a strong mechanical building services background and proven experience pricing projects within the commercial construction sector. You will work closely with the Estimating, Pre-Construction, Commercial and Operational teams to produce competitive, accurate and commercially viable tenders.

• Take ownership of mechanical tenders from initial enquiry through to final submission.

• Prepare detailed estimates for mechanical packages including HVAC, ventilation, heating, cooling, domestic water, public health and associated mechanical services.
• Review drawings, specifications, tender documentation and client requirements to establish the full scope of works.
• Produce detailed take-offs and build accurate labour, material, plant and subcontractor costs.
• Obtain and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations, ensuring packages are commercially competitive and technically compliant.
• Identify potential risks, opportunities, exclusions and value-engineering options throughout the tender process.
• Attend tender review meetings and present costings and commercial recommendations to senior management.
• Work closely with design and pre-construction teams to identify alternative solutions and cost-saving opportunities.
• Liaise with clients, consultants, suppliers and subcontractors throughout the tender process.
• Prepare tender clarifications, qualifications and supporting documentation.
• Support tender negotiations and post-tender meetings where required.
• Provide a comprehensive handover to the project and commercial teams following successful tender awards.
• Assist in the development and mentoring of junior members of the estimating team where required.

Project Sectors

The role will predominantly involve estimating mechanical packages across:

• Commercial Office Fit-Out
• High-End Commercial Refurbishment
• Data Centres & Mission-Critical Environments
• Complex MEP Projects
• Fast-Track Design & Build Schemes

Candidate Requirements

The ideal candidate will have:

• Significant experience as a Mechanical Estimator or Senior Mechanical Estimator within the MEP/building services sector.
• Strong experience estimating commercial fit-out and/or data centre projects.
• Excellent knowledge of mechanical building services and installation methods.
• The ability to interpret mechanical drawings, specifications and technical documentation.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to identify both tender risk and opportunity.
• Experience managing multiple tenders and working to demanding submission deadlines.
• Strong supplier and subcontractor relationships within the mechanical sector.
• Good communication and negotiation skills.
• A methodical and highly organised approach to estimating.
• Confidence working independently and taking full ownership of mechanical tenders.

• Salary up to £85,000 per annum
• Annual performance-related bonus
• Private healthcare
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Long-term career progression within an established MEP contractor
• Exposure to major commercial fit-out and data centre projects