Senior Mechanical Estimator

We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Senior Mechanical Estimator to join our growing Commercial team at Group Metropolitan Ltd. The successful candidate will have a strong background in mechanical engineering and building services, with particular experience in plant relocations, infrastructure upgrades, critical environments and data centre projects across the UK.

This is a senior position requiring a combination of technical expertise, commercial awareness and strong organisational skills. The successful candidate will take ownership of the estimating process from initial tender enquiry through to final submission, ensuring all estimates are accurate, competitive, technically compliant and commercially viable.

Responsibilities

will include preparing detailed cost plans, carrying out quantity take-offs, assessing labour and material requirements, obtaining and evaluating subcontractor quotations, identifying project risks and opportunities, and participating in commercial tender reviews. Working closely with clients, suppliers, subcontractors, Project Managers and the wider Commercial team, the Senior Mechanical Estimator will play an important role in securing new business and supporting the successful delivery of projects.

In addition, the role will involve providing guidance, technical support and ongoing mentoring to the existing Junior Mechanical Estimator, helping to develop their estimating capabilities and supporting continuous improvement within the department. The position will report directly to the Estimating Manager and Commercial Director.

Estimating & Tender Management Manage the full mechanical estimating process, from initial tender enquiry and document review through to final pricing and submission. Prepare detailed, accurate and commercially competitive estimates for mechanical engineering and building services projects. Review tender documentation, drawings, specifications, schedules and employer requirements to establish the full scope of works.

Undertake detailed quantity take-offs, material assessments and labour calculations to develop comprehensive cost estimates. Prepare detailed bills of quantities, pricing schedules, cost breakdowns and tender submissions. Assess mechanical installation methodologies, construction sequencing, programme requirements and associated labour resources.

Identify potential design discrepancies, scope gaps, technical constraints and commercial risks during the tender process. Prepare and issue Requests for Information (RFIs) to clarify technical requirements and resolve ambiguities within tender documentation. Attend site surveys, tender walkthroughs and client meetings to assess existing installations, site conditions and project requirements.

Ensure all tender submissions are completed accurately and within the required deadlines. Technical & Commercial Responsibilities Demonstrate a strong understanding of mechanical building services installations, particularly HVAC, heating and chilled water systems, pipework, plantroom installations and associated infrastructure.

Apply specialist knowledge to projects involving plant replacement, plant relocations, infrastructure upgrades and works within operational or critical environments. Evaluate project-specific challenges, including restricted access, phased installations, service interruptions, temporary works and operational continuity.

Liaise with subcontractors, manufacturers and suppliers to obtain competitive quotations and ensure accurate pricing. Review and compare subcontractor and supplier quotations to ensure technical compliance, completeness and best commercial value. Identify value engineering opportunities and alternative technical solutions without compromising quality, safety or project requirements.

Assess tender risks, exclusions, assumptions and qualifications to ensure the Company's commercial position is appropriately protected. Participate in internal tender reviews, commercial evaluations and bid approval meetings. Support tender negotiations and respond to post-tender clarifications and client queries. Maintain accurate estimating records, pricing information and supporting documentation.

Project Handover & Collaboration Work closely with Project Managers, Contracts Managers and Commercial teams to ensure estimates reflect practical installation requirements and project delivery considerations. Prepare comprehensive tender handover documentation following successful project awards. Attend pre-construction and project handover meetings to communicate pricing assumptions, scope requirements, risks and commercial considerations.

Support the review of project costs and estimating performance to identify lessons learned and opportunities for improvement. Build and maintain positive working relationships with clients, suppliers, subcontractors and internal stakeholders. Represent the Company professionally during client meetings, site visits and tender negotiations.

Team Development & Continuous Improvement Provide ongoing guidance, support and mentoring to the Junior Mechanical Estimator. Assist with the development of technical estimating knowledge, measurement skills, tender preparation and commercial awareness. Review junior estimates and provide constructive feedback to improve accuracy, consistency and quality.

Support the Estimating Manager in improving estimating procedures, templates, cost databases and departmental efficiencies. Promote a collaborative and proactive working environment, encouraging knowledge sharing and continuous professional development. Experience & Technical Knowledge Proven experience working in a Senior Mechanical Estimator or experienced Mechanical Estimator position within the construction, mechanical engineering or building services sector.

Strong technical understanding of mechanical building services installations, including HVAC, heating, cooling, pipework, plantroom equipment and associated mechanical infrastructure. Demonstrable experience estimating complex mechanical projects, ideally involving plant relocations, infrastructure upgrades, data centres or other critical environments.

Experience managing mechanical tenders independently, from initial enquiry through to final submission. Strong understanding of mechanical installation methods, construction sequencing, labour productivity and material requirements. Ability to interpret and evaluate mechanical drawings, technical specifications, schematics, schedules and tender documentation.

Proven experience producing accurate quantity take-offs, labour assessments, material schedules and detailed cost estimates. Experience obtaining, analysing and negotiating subcontractor and supplier quotations. Sound understanding of commercial tendering principles, including risk assessment, value engineering, pricing strategies and cost management.

Previous practical experience working on mechanical installations or within a site-based mechanical engineering role would be highly advantageous. Experience working on live operational sites or within critical environments, where service continuity and careful project planning are essential, would be particularly beneficial.

Qualifications

& Systems Completion of a recognised mechanical apprenticeship or possession of a relevant qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Building Services Engineering or a related discipline. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, with the ability to prepare and maintain detailed estimating spreadsheets, cost plans and pricing schedules.

Experience using mechanical estimating software and digital measurement or take-off tools. Ability to interpret technical drawings using relevant drawing review or construction software. Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to client sites and project locations as required. Skills & Personal Attributes Excellent numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Strong commercial awareness, with the ability to balance competitive pricing against project risks and profitability. Highly organised and capable of managing multiple tender opportunities simultaneously while meeting demanding submission deadlines. Self-motivated and proactive, with the confidence to take ownership of the estimating process and work independently.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage professionally with clients, suppliers, subcontractors and internal teams. Confident presenting and explaining technical and commercial information during tender reviews and client meetings. Ability to identify potential issues early, challenge assumptions and recommend practical, commercially viable solutions.

Strong negotiation skills and the ability to build effective working relationships with suppliers and subcontractors. A collaborative approach, with the willingness and ability to mentor junior colleagues and share technical knowledge. Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to remain focused and maintain high standards when working under pressure.

A commitment to delivering quality, maintaining professional integrity and contributing positively to the continued growth of the business. Competitive Salary – Reflective of experience, technical expertise and industry knowledge. Employee-Owned Trust (EOT) – Eligibility to become a beneficiary of our Employee-Owned Trust scheme following 12 months of continuous employment.

Private Healthcare – Access to private medical healthcare through Vitality for you and your dependents. Private Dental Insurance – Dental cover as part of our employee benefits package. Life Assurance – Financial protection and peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Company Pension Scheme – Employer pension contributions of 7%, alongside employee contributions of 5%.

Annual Leave – 24 days' annual leave plus UK Bank Holidays. Length of Service Rewards – Recognition and rewards for continued service and commitment to the business. Private Financial Advice – Access to professional financial guidance and support. Trade. Point Discount Scheme – Access to exclusive discounts. Professional Development – Opportunities for ongoing training, skills development and career progression.