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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a high-performing estimating team for exciting mechanical and electrical projects.
- Company: Dynamic building services engineering company based in Grays, Essex.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, company car, pension scheme, and private healthcare.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving profitable growth and winning projects in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Proven senior estimating experience in MEP, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities and a chance to implement innovative estimating systems.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
1st Step Solutions are supporting a building services engineering company who have an opportunity for a Head of Estimating based in Grays, Essex.
Role Overview
Our client is seeking an experienced Head of Estimating to lead and develop their estimating function. This senior role will be responsible for managing the full tendering process, building a high‑performing estimating team, and driving profitable growth across mechanical and electrical projects.
Key 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 & Experience Required
- 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
Desirable
- HNC/HND or degree in Building Services, Engineering, or Quantity Surveying
- Professional membership (CIBSE, RICS, etc.)
- Experience implementing estimating systems and procedures
- Knowledge of NEC & JCT contracts
Package
- Competitive salary
- Performance‑related bonus
- Company car / allowance
- Pension scheme
- Career progression opportunities
- Private health care
Head Of Estimating in Grays employer: 1st Step
Contact Detail:
1st Step Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Estimating in Grays
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it aligns with the Head of Estimating role. Highlight your leadership skills and past successes in managing estimating teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Estimating in Grays
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Estimating role. Highlight your experience in managing estimating teams and your technical knowledge of MEP systems. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past successes in estimating and how you can contribute to our growth objectives.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team, make sure to emphasise your leadership experience. We love to see how you've mentored others and driven performance in previous roles. Let us know how you can build a high-performing estimating team!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at 1st Step
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Estimating, you'll need to demonstrate your strong technical knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems. Brush up on key metrics and figures related to past projects you've worked on, as well as current market trends. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the role but also have a finger on the pulse of the industry.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership and people management skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure situations. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you motivated your team to achieve results.
✨Master the Tendering Process
Since you'll be managing the full tendering process, it’s crucial to articulate your experience with this. Be ready to discuss your approach to overseeing MEP tenders from enquiry through to submission, and how you ensure accuracy in take-offs and pricing. Highlight any best practices you've implemented in previous roles.
✨Build Relationships
Strong relationships with clients, consultants, and the supply chain are key to success in this role. Prepare to talk about how you've built and maintained these relationships in the past. Share specific examples of negotiations with suppliers or subcontractors that resulted in securing the best value for your projects.
