At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the preparation of competitive MEP estimates for high-value projects.
- Company: A leading design & build contractor in defence and energy sectors.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, car allowance, private healthcare, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Enjoy hybrid working and excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape project success and influence commercial strategy from the start.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in MEP estimating and strong technical knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 95000 - 105000 € per year.
Location: Chippenham (Hybrid)
Salary: £95,000 – £105,000 per annum
Sector: High-Tech Design & Build | Defence, MOD & Nuclear
Job Type: Permanent, Full-time
The client is a leading design & build contractor operating across the data, defence, and energy sectors. They deliver end-to-end solutions, from site acquisition and architecture through to construction, refurbishment, and final client handover. Their projects are complex, high-spec environments that demand specialist expertise, technical excellence, and innovative thinking.
This is a key opportunity for an experienced MEP Estimating Manager to take ownership of high-value, technically complex tenders and play a pivotal role in shaping project success from the outset.
The Opportunity
As MEP Estimating Manager, you’ll lead the preparation of accurate, competitive tenders across major projects, ensuring bids are commercially sound, technically robust, and aligned with business objectives. Working closely with senior leadership, you’ll drive tender strategy, assess risk, and identify opportunities to enhance value — directly contributing to project wins and long-term growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Tender Strategy & Delivery
- Lead the preparation of detailed and competitive MEP estimates
- Collaborate with the Pre-Construction Director to develop winning tender strategies
- Interpret client requirements and translate them into robust cost plans
- Compile and present final estimates for internal review and adjudication
- Risk & Commercial Management
- Identify and assess risks, opportunities, and cost drivers within tender submissions
- Develop mitigation strategies and advise on commercial positioning
- Monitor market trends and pricing fluctuations to maintain competitiveness
- Propose value engineering options and alternative solutions
- Supply Chain & Stakeholder Management
- Support selection and engagement of subcontractors and suppliers
- Review subcontractor quotations for compliance and value
- Liaise with internal teams, consultants, and external stakeholders
- Attend client meetings, tender interviews, and negotiations
- Process & Compliance
- Ensure all tenders comply with internal procedures and governance
- Present key risks and considerations at adjudication meetings
- Maintain alignment with management systems and reporting requirements
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in a senior MEP estimating role within construction
- Strong technical knowledge across both Electrical and Mechanical systems
- Experience delivering tenders on complex or high-value projects
- Understanding of contract documentation and commercial risk management
- Experience within data centres or similar high-spec environments desirable
- Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills
- Proficiency in estimating software (e.g. Conquest) and strong IT capability
Benefits
- Salary: £95,000 – £105,000 per annum
- Car allowance (where applicable)
- Competitive pension scheme
- Electric vehicle scheme
- Private healthcare and cash plan
- Eyecare vouchers
- Cycle to work scheme
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays + birthday leave
Why Apply?
- Play a key role in securing major, technically complex projects
- Join a specialist contractor with a strong reputation in high-security sectors
- Influence commercial strategy and project outcomes from the earliest stages
- Hybrid working offering flexibility and balance
- Excellent long-term career progression and earning potential
Estimating Manager in Chippenham employer: 4Front Recruitment
Join a leading design and build contractor in Chippenham, where as an MEP Estimating Manager, you will play a crucial role in shaping the success of high-value projects within the defence and energy sectors. With a strong focus on employee growth, competitive benefits including a generous salary, private healthcare, and a hybrid working model, this company fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers you to influence project outcomes from the outset.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimating Manager in Chippenham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and recent work, especially in high-tech design and build sectors. This will help you tailor your responses and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of MEP Estimating Manager. Highlight your technical knowledge and past successes in managing complex tenders to make a lasting impression.
✨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 are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimating Manager in Chippenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the MEP Estimating Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing complex tenders and your technical knowledge in Electrical and Mechanical systems. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
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 tender strategy and risk management. Let us know how you can contribute to our projects right from the start.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your proficiency in estimating software like Conquest. We’re keen on candidates who can demonstrate strong IT capabilities, so make sure to highlight any relevant tools or technologies you've used in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at 4Front Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As an MEP Estimating Manager, you’ll need to be on top of your game with numbers. Brush up on your estimating software skills, especially if they use Conquest or similar tools. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve successfully managed complex tenders in the past and the specific figures that demonstrate your success.
✨Understand the Project Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the high-tech design and build sector, particularly within defence and nuclear projects. Research the company’s recent projects and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in high-spec environments like data centres.
✨Risk Management is Key
Be ready to talk about how you identify and assess risks in tender submissions. Prepare examples of how you’ve developed mitigation strategies in previous roles. This will show that you can not only deliver competitive bids but also safeguard the company’s interests.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your experience in liaising with subcontractors, suppliers, and internal teams. Discuss how you’ve built relationships and ensured compliance in past projects. This will demonstrate your ability to manage stakeholder expectations and contribute to successful project outcomes.
