Industrial Mechanical Estimator in Cheshire, Warrington

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced estimator with a strong background in mechanical building services to join a successful business delivering technically challenging projects across a range of sectors. The Mechanical Estimator will play an important role within the pre-construction function, taking responsibility for the preparation of accurate, competitive and commercially robust tenders.

You will be involved throughout the tender process, from the initial review of enquiries and technical documentation through to final submission, tender clarification and handover to the delivery team following contract award. The successful candidate will have a comprehensive understanding of mechanical building services and be comfortable estimating packages incorporating HVAC, heating, chilled water, ventilation, air conditioning, domestic water, drainage and public health systems.

The Role

As Mechanical Estimator, you will work closely with the wider estimating, commercial, design and operational teams to develop competitive tender submissions that accurately reflect the scope, specification, programme and commercial requirements of each project. You will review tender documentation in detail, undertake accurate take-offs, obtain quotations from the supply chain and build comprehensive cost plans covering labour, materials, plant and subcontract packages.

A key part of the position will be identifying potential commercial and technical risks at tender stage while also recognising opportunities for value engineering, alternative specifications and more efficient methods of delivery. You will be expected to manage your own workload across multiple tender opportunities while ensuring submissions are completed accurately and within the required deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

• Review incoming tender enquiries and establish the full mechanical scope of works.
• Analyse drawings, specifications, schedules, bills of quantities and other tender documentation.
• Prepare detailed and accurate estimates for mechanical building services packages.
• Undertake mechanical quantity take-offs from drawings and specifications.
• Produce labour, material, plant and subcontractor costings.
• Prepare bills of quantities and detailed pricing schedules where required.
• Issue enquiries to suppliers and subcontractors and obtain competitive quotations.
• Review and commercially evaluate supplier and subcontractor returns.
• Ensure quotations received are technically compliant with the tender requirements.
• Identify exclusions, qualifications, assumptions and areas requiring clarification.
• Assess project risks and opportunities during the tender process.
• Identify potential value-engineering opportunities and alternative technical solutions.
• Liaise with consultants, clients and the internal design team regarding technical queries.
• Work closely with commercial and operational teams to establish appropriate preliminaries, programme requirements and delivery strategies.
• Attend tender review meetings and contribute to internal adjudication processes.
• Assist with the preparation of tender presentations, clarifications and post-tender negotiations.
• Maintain accurate estimating records and supporting documentation.
• Ensure estimates reflect current market rates for labour, materials, plant and subcontract services.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and subcontractors.
• Support the development and maintenance of an effective mechanical supply chain.
• Monitor market conditions and pricing trends that could impact future tenders.
• Provide detailed tender handovers to the commercial and project delivery teams following successful contract awards.
• Support the wider pre-construction team with cost planning, budgeting and early-stage project assessments where required.

Mechanical Services

The successful candidate should have a strong understanding of a broad range of mechanical building services, which may include:

• Heating and low-temperature hot water systems.
• Chilled water and cooling systems.
• Air conditioning systems.
• Ventilation and air-handling systems.
• HVAC plant and associated equipment.
• Domestic hot and cold water services.
• Above-ground drainage.
• Public health systems.
• Pumps, valves and associated mechanical plant.
• Pipework and distribution systems.
• Mechanical controls and interfaces with BMS systems.
• Plantroom installations and major mechanical equipment.

An understanding of how mechanical services interface with electrical, controls, structural and architectural elements would also be advantageous.

Candidate Requirements

Our client is looking for an experienced Mechanical Estimator who can demonstrate a strong technical and commercial understanding of the building services sector. You will ideally have:

• Previous experience working as a Mechanical Estimator, M&E Estimator, Building Services Estimator or in a closely related position.
• A strong background within mechanical building services, M&E contracting or the wider construction industry.
• Experience producing estimates for mechanical packages from tender documentation.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, equipment, materials and installation methods.
• Experience completing accurate take-offs from drawings and specifications.
• Good understanding of labour outputs, material costs and subcontractor pricing.
• Experience obtaining, reviewing and negotiating supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• The ability to identify scope gaps, technical risks and commercial opportunities.
• Strong commercial awareness and attention to detail.
• Confidence working with drawings, specifications, schedules and bills of quantities.
• Good numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to manage several tenders and competing deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong communication skills and the confidence to liaise with clients, consultants, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Good IT skills and experience using estimating software and Microsoft Office applications.
• A relevant mechanical, building services or engineering qualification would be beneficial, although demonstrable industry experience will also be considered.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be a technically capable estimator who understands that successful tendering goes beyond simply producing the lowest price. You will be able to interrogate tender information, understand the proposed installation, identify areas of risk and ensure that the final submission represents a competitive but commercially sustainable solution. You should be comfortable taking ownership of tenders while collaborating with colleagues across pre-construction, commercial, design and operations. Our client is particularly interested in individuals who can build strong relationships with the supply chain and who understand the importance of obtaining accurate market-tested quotations when developing competitive bids.

Why Apply?

This position offers the opportunity to join an established organisation with a strong presence within the building services sector and a healthy pipeline of upcoming work. You will become part of an experienced pre-construction team and have the opportunity to work on a varied portfolio of projects while playing an important role in securing new business for the company. For the right individual, the position offers excellent scope for long-term career progression and professional development within the business.