At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage tenders and produce competitive estimates for mechanical building services projects.
- Company: Established mechanical building services contractor in Oxfordshire.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, bonus potential, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities to manage multiple exciting projects.
- Why this job: Join a growing team and make an impact on diverse projects across various sectors.
- Qualifications: 5 years' experience in mechanical estimating and strong technical knowledge required.
We are looking for an experienced Senior Mechanical Estimator to join a well-established and growing mechanical building services contractor in Oxfordshire.
The Role
As Senior Mechanical Estimator, you will manage tenders from initial enquiry through to submission and handover, producing accurate and commercially competitive estimates for design-and-build mechanical packages typically valued between £500k and £3m. Projects span the residential, care, commercial and education sectors, covering mechanical services including plumbing and heating, ventilation, air conditioning, sprinkler systems, dry risers, renewable technologies, BMS and mechanical controls.
Key responsibilities include:
- Reviewing drawings, specifications and tender documentation
- Preparing detailed estimates and accurate material and labour take-offs
- Obtaining and evaluating supplier and subcontractor quotations
- Building competitive tender prices across labour, materials, plant and specialist packages
- Identifying commercial risks, qualifications, exclusions and opportunities
- Exploring value-engineering solutions without compromising quality or compliance
- Liaising with clients, consultants, suppliers and subcontractors throughout the tender process
- Attending tender meetings, site visits and clarification meetings where required
- Preparing professional tender submissions and supporting documentation
- Providing a clear handover to commercial and project delivery teams following successful awards
We’re looking for an experienced Mechanical Estimator with strong technical and commercial knowledge, ideally with:
- Around 5 years’ mechanical estimating experience
- Strong knowledge of mechanical building services and new-build construction
- Experience estimating design-and-build packages
- Confidence reading drawings, specifications and tender information
- Strong commercial awareness, attention to detail and negotiation skills
- Ability to manage multiple tenders and deadlines
- Good Excel skills; Trimble experience advantageous
Experience across residential, care, commercial or education projects would be beneficial.
Senior Estimator in Thame employer: CPI Selection
Join a dynamic and supportive team at our well-established mechanical building services contractor in Thame, Oxfordshire, where your expertise as a Senior Mechanical Estimator will be valued and rewarded. We offer competitive salaries, performance bonuses, and a collaborative work culture that fosters professional growth and development, ensuring you have the resources and opportunities to excel in your career while working on diverse and impactful projects across various sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator in Thame
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like CPI Selection, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Senior Estimator at CPI Selection.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator in Thame
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at CPI Selection
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
