Hiring: Estimator - mechanical (commercial) in Bournemouth

A long-established and highly regarded Mechanical Building Services contractor is looking to appoint an experienced Mechanical Estimator to strengthen its Pre-Construction team in Hampshire. The business has developed an excellent reputation for delivering high-quality mechanical installations across commercial, fast-track CAT A and CAT B office fit-out and refurbishment, healthcare, education, leisure and specialist environments.

Typical mechanical project values are approximately £1 million to £4 million, with larger schemes extending beyond £6 million. This is an excellent opportunity to join a successful contractor with a strong pipeline of work, longstanding client relationships and a substantial in-house Pre-Construction capability incorporating estimating, design, CAD and BIM.

The successful candidate will become part of an experienced and collaborative team while taking genuine ownership of mechanical tenders from initial enquiry through to final submission and successful handover. The role is primarily office-based and would particularly suit somebody already living within a realistic daily commute of the Hampshire and South Coast area.

The Opportunity

As Mechanical Estimator, you will take responsibility for producing accurate, commercially competitive and technically robust tenders across a varied portfolio of Mechanical Building Services projects. Working closely with the wider Pre-Construction, Design, Commercial and Operational teams, you will assess opportunities from initial tender enquiry through to submission, negotiation and project handover.

• Reviewing tender enquiries, drawings, specifications and supporting documentation
• Carrying out detailed mechanical take-offs
• Quantifying labour, materials and plant requirements
• Obtaining and evaluating supplier and subcontractor quotations
• Preparing detailed cost estimates and competitive tender submissions
• Pricing HVAC, heating, cooling, ventilation, pipework, public health and plantroom installations
• Identifying commercial risk, opportunity and value-engineering solutions
• Liaising with clients, consultants, suppliers and subcontractors throughout the tender process
• Attending site surveys and pre- and post-tender meetings where required
• Managing multiple tenders and submission deadlines
• Supporting tender negotiations and clarifications
• Providing a comprehensive handover to the project delivery team following successful award

About You

We are looking for an experienced Mechanical Estimator with a strong background gained within a Mechanical or M&E Building Services contractor.

• Proven Mechanical Building Services estimating experience
• Experience tendering mechanical installation projects within a contractor environment
• Strong technical knowledge of HVAC, ventilation, heating and cooling systems, pipework, public health and associated mechanical services
• Experience pricing substantial commercial fit-out, refurbishment or similar Building Services projects
• The ability to interpret drawings, specifications and tender documentation
• Strong supplier and subcontractor procurement and negotiation skills
• Good commercial awareness and an understanding of tender risk and value engineering
• Strong numerical, analytical and organisational skills
• The confidence to manage tenders independently while working collaboratively with the wider Pre-Construction team
• Existing experience using Ensign estimating software is strongly preferred, particularly for candidates looking to make an immediate impact within the team.

Benefits

• £70,000 - £80,000 basic salary
• Annual company performance bonus scheme
• Company pension
• Electric vehicle salary-sacrifice scheme
• 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
• Life cover / death-in-service benefit
• Employee wellbeing support
• Company-funded training and professional development
• Exposure to substantial mechanical projects extending beyond £6m
• Established in-house Estimating, Pre-Construction and Design capability
• Genuine autonomy and responsibility
• Strong pipeline of repeat and secured work
• Long-term career progression within a highly regarded Building Services contractor

Interested? If you have strong Mechanical Building Services estimating experience and would like to explore an opportunity with an established and successful contractor on the South Coast, please apply with an up-to-date CV or contact Rob Green at David Leslie Ltd for a confidential and informal discussion.