At a Glance
- Tasks: Produce accurate tenders for exciting mechanical projects and collaborate with a dynamic team.
- Company: Established Mechanical Building Services contractor with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Long-term career progression and exposure to substantial projects.
- Why this job: Join a successful team and take ownership of impactful mechanical projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical estimating and strong technical knowledge of HVAC systems.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
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.
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
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
£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
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.
Hiring: Mechanical Commercial Estimator in Fareham employer: DAVID LESLIE LTD
Join a leading Mechanical & Electrical Building Services contractor in the South West, where you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering innovative projects. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package including car allowance, this company fosters a collaborative work culture that values your contributions and encourages professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hiring: Mechanical Commercial Estimator in Fareham
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like DAVID LESLIE LTD.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like DAVID LESLIE LTD love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of DAVID LESLIE LTD and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Hiring: Mechanical Commercial Estimator in Fareham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for DAVID LESLIE LTD and the Hiring: Mechanical Commercial Estimator role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at DAVID LESLIE LTD
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at DAVID LESLIE LTD.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at DAVID LESLIE LTD.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with DAVID LESLIE LTD, making you a more appealing candidate.
