Junior Mechanical Estimator in Hampshire, Portsmouth

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious Junior Mechanical Estimator to join a respected M&E Building Services contractor delivering projects from £100k to £5m, with structured training and a clear pathway into a fully-fledged Mechanical Estimator role.

About the Company

The company is a well-established M&E Building Services contractor delivering mechanical and electrical installations across commercial, healthcare, education, industrial, leisure, and public sector environments. Known for their technical capability and consistent project delivery, the business has developed strong long-term relationships with clients across the South Coast and surrounding regions.

Pre-construction is a key function within the organisation, and the business is committed to developing future talent within its estimating team. This role offers structured mentoring, hands-on training, and exposure to a wide variety of building services projects, providing an excellent foundation for a long-term career in estimating.

The Role

As Junior Mechanical Estimator, you will support the pre-construction team in preparing mechanical building services tenders while learning the full estimating process from experienced professionals within the business. You will assist in pricing HVAC systems, plantrooms, heating systems, ventilation, chilled water systems, pipework, and public health installations across a varied portfolio of building services projects. Projects typically range from £100k through to larger multi-million-pound installations across sectors such as commercial, healthcare, education, industrial, and fit-out.

You will gain exposure to the full tendering lifecycle, working closely with experienced estimators, project managers, and company directors. This will include reviewing tender documentation, interpreting mechanical drawings and specifications, analysing supplier quotations, and contributing to commercially robust tender submissions.

This role would suit candidates currently working as: Junior Mechanical Estimator, Assistant Mechanical Estimator, Mechanical Estimating Assistant, Mechanical Building Services Engineer, or Mechanical Engineer seeking a transition into estimating.

Key Responsibilities

• Assisting in the preparation of mechanical building services tenders from drawings and specifications
• Supporting take-offs and measurements from mechanical drawings
• Pricing HVAC systems, heating, ventilation, pipework, plantrooms, and public health services
• Obtaining and reviewing supplier and subcontractor quotations
• Supporting cost planning and tender submissions
• Assisting with internal tender reviews and commercial discussions
• Supporting project handover documentation following successful tenders

As your experience develops, you will progressively take on greater responsibility for pricing and managing your own tenders.

About You

• Mechanical Building Services background
• Basic understanding of HVAC, pipework, and mechanical systems
• Strong numeracy and attention to detail
• Ambitious and motivated to build a long-term career in estimating
• Comfortable working in an office-based environment
• Experience using estimating software such as Ensign would be advantageous but not essential
• Ideally you will have some exposure to Mechanical Building Services projects or installations within sectors such as commercial, healthcare, education, industrial, or fit-out environments.
• Engineers or mechanical tradespeople currently working on the tools who are looking to transition into an office-based estimating role are encouraged to apply. Full training and mentorship will be provided.

Remuneration Package

Junior Mechanical Estimator £35,000 - £50,000 (dependent on experience)

Company Pension

25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays

Structured Training and Career Development

Long-Term Progression into Mechanical Estimator

Next Steps

Please apply online today, or contact Rob at David Leslie Ltd for an informal and confidential discussion.

About David Leslie Ltd

David Leslie Ltd is a family-run construction recruitment consultancy with over 20 years experience connecting professionals and employers across the UK. Specialising in the Building, Fit-Out, and M&E Building Services sectors, our approach is built on trust, integrity, and long-term partnerships, ensuring both clients and candidates receive a service that is personal, transparent, and expertly delivered.