At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare competitive tenders for mechanical building services projects and collaborate with teams.
- Company: Respected M&E Building Services contractor known for quality and collaboration.
- Benefits: Salary up to £75,000, car allowance, pension, and career progression.
- Other info: Family-run consultancy with over 20 years of experience in the construction sector.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and play a key role in exciting projects across various sectors.
- Qualifications: Experience in Mechanical Estimating and strong technical understanding of HVAC systems.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Mechanical Estimator or Senior Mechanical Estimator to join a respected M&E Building Services contractor delivering projects from £200k to £4m across the commercial, office fit-out, healthcare, education, industrial, and leisure sectors.
The company has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality mechanical installations and is known for its collaborative culture, technical strength, and long-standing client relationships. With a secure pipeline of repeat business and continued growth, they are now looking to strengthen their pre-construction team.
Projects typically include full mechanical packages such as HVAC systems, heating and cooling plant, ventilation, pipework, public health services, and plantroom installations, predominantly across commercial and office fit-out environments, alongside selected healthcare and education projects.
This is a key role within the business, offering the opportunity to play a central part in securing future projects and working closely with design and delivery teams from early-stage enquiry through to tender submission.
The Role: Mechanical Estimator
As Mechanical Estimator, you will be responsible for preparing accurate and competitive tenders for mechanical building services projects, pricing full mechanical packages from first principles through to final submission using Ensign estimating software. You will be involved throughout the pre-construction process, working closely with internal teams, suppliers, and subcontractors to ensure commercially sound and technically robust tenders.
Key responsibilities include:
- Preparing detailed and competitive tenders for mechanical building services projects
- Pricing full mechanical packages typically ranging from £200k to £4m
- Producing take-offs, equipment schedules, and labour calculations
- Compiling complete tender submissions using Ensign estimating software
- Reviewing drawings, specifications, and employers' requirements
- Liaising with suppliers and subcontractors to obtain accurate quotations
- Identifying value engineering opportunities and cost-effective solutions
- Managing multiple tenders and meeting deadlines while maintaining accuracy
For more experienced candidates, there is scope to take ownership of larger tenders and play a broader role within the estimating function.
Candidate Requirements
The successful candidate will have a strong background in Mechanical Building Services estimating and will be confident producing full tenders independently.
- Experience as a Mechanical Estimator, Senior Mechanical Estimator, HVAC Estimator, M&E Estimator, or Mechanical Building Services Estimator
- Strong background within M&E or Mechanical Building Services contracting
- Proven experience using Ensign estimating software
- Experience pricing mechanical packages up to £4m+
- Strong technical understanding of HVAC systems, plant, pipework, and associated services
- Excellent commercial awareness and analytical skills
- Ability to interpret drawings and specifications and produce detailed tenders
- Strong organisational and communication skills
This role requires experience within mechanical installation contracting. Candidates from FM, maintenance, or service-only backgrounds will not be suitable. We are looking for individuals with a stable employment background who can demonstrate consistent delivery within estimating roles.
Remuneration Package
- Mechanical Estimator £60,000 - £75,000
- Car Allowance
- Company Pension Scheme
- Life Cover (Death in Service)
- Employee Wellbeing Support
- Company-Funded Training and Development
- Genuine Career Progression Opportunities
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.
Mechanical Estimator in Portsmouth employer: DAVID LESLIE LTD
David Leslie Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative work culture and a strong commitment to employee development within the M&E Building Services sector on the South Coast. With competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package including a car allowance, and genuine opportunities for career progression, employees can thrive in a supportive environment while contributing to high-quality mechanical installations across diverse projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Estimator in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the M&E sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential employers on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet hiring managers or recruiters, bring along examples of your work. Whether it’s detailed tenders you’ve prepared or projects you’ve been involved in, having tangible proof of your expertise can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like the one offering this Mechanical Estimator role. Express your interest and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities. It shows initiative and can put you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website! We’ve got loads of resources and job listings tailored for roles like Mechanical Estimator. Make sure to check back regularly and apply through us to increase your chances of landing that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Estimator in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Mechanical Estimator role. Highlight your experience with mechanical building services and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Software Skills:Since you'll be using Ensign estimating software, it's crucial to mention your proficiency with it. If you have experience with similar tools, let us know! We love seeing candidates who are tech-savvy.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points for key achievements and responsibilities. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your strengths.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at DAVID LESLIE LTD
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Mechanical Estimator, you'll need to be comfortable with figures. Brush up on your pricing strategies and be ready to discuss how you approach tender submissions. Familiarise yourself with the Ensign estimating software if you haven't already, as it’s crucial for the role.
✨Understand the Projects
Dive deep into the types of projects the company handles, especially in commercial and office fit-outs. Be prepared to talk about your experience with HVAC systems, plant installations, and any relevant projects you've worked on. This shows you’re not just a number cruncher but also understand the technical side.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role involves working closely with design and delivery teams, so highlight your teamwork experience. Share examples of how you've liaised with suppliers and subcontractors to secure accurate quotations or how you've identified value engineering opportunities in past projects.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the company's future projects, their collaborative culture, or how they support career progression. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
