Senior Mechanical Estimator in Docklands

Senior Mechanical Estimator London £70,000 - £75,000 ( Salary & Package Dependent on Experience) A well-established and growing Mechanical & Electrical contractor is looking to recruit an experienced Senior Mechanical Estimator to join its Commercial team. The business delivers complex mechanical engineering and building services projects across the UK, with particular experience in plant relocations, infrastructure upgrades, critical environments and Data Centres. This is a senior position combining technical expertise, commercial awareness and strong organisational skills. The successful candidate will take ownership of the estimating process from initial tender enquiry through to final submission, ensuring estimates are accurate, competitive, technically compliant and commercially viable.

The Role

You will manage the full mechanical estimating process, working closely with clients, suppliers, subcontractors, Project Managers and the wider Commercial team. Alongside managing your own tenders, you will provide technical guidance and mentoring to an existing Junior Mechanical Estimator, helping to develop their capabilities and improve the overall estimating function. The position will report directly to the Estimating Manager and Commercial Director.

Key Responsibilities

Manage mechanical tenders from initial enquiry through to final pricing and submission. Prepare detailed cost plans, quantity take-offs, labour assessments and material schedules. Review tender drawings, specifications, schedules and employer requirements. Assess mechanical installation methods, construction sequencing and programme requirements. Identify design discrepancies, scope gaps, technical constraints and commercial risks. Prepare and issue RFIs to clarify technical requirements.

Attend site surveys, tender walkthroughs and client meetings. Obtain, analyse and negotiate supplier and subcontractor quotations. Identify value engineering opportunities and alternative technical solutions. Assess tender risks, exclusions and assumptions to protect the commercial position. Participate in tender reviews, commercial evaluations and bid approval meetings. Support post-tender negotiations and respond to client queries. Prepare comprehensive tender handover documentation for successful projects.

Work closely with Project Managers and Contracts Managers to ensure estimates reflect practical installation requirements. Provide mentoring and technical support to the Junior Mechanical Estimator. Support improvements to estimating procedures, templates and cost databases. Experience & Technical Knowledge Proven experience as a Senior Mechanical Estimator or experienced Mechanical Estimator within the construction or Building Services sector.

Strong technical understanding of mechanical building services, including HVAC, heating, cooling, pipework, plantroom equipment and associated infrastructure. Experience estimating complex mechanical projects. Exposure to plant relocations, infrastructure upgrades, Data Centres or other critical environments would be highly advantageous. Ability to manage mechanical tenders independently. Strong understanding of mechanical installation methods, construction sequencing, labour productivity and material requirements.

Ability to interpret mechanical drawings, technical specifications, schematics and tender documentation. Experience producing detailed quantity take-offs, labour assessments and cost estimates. Experience obtaining, analysing and negotiating subcontractor and supplier quotations. Strong understanding of commercial tendering, risk assessment, value engineering and pricing strategies. Previous practical mechanical installation or site-based engineering experience would be beneficial.

Qualifications & Systems Recognised mechanical apprenticeship or relevant qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Building Services Engineering or a related discipline. Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel. Experience using mechanical estimating software and digital measurement or take-off tools. Ability to interpret technical drawings using relevant construction software. Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to client sites and project locations when required.

Skills & Personal Attributes Excellent numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills. Strong commercial awareness and understanding of project profitability. Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple tender opportunities and deadlines. Self-motivated and confident taking ownership of the estimating process. Excellent communication and negotiation skills. Confident presenting technical and commercial information. Ability to identify potential issues early and recommend practical solutions.

Collaborative approach with the ability to mentor and develop junior colleagues. Adaptable and resilient, maintaining high standards when working under pressure. The Opportunity This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Mechanical Estimator to take on a senior position within an expanding Commercial team. You'll have responsibility for complex and technically challenging projects across the UK, while playing an important role in securing new business and developing the next generation of estimating talent.

Package & Benefits Competitive salary, dependent on experience. Employee-Owned Trust (EOT) eligibility following 12 months' continuous employment. Private Healthcare through Vitality for you and your dependents. Private Dental Insurance. Life Assurance. Company Pension Scheme - 7% employer contribution alongside 5% employee contribution. 24 days annual leave plus UK Bank Holidays. Length of Service Rewards. Private Financial Advice. Ongoing professional development and career progression.