Senior Mechanical Estimator in Essex

We are seeking an accomplished and highly proficient Senior Mechanical Estimator to join Glanua, a recognised leader in the water and wastewater sector. This role will be central to the success of our tendering activities across major municipal programmes for Uisce Eireann and AMP8 frameworks with Thames Water, United Utilities and Yorkshire Water. The successful candidate will bring strategic insight, technical depth and the ability to shape competitive, high quality proposals that reflect Glanua's commitment to excellence.

As a senior member of the pre-construction team, you will prepare analytical and accurate estimates for mechanical works, ensuring that all proposals are grounded in strong engineering principles and an appropriate level of commercial risk. You will collaborate closely with our design, project management and procurement teams to develop solutions that are cost effective, buildable and aligned with client performance expectations. You will play a key role in assessing the constructability of designs, selecting suitable materials, identifying opportunities for innovation and ensuring that Glanua positions itself at the forefront of technical and commercial delivery. You will also provide informed and timely pricing guidance during the early stages of tenders, supporting optioneering, budget development and strategic decision making.

The role therefore demands a deep understanding of mechanical systems used in water and wastewater treatment, together with a clear appreciation of market trends, supplier capability and emerging technologies. You will ensure that all governance and risk management processes are rigorously followed and fully documented. Your leadership will contribute to the development of tender programmes, staff scheduling, procurement strategies and commercial submissions that reflect Glanua's high standards of accuracy, integrity and professionalism. This is a pivotal position for a senior professional who can operate confidently under pressure, manage multiple priorities and influence the success of high value, technically complex projects.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop detailed, accurate and fully evidenced mechanical estimates based on drawings, specifications and tender documentation.
• Ensure estimates reflect realistic construction risk, align with Glanua governance and adhere to relevant industry standards.
• Engage actively in design development to assess buildability, installation methods, material selection and opportunities for innovation.
• Provide early stage cost guidance during tendering to support optioneering and ensure optimum value for money.
• Risk and Governance Compliance – Ensure all risk management, commercial governance and approval procedures are followed and fully documented.
• Provide clear assumptions, exclusions and clarifications to support robust commercial decision making.
• Contribute to the development of Tender Preparation and Tender Construction programmes.
• Work with planning and discipline leads to prepare detailed staff schedules and resource plans that reflect delivery requirements.
• Procurement Planning – Work with buyers to develop procurement plans, identify suitable suppliers and subcontractors and negotiate commercial terms.
• Issue enquiries, evaluate quotations and secure competitive pricing for mechanical materials, equipment and subcontract services.
• Technical and Industry Awareness – Maintain an up to date understanding of sector developments, mechanical systems, installation methods and market trends.
• Apply this knowledge to strengthen tender competitiveness and ensure accuracy in cost modelling.
• Develop and refine financial models for framework submissions, including staff rate development and commercial scenario analysis.
• Support price fix reviews with clear justification of key mechanical cost drivers.
• Cost Coding and Feedback – Use Glanua's standardised cost coding system to support cost capture, project benchmarking and future estimating accuracy.
• Provide feedback to improve cost libraries, production rates and estimating methodologies.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Minimum of 15 years of experience in mechanical estimating within the water, wastewater or related infrastructure sectors.
• Proven track record in developing accurate, competitive mechanical estimates for complex treatment plant projects.
• Experience working with public utility clients including Uisce Eireann or UK water companies is strongly preferred.

Skills:

• Advanced analytical and numerical capability with exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles, treatment processes and installation methods.
• Proficiency in estimating software, digital take‑off tools and Microsoft Office applications.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong organisational ability with a proven capability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast‑paced tendering environment.

Glanua is an industry leader in providing innovative and sustainable engineering solutions to design, build, operate and maintain critical water and wastewater infrastructure across Ireland and the UK. We are a trusted provider to the municipal and industrial sector where our clients include Ireland and the UK's largest water utilities, Uisce Eireann (formally Irish Water), Thames Water, Yorkshire Water and Affinity Water. Glanua is passionate about solving today's environmental challenges and delivering a decarbonised and sustainable world. We know that to build successful creative teams we need a diverse workforce that can deliver new innovative ways of thinking. We provide an environment where you will have the freedom to develop and grow to your full potential. We champion our core values and uphold the highest standards of Safety and Well‑being, Innovation, Integrity, Collaboration, Courage, Agility, Accountability, Diversity and Inclusion in everything we do. We have a talented team of 500+ people across Ireland and the UK and are rapidly expanding our workforce across several disciplines to meet our ambitious growth plans.