At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mechanical estimating for diverse projects and shape the future of pricing strategies.
- Company: Respected mechanical services contractor with over 43 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and the chance to build a modern estimating department.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in a growing company.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in mechanical estimating and strong Excel skills.
- Other info: Opportunity to work across various sectors with a stable pipeline of projects.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
An excellent opportunity for an experienced Senior Mechanical Estimator to join a well-established company!
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent – Office Based.
Salary: £60,000 - £70,000 Per Annum, Depending on Experience.
Location: Maidstone, Kent ME15.
About The Company:
Established in 1983, they are a respected mechanical services contractor delivering high-quality HVAC solutions across London and the South East. They work across the commercial, high-end residential, education, and public sectors, offering mechanical design, installation, and commissioning services. Following a recent change of ownership, the business is entering a significant phase of modernisation, investment, and process improvement. As part of this transformation, they are seeking an experienced Mechanical Estimator to take ownership of their estimating function and help shape the future of how they price and win work.
About The Role:
This is a key senior hire. You will be responsible for all mechanical estimating activities across the business and will play a pivotal role in developing a formal estimating department. You will work closely with their Managing Director and Projects Team to:
- Lead all mechanical estimating for tenders ranging from small works to multi-million-pound packages
- Carry out detailed take-offs, cost analysis, and tender submissions using drawings, specifications, and site information
- Review and improve our current pricing methods (largely Excel-based) and implement a consistent, structured estimating system
- Establish best-practice procedures, databases, templates, and cost libraries
- Liaise with supply chain and subcontractors across mechanical, electrical, and BMS packages
- Provide value-engineering options and technical input during bid stages
- Support business strategy by helping to forecast, analyse, and improve their win rates
- Work with project managers to ensure smooth handover of successful bids into delivery
You will report directly to senior management and have the autonomy to build and shape an estimating function as the business continues to expand.
Typical Project Values:
- Small works: £10k–£100k
- Medium projects: £100k–£1.5m
- Larger refurb/fit-out packages: £1.5m–£4m+
Sectors include:
- Hotels and hospitality
- Residential refurbishments and new build
- Commercial offices
- Schools and education projects
- Specialist upgrades (AC, ventilation, BMS, plant replacement, VRV/VRF, etc.)
Although the role is primarily mechanical, experience with electrical and BMS integration is highly advantageous.
Candidate Requirements:
- Significant experience as a Mechanical Estimator within an M&E contracting environment
- Strong knowledge of mechanical building services (HVAC, pipework, ductwork, plant, BMS interface, etc.)
- Comfortable working independently as the primary estimator for the company
- A process-driven mindset with the ability to modernise and implement new systems
- Excellent commercial awareness and understanding of how to build competitive but profitable tenders
- Strong Excel skills and familiarity with digital estimating tools/databases (or ability to introduce them)
- Confident communicating with consultants, clients, suppliers, and internal teams
- High attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tenders at varying stages
Company Benefits:
- Opportunity to build and lead a modern estimating department from the ground up.
- Work with a company that has been trusted for over 43 years with excellent repeat-business clients.
- Be part of a leadership team that is investing heavily in modern systems, processes, and people.
- A stable, growing pipeline of work across multiple sectors.
- Long-term progression opportunities as the business continues to scale.
- Competitive salary, benefits, and an opportunity to shape the future of the company.
If you feel that you have the relative skills/attributes to fulfil this role then please apply now for immediate consideration. The employer fully supports Equality in Employment. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit and business need.
Senior Mechanical Estimator in Maidstone employer: Recruitment Helpline
Contact Detail:
Recruitment Helpline Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Mechanical Estimator in Maidstone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for a Senior Mechanical Estimator role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their modernisation efforts. Tailor your answers to highlight your experience with HVAC and estimating.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills align with their needs, especially around developing estimating systems and improving pricing methods. Confidence is key, so rehearse your points until they roll off your tongue.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining their team and being part of their exciting transformation.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Mechanical Estimator in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Mechanical Estimator role. Highlight your experience in mechanical estimating and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Share specific examples of your past work and how you can contribute to our modernisation efforts.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role involves a lot of technical work, make sure to highlight your strong Excel skills and any digital estimating tools you’re familiar with. We love seeing candidates who are process-driven and ready to implement new systems!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Recruitment Helpline
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Mechanical Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate your strong grasp of cost analysis and pricing methods. Brush up on your Excel skills and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. Prepare examples of how you've successfully estimated project costs and the impact it had on winning tenders.
✨Showcase Your Process-Driven Mindset
This role requires a process-driven approach to modernising estimating functions. Be prepared to talk about any systems or processes you've implemented in previous positions. Highlight your experience in developing best-practice procedures and how you can bring that expertise to the new role.
✨Communicate with Confidence
You'll be liaising with various stakeholders, so it's crucial to showcase your communication skills. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think of scenarios where you've effectively communicated with clients, suppliers, or internal teams, and be ready to share those experiences.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the sectors the company operates in, such as hospitality, education, and commercial projects. Research recent trends in mechanical services and be prepared to discuss how these could affect estimating practices. Showing that you understand the broader context will impress the interviewers.