HVAC Project Estimator

LAB. is looking for an experienced and commercially driven HVAC Project Estimator to join an established project management team. With over 30 years of trading history, my client is a financially secure, well-established and ambitious business delivering high-quality air conditioning, refrigeration and mechanical solutions to blue-chip clients across the UK. Their work spans the commercial, retail, healthcare, education and hospitality sectors, ranging from individual HVAC projects through to complex, large-scale commercial installations. This is a senior role for someone who wants genuine responsibility and autonomy. You will take ownership of projects from tender and pre-construction through procurement, delivery, commercial management, commissioning and final handover. For the right person, this is an opportunity to join a successful business that rewards performance and gives its Project Managers the opportunity to directly share in the company's success. The Role Review and assess incoming enquiries, tenders and project specifications to establish scope, requirements and commercial viability. Prepare accurate and competitive estimates and quotations for HVAC, air conditioning, refrigeration and associated mechanical projects. Analyse drawings, specifications, schedules and technical documentation to identify project requirements, risks, exclusions and potential omissions. Carry out detailed quantity take-offs and accurately build costs for equipment, materials, labour, subcontractors, plant and other project requirements. Liaise with suppliers and subcontractors to obtain competitive pricing, lead times and accurate technical information. Develop clear and detailed cost breakdowns, ensuring all relevant project costs and commercial allowances are captured. Work closely with Projects, Design and Commercial colleagues to ensure proposals are technically achievable, commercially viable and aligned with client requirements. Communicate with clients, consultants, suppliers and subcontractors to clarify technical and commercial requirements where required. Identify cost, programme, contractual and technical risks during the estimating process and ensure these are appropriately qualified or allowed for. Prepare and submit professional tender documentation and quotations within required deadlines. Review tender returns, revised requirements and variations and update pricing accordingly. Maintain accurate estimating records, supplier costs, quotation information and tender submissions. Monitor supplier pricing, market conditions and industry trends to maintain competitiveness while protecting required margins. Support the handover of secured projects to the Projects and Operations teams, clearly communicating all relevant technical and commercial information. Build strong working relationships with clients, suppliers, subcontractors and internal stakeholders. Help develop and improve estimating systems, processes and overall commercial performance. About You Strong experience estimating commercial HVAC, air conditioning, refrigeration and/or mechanical projects. Excellent understanding of project costing, labour, materials, plant, subcontractor packages and commercial risk. Strong technical and industry knowledge with the ability to interpret drawings, specifications, schedules and tender documentation. Commercially aware, with an understanding of margin, risk, value engineering and competitive tender strategy. Confident obtaining and analysing supplier and subcontractor quotations and challenging costs where appropriate. Excellent numerical, analytical and attention-to-detail skills. Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear and professional quotations, reports and tender submissions. A driven and accountable approach, with the confidence to make decisions and take ownership of estimates from enquiry through submission. Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills with a proactive, solution-focused attitude. The ability to work effectively with Projects, Design, Commercial teams and Company Directors. A full, valid UK driving licence. Salary, Profit Share