At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to manage MEP projects, prepare bids, and collaborate with design and construction teams.
- Company: Dynamic construction firm focused on innovative building services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, flexible working, and comprehensive employee benefits.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for career growth and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in diverse projects while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in MEP estimating or cost planning; degree in relevant field preferred.
We are seeking an experienced MEP Engineer with strong estimating and cost-planning expertise to join my clients technical team. This full-time, UK-based role will support the preparation of accurate bids, budgets and technical proposals across commercial, residential, industrial and infrastructure projects. The successful candidate will collaborate with design, procurement and construction teams to develop reliable cost estimates, risk assessments and value-engineering solutions that support competitive tendering and effective project delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Estimating & cost planning – prepare detailed MEP cost estimates, take-offs and cost plans for tenders and internal budgeting; ensure quantities, rates and assumptions are clearly documented and auditable.
- Bid preparation – develop commercially robust bid packages and technical proposals including scope breakdowns, pricing schedules, exclusions and clarifications; coordinate with commercial and proposal teams to meet submission deadlines.
- Design review & coordination – review engineering drawings and specifications to validate design intent, identify value-engineering opportunities and resolve technical or cost-related issues with design teams.
- Supply chain engagement – obtain and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotations; assess scope consistency, lead times and commercial terms to support selection and negotiation.
- Risk & contingency management – identify project-specific risks and develop contingency allowances; prepare sensitivity analyses and write-ups to support management decisions.
- Cost control & reporting – support development of early cost forecasts and lifecycle cost models; provide input to monthly cost reports and assist project teams in tracking changes against baseline budgets.
- Technical input – provide MEP discipline knowledge for mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems including plant sizing, material selection, installation methodologies and testing requirements.
- Standards & compliance – ensure estimates and proposed solutions comply with relevant UK and industry standards, regulations and client specifications.
- Continuous improvement – contribute to development of estimating templates, rate libraries and best-practice processes; share lessons learned from tenders and projects to improve accuracy and efficiency.
- Stakeholder liaison – communicate effectively with clients, design consultants, project managers and supply chain partners to clarify scope, resolve queries and support commercial negotiations.
Candidate Requirements
- Experience – proven experience (typically 5+ years) in MEP estimating, cost planning or quantity surveying roles within building services or construction environments covering commercial, residential, industrial or infrastructure projects.
- Qualifications – degree or HND in building services, mechanical/electrical engineering, quantity surveying or equivalent; relevant professional qualifications (e.g. CIOB, RICS, IMechE, IET) are desirable.
- Technical skills – strong understanding of MEP systems, materials and installation practices; ability to interpret drawings (CAD/Revit) and specifications for estimating purposes.
- Commercial skills – excellent numerical and commercial awareness with demonstrated experience preparing competitive bids, rates and tender clarifications.
- Software proficiency – competent with estimating software and spreadsheets (e.g. CostX, BuildSoft, Microsoft Excel); familiarity with BIM workflows and ERP commercial modules is advantageous.
- Attention to detail – high accuracy when calculating quantities, rates and assumptions, with clear documentation of methodology and risk allowances.
- Communication & teamwork – effective written and verbal communication skills; able to work collaboratively across multi-disciplinary teams and present cost information to stakeholders.
- Time management – able to manage competing priorities and deliver accurate estimates to tight tender deadlines.
- Professional conduct – demonstrates integrity, confidentiality and a pragmatic approach to commercial decision‑making.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience and role responsibilities.
- Development opportunities – support for professional development and access to training in estimating, BIM and technical disciplines.
- Collaborative environment – join a multidisciplinary team with clear processes and supportive leadership.
- Flexible working – consideration of hybrid working arrangements where operationally appropriate.
- Benefits – a comprehensive package including pension, holiday entitlement and other employee benefits aligned to role level.
MEP Project Manager in Cardiff employer: USG International
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land MEP Project Manager in Cardiff
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time MEP Project Manager role you’re after at USG International.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at USG International a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at USG International.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like MEP Project Manager at USG International, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace MEP Project Manager in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like MEP Project Manager, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at USG International a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to USG International specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at USG International
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with USG International, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like USG International want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
