At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the estimating function for mechanical and electrical projects, ensuring accurate and competitive submissions.
- Company: Established building services contractor with a diverse project portfolio.
- Benefits: Salary up to £70,000, car allowance, pension, private healthcare, and hybrid working.
- Why this job: Take ownership of estimating strategies and influence key decisions in a growing company.
- Qualifications: Experience in M&E estimating and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity for long-term career progression in a stable environment.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced M&E Estimator ready to take full ownership of an estimating function and influence tendering strategy at a senior level? We are working with a well-established building services contractor delivering mechanical and electrical projects across a diverse construction portfolio. Due to continued growth, they are seeking a technically strong and commercially astute Estimating Manager to lead their M&E estimating department.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Director, you will be responsible for overseeing all estimating and tendering activity, ensuring accurate, compliant and competitive submissions are produced on time. You will manage and develop a small estimating team while playing a key role in bid strategy, value engineering and risk management. This is a leadership-focused role, with hands-on involvement where required, but with primary responsibility for governance, accuracy and strategic input across the estimating function.
Key Responsibilities
- Estimating & Tender Oversight
- Lead the preparation and review of cost estimates for mechanical and electrical building services installations, including HVAC, electrical systems, plumbing and associated works.
- Review tender documentation, drawings and specifications to identify scope, risks and opportunities.
- Ensure bills of quantities and pricing schedules are accurate, competitive and reflective of the works.
- Chair internal pre-tender meetings and coordinate timely, compliant bid submissions.
- Present tender strategies and cost summaries to senior management for approval.
- Team Leadership
- Line manage and support mechanical and electrical estimators.
- Allocate workloads to meet multiple tender deadlines.
- Mentor and develop the team to improve estimating accuracy and consistency.
- Support recruitment and onboarding as the estimating function grows.
- Commercial & Strategic Input
- Work closely with design and operational teams to align tender strategy.
- Provide value engineering options and alternative solutions.
- Build and maintain strong supplier and subcontractor relationships to secure competitive pricing.
- Contribute to bid / no-bid decisions and overall tendering strategy.
- Support post-tender negotiations and produce detailed handover packs for delivery teams.
- Risk & Quality Management
- Identify and manage technical and commercial risk within tenders.
- Ensure estimates comply with internal procedures, quality standards and H&S requirements.
- Develop and improve cost models and estimating procedures.
- Carry out post-project reviews to capture lessons learned and improve future accuracy.
About You
Essential Experience & Skills
- Strong technical background in mechanical and electrical building services.
- Proven experience leading or managing an M&E estimating function.
- Excellent understanding of tender processes, bills of quantities and cost modelling.
- Commercially aware with a high level of attention to detail.
- Confident working under pressure and managing competing deadlines.
- Strong communicator with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
Qualifications
Degree or equivalent in Building Services, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or similar (preferred but not essential if experience is strong).
What’s On Offer
- Salary £60,000 to £70,000.
- £6,600 car allowance.
- Pension 3% employer, 4% employee + 1% government top-up.
- Private healthcare.
- Hybrid working model.
- Long-term career progression within a stable and growing business.
Estimating Manager in Basildon employer: White Recruitment Construction
Contact Detail:
White Recruitment Construction Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimating Manager in Basildon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it aligns with the role of Estimating Manager. Highlight your leadership skills and technical expertise to make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimating Manager in Basildon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Estimating Manager role. Highlight your experience in M&E estimating and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with 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 successes in estimating and how you can contribute to our growth.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your technical background in mechanical and electrical building services. We’re keen on seeing your understanding of tender processes and cost modelling, so make sure these are front and centre!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at White Recruitment Construction
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Estimating Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your technical prowess. Brush up on key metrics related to mechanical and electrical installations, like HVAC costs and pricing schedules. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed budgets in the past and how you ensure accuracy in your estimates.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves managing a team, so be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Share examples of how you've mentored team members or improved team performance. Highlight any experience you have in allocating workloads and meeting tight deadlines.
✨Understand the Tender Process Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with the tendering process and be ready to discuss it in detail. Talk about your experience with reviewing tender documentation and how you identify risks and opportunities. This will show that you can contribute strategically to the bidding process.
✨Build Relationships
Strong supplier and subcontractor relationships are crucial for competitive pricing. Be prepared to discuss how you've built and maintained these relationships in previous roles. Mention any specific strategies you've used to secure better deals or improve collaboration.