Mechanical Estimator in Maidstone, Kent

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Mechanical Estimator (Building Services)



Role Summary



We are looking for a Mechanical Estimator to join our pre-construction / commercial team. In this role, you will be responsible for preparing detailed and competitive cost estimates for mechanical building services projects — such as HVAC, plumbing, heating systems, and plant — with a focus on accuracy, risk analysis, and value engineering.



Key Responsibilities



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Review and analyse tender documentation, including technical drawings, specifications, and project scope.



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Perform “take-offs”: quantify materials, labour, plant, and preliminaries required for mechanical works.



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Liaise with suppliers, subcontractors, and vendors to obtain quotations, pricing, and lead-time information.



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Evaluate received quotes, benchmark against internal and market costs, and identify potential risks or cost-saving opportunities.



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Prepare detailed cost estimates and pricing schedules for mechanical systems, incorporating materials, labour, plant, commissioning, transport, and other relevant factors.



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Support value-engineering exercises by proposing alternative options or optimisations.



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Compile and submit tender documents, ensuring compliance with client requirements, assumptions, and exclusions.



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Work closely with project managers, engineers, and operational teams to align cost estimates with technical and commercial requirements.



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Maintain and update estimating databases, historic cost models, and benchmarking data.



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Highlight and manage risks, assumptions, and contingencies in estimates; prepare risk registers where necessary.



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Participate in pre-tender and post-tender meetings, clarifying assumptions, lead times, and scope.



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Handover successful estimates to delivery teams, ensuring they understand the basis of cost, scope, and assumptions.



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Continuously monitor market trends (material costs, labour rates, supply chain risks) and feed insights back into the estimating process.



Person Specification



Essential



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Proven experience in mechanical estimating, ideally within the building services / M&E sector.



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Strong technical understanding of mechanical systems: HVAC, plumbing, heating, plant, ductwork, etc.



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Excellent numerical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.



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Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, schematics, and BOMs.



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Proficiency in spreadsheets, estimating software (or willingness to learn), and Microsoft Office.



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Commercial awareness, attention to detail, and ability to manage assumptions and risk.



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Effective communication skills for working with internal teams and external suppliers/subcontractors.



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Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple bids, and meet tight deadlines.



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Full UK driving licence (if the role requires site visits).



Desirable



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Previous experience in value engineering / cost optimisation.



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Experience of estimation software tools (e.g., Amtech, Conquest, Trimble, etc.).



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Familiarity with Building Information Modelling (BIM) or other design tools.



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Building Services or Mechanical Engineering qualification (HNC, HND, Degree).



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Understanding of project delivery methods (Design & Build, Traditional, ECI).



Working Conditions & Hours



Based in an office environment with travel to supplier offices or occasional site visits (if required).



Full-time, standard working hours; bid deadlines may occasionally demand extra hours.



Collaborative role: working closely with commercial, design, and delivery teams.



Benefits & Package (Typical)



Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.



Car allowance or company car (if travel is required).



Pension scheme.



Opportunities for professional development and training (estimating, systems, technical).



Performance-related bonus structure (depending on company).



Annual leave + public holidays

If you are interested in applying for this job please press the Apply Button and follow the application process. Energy Jobline wishes you the very best of luck in your next career move.