senior mechanical estimator.

Location

Leeds

Salary

380/day - 500/day

Job Type

Contract - outside IR35

Work Style

On-site

Posted

31 July 2026

About this Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Mechanical Estimator to join a growing Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) team. This is a key commercial role, responsible for producing accurate, competitive, and profitable mechanical estimates that support the successful delivery of high-quality M&E projects.


Working closely with internal teams, suppliers, and subcontractors, the successful candidate will combine technical expertise with commercial awareness to develop detailed cost estimates that reflect project requirements and market conditions. Your work will play an important role in securing new business and supporting the continued growth of the organisation.


Key Responsibilities

  • Prepare detailed mechanical cost estimates, material take-offs, and pricing schedules for tender submissions.
  • Review supplier and subcontractor quotations to ensure accuracy, compliance, and value for money.
  • Support the full tender process, including bid preparation, coordination, and handover to project delivery teams.
  • Analyse market trends, benchmark data, and project risks to produce accurate and competitive pricing.
  • Interpret specifications, drawings, schedules of work, bills of quantities, and contract documentation to develop comprehensive estimates.
  • Work collaboratively with internal departments, suppliers, and subcontractors to build and maintain strong commercial relationships.
  • Identify opportunities to improve estimating processes, accuracy, and efficiency.
  • Contribute to the continuous development of the estimating function and support business growth initiatives.


Knowledge and Experience

The successful candidate will have:

  • A minimum of five years' experience in a Mechanical Estimator role within the construction industry, ideally with an M&E or mechanical contractor.
  • Strong knowledge of mechanical building services, specifications, materials, and installation methods.
  • A sound understanding of M&E design principles and construction practices.
  • The ability to accurately interpret drawings, specifications, preliminaries, schedules of work, bills of quantities, and contract documents.
  • Experience within the retail M&E sector would be advantageous but is not essential.
  • Excellent commercial awareness and the ability to produce accurate, competitive estimates within tight deadlines.
  • Strong communication and organisational skills, with a proactive and solution-focused approach.
  • The ability to work effectively under pressure while managing multiple tenders simultaneously.
  • Good IT skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and industry-standard estimating software.


Qualifications

Essential

  • GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics.



Desirable

  • HNC, HND, or BTEC in Construction, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Building Services Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
  • Professional membership or chartered status with a relevant industry body would be advantageous.