Lead Mechanical Estimator

Job Description:

Lead Mechanical Estimator - Derby

Location: Derby
Salary: Up to £80,000 per year
Employment Type: Full-time
Hours: Monday to Friday

A well-established mechanical building services contractor delivering design, installation, and maintenance solutions across commercial and residential projects. Their expertise covers plumbing and heating systems, HVAC, ventilation, gas services, and energy-efficient technologies. They work on projects of varying scale, from smaller developments through to complex, multi-discipline installations, supporting clients throughout the full project lifecycle.

They are now seeking an experienced Lead Mechanical Estimating Manager to take ownership of the estimating function and lead a team of estimators. This is a key leadership position responsible for managing workload, driving best practice, ensuring commercial accuracy, and supporting the strategic growth of the business.

You will oversee the preparation of competitive tenders, provide technical guidance to the team, and work closely with senior management, operations, and clients to ensure successful bid delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of mechanical estimators, ensuring high performance and development.
• Allocate tenders and manage estimating workload to meet deadlines and business priorities.
• Oversee the preparation of detailed and accurate cost estimates for mechanical services projects.
• Review and approve tender submissions, ensuring commercial robustness and risk mitigation.
• Analyse project drawings, specifications, and tender documentation.
• Attend key client meetings, site visits, and tender interviews where required.
• Drive consistency in estimating processes, procedures, and reporting standards.
• Work closely with directors, project managers, and design teams to align estimating strategy with business goals.
• Lead value engineering initiatives and provide strategic input on bid strategy.
• Maintain and improve estimating databases, cost libraries, and supplier relationships.

Desirable Experience

• Experience leading or mentoring an estimating team within a building services or construction environment.
• Experience with design-and-build projects and integrated MEP contracts.
• Strong understanding of UK construction standards, contracts, and regulatory frameworks.
• Previous site-based mechanical services experience would be advantageous.

Candidate Requirements

• Extensive experience in mechanical estimating within building services or construction.
• Proven leadership or supervisory experience within an estimating function.
• Strong technical understanding of mechanical building systems including plumbing, HVAC, ventilation, and heating.
• Demonstrated track record of delivering accurate and commercially competitive tenders.
• Strong commercial awareness with excellent analytical and numerical skills.
• Proficiency in estimating software, Microsoft Excel, and industry tools.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tenders and deadlines effectively.
• HNC/HND or degree in Mechanical/Building Services Engineering or equivalent experience (preferred).