Estimating Manager

M&E Estimating Manager

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

WR HVAC | M&E are #1 recruitment partner for HVAC jobs. Our customers include a range of large and small M&E companies, manufacturers and suppliers of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. We recruit UK wide for sales, management and technical jobs.

WR is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.