We are looking for an experienced Mechanical Estimator and Bid Manager who is located close to our offices.
Place of Work: Hartley Wintney, Hampshire
Hours of Work: 40 hours a week (0830 to 1700)
Holidays: 20 days + bank holidays
Contract: Permanent
Benefits: Company Pension Scheme (Auto Enrolment), training and professional development
Probation: 6 months
Start Date: ASAP
The Mechanical Estimator / Bid Manager is responsible for managing the full bid lifecycle for mechanical building services projects, from opportunity identification through to successful handover to delivery teams. The role covers small works, planned maintenance, Hard FM contracts, and public and private tenders and frameworks. The objective is to produce accurate, compliant, competitive, and well-presented bids that support sustainable and profitable growth.
SCOPE OF WORKS
- Small works projects
- Planned maintenance contracts
- Reactive works
- Hard FM contracts
- Public and private sector tenders and frameworks
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Estimating & Commercial
- Prepare detailed cost estimates for mechanical services packages, including HVAC, refrigeration, pipework, plumbing, and associated systems.
- Analyse tender drawings, specifications, schedules, and client requirements.
- Carry out detailed take-offs, cost build-ups, and analytical estimating.
- Source, evaluate, and negotiate supplier and subcontractor quotations.
- Identify commercial risks, opportunities, and value engineering options.
- Maintain accurate pricing records, cost data, and benchmarking information.
- Bid & Tender Management
- Manage the full bid process from opportunity identification through to submission.
- Prepare, compile, and submit compliant tender documentation within deadlines.
- Coordinate inputs from internal teams, suppliers, and subcontractors.
- Attend site visits, surveys, and pre-tender meetings where required.
- Manage post-tender clarifications, negotiations, and revisions.
- Ensure effective and structured handover of successful bids to Operations, including scope, pricing assumptions, risks, and exclusions.
- Sales & Client Engagement
- Follow up all leads and enquiries in a timely manner.
- Monitor workloads and report any backlog that could negatively impact customer relationships.
- Review forward planning and remedial reports, assess urgency and scope, liaise with engineers, and prepare proposals and recommendations for clients.
- Maintain professional relationships with clients, consultants, suppliers, and subcontractors.
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS REQUIREMENTS
- Strong ability to understand and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and client requirements.
- Up-to-date knowledge of current mechanical industry standards and regulations.
- Ability to carry out and accurately record site surveys for pricing and design development.
- High level of numeracy, accuracy, and attention to detail.
- Commercial awareness and analytical mindset.
- Knowledge of basic sales and business development principles.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
- Proven experience in mechanical estimating within building services, small works, maintenance, and Hard FM environments.
- Strong technical understanding of mechanical systems and installation methods.
- Comfortable managing multiple tenders simultaneously with minimal supervision.
- Confident interpreting technical drawings and specifications.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with good negotiation ability.
- Well organised, able to prioritise workload, and meet deadlines.
- Proactive, solution-focused, and detail-oriented.
- Good command of the English language.
- Smart, professional, optimistic, and helpful in approach.
- Reliable, flexible, and responsible with a strong work ethic.
HEALTH & SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current health and safety legislation and best practice.
- Ensure all statutory and company health and safety requirements are adhered to.
- Ensure H&S considerations are fully incorporated into proposals, quotations, and bid submissions.
- Ensure all awarded works are fully and properly handed over to Operations, including identification of risks, assumptions, and any required method statements at mobilisation or planning stage.
Given our specialisation in these areas, it is crucial for the candidate to have knowledge in the following:
- Domestic hot and cold water including boosted and tank supplies.
- Low temperature heating.
- Air source and Ground source heat pumps and solar thermal systems.
- General supply and extract mechanical ventilation.
- Natural and mixed mode ventilation.
- Air conditioning duct systems with humidification.
- Gas and oil fired boiler plant.
- Natural gas distribution.
- Variable refrigerant flow direct expansion cooling and heat pump systems.
- Automatic control and building management systems.