Senior Estimator

Job Title: Senior Mechanical / HVAC Estimator Location: Staffordshire (Office-based with occasional UK site travel) Salary: £50,000 – £70,000 Base (Depending on experience) + Competitive Package Company Profile: A highly successful, nationwide M&E Design & Build Contractor with a turnover circa £15m. The business delivers diverse commercial mechanical projects ranging from £500k to £7m in value, boasting a market-leading reputation in the high-density hospitality, multi-room residential, and student accommodation sectors. Position Overview Due to sustained growth and a strong pipeline of high-value UK projects, a leading Staffordshire-based M&E contractor is seeking an ambitious, commercial-minded HVAC Estimator. This role requires a proactive professional capable of managing full mechanical tenders from initial take-offs through to final client submission on both a pre-designed and full Design & Build (D&B) basis. This is an excellent opportunity for a mid-to-senior estimator looking for a clear path to career progression within an agile, highly profitable construction business. Key Responsibilities * End-to-End Tendering: Manage and execute comprehensive mechanical estimates and bids for projects valued between £500k and £7m. * Design & Build Appraisals: Produce accurate cost estimates from conceptual design briefs and schematic drawings, identifying value engineering opportunities where applicable. * Procurement & Negotiation: Oversee sub-contractor package evaluations, material take-offs, and negotiate commercial terms with suppliers to maximise margin protection. * Multi-Tasking Workflow: Simultaneously manage several estimates at varying stages of the tender lifecycle, ensuring all strict client deadlines are successfully met. * Client Relations: Participate in mid-and-post-tender interviews, building strong working relationships with main contractors, developers, and client commercial teams. Candidate Requirements * Technical Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of commercial building services, including multi-room systems, HVAC (Air Conditioning & Ventilation), LTHW heating infrastructure, commercial pipework, public health, sanitaryware, and drainage. * Sector Exposure: Previous experience estimating high-density commercial/multi-room buildings (e.g., hotels, student accommodation, high-rise residential) is highly advantageous. * Soft Skills: Ambitious, polished, and confident with a customer-oriented approach. Must possess sharp negotiation skills and a strong determination to win profitable work. Smart Search Technical is a specialist recruitment company operating in technical engineering sectors across the UK & beyond. Founded in 2024, our mission is to simplify the recruitment process for both job seekers and employers, leveraging our extensive knowledge, connections and experience. By applying for this position, you consent to be contacted by our organisation if your qualifications align with the requirements for any role we represent