Junior Estimator (M&E)

Location: Dartford, Kent (Hybrid Working)
Salary: £40,000 – £45,000 DOE
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Working Pattern: Hybrid – Minimum 3 days in the office

We are recruiting for a Junior Estimator (M&E) to join a well-established business based in Dartford.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious and commercially minded individual with a background in mechanical and electrical engineering, building services or construction who is looking to develop their career within estimating and bid management.

The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates, reviewing tender documentation, obtaining subcontractor quotations and supporting the wider tender process.

You will gain exposure to a variety of contracts, with values ranging from £10,000 to £400,000, while receiving structured training, mentoring and opportunities for career progression.

• Review tender documents, specifications, drawings and asset registers to understand contract requirements.

• Prepare accurate and competitive cost estimates covering labour, materials, travel, equipment, subcontractors and overheads.

• Analyse asset information to calculate labour requirements and associated costs.

• Identify commercial risks, exclusions, assumptions and clarifications within tender submissions.

• Prepare pricing schedules and ensure tender submissions are completed within deadlines.

• Obtain and compare competitive quotations from subcontractors and suppliers, negotiating to achieve best value.

• Maintain accurate pricing models, estimating records and cost information.

• Support the wider tender process, including bid planning, tender reviews and submissions.

• Attend site visits and surveys to assess requirements and gather relevant information.

• Work closely with engineers, contract managers and operational teams to develop effective pricing and delivery strategies.

• Support the preparation of quality tender responses and contribute to continuous improvement.

• Develop knowledge of bid management, commercial processes and business development.

• Some experience or a relevant qualification in mechanical and electrical engineering, building services, construction or a related field.

• Good technical understanding of M&E building systems, including HVAC, electrical distribution and fire safety systems.

• Strong numerical and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail.

• Confident using Microsoft Excel to analyse data, prepare calculations and manage pricing information.

• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications and schedules.

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills when dealing with suppliers and subcontractors.

• Commercially aware, with an understanding of costs, margins and contract risks.

• Proactive, motivated and eager to learn and develop.

• Full UK driving licence, with the ability to attend site visits when required.

Desirable Experience:

• Previous experience within facilities management, building services, construction or estimating.

• Knowledge of planned maintenance standards such as SFG20.

• Understanding of statutory compliance requirements relating to building services.

• Experience obtaining and negotiating subcontractor quotations.

• Familiarity with estimating software, CAFM systems or Power BI.

• Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables and lookup functions.

• A degree, HNC/HND or equivalent qualification in a relevant engineering or construction discipline.

• Competitive salary of £40,000 – £45,000, depending on experience.

• Hybrid working arrangement.

• Structured estimating training and ongoing professional development.

• Mentoring and support from experienced senior management.

• Opportunity to manage your own portfolio of contracts.

• Exposure to the full tender and bid management process.

• Clear career progression opportunities into Estimator, Senior Estimator, Bid Manager or Business Development roles.

• Pension, holiday entitlement and additional benefits, including private healthcare (details to be confirmed).

If you have a technical background in mechanical and electrical engineering or building services and are looking to develop a career within estimating, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now or get in touch to find out more about this exciting opportunity!