Head of Estimating (ProTech)

Head of Estimating – HVAC & Mechanical Services
Glasgow, Scotland

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head of Estimating to lead a high-performing estimating function within a growing engineering and building services environment based in Glasgow.
This senior leadership role is responsible for overseeing the preparation of accurate, competitive, and customer-focused cost estimates across HVAC, mechanical services, and water projects. The successful candidate will play a key role in driving commercial success, developing the estimating team, and ensuring projects are aligned with client specifications, operational requirements, and industry standards. The position would suit an experienced estimating leader with a strong technical background, commercial awareness, and a collaborative leadership style.

Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the estimating team to drive high performance and continuous improvement.
• Foster a collaborative and customer-focused team culture centred on quality, innovation, and operational excellence.
• Identify training and development opportunities to enhance team capability and technical expertise.
• Build a resilient and effective estimating function capable of supporting business growth objectives.

Estimating & Commercial Management

• Oversee the preparation of detailed and competitive cost estimates for HVAC, mechanical services, and water-related projects.
• Ensure all tenders and estimates are aligned with bespoke customer requirements and commercial objectives.
• Review and approve estimates prepared by the team, ensuring technical accuracy and profitability.
• Maintain consistency and best practice across estimating processes, methodologies, and commercial submissions.

Regulatory Compliance & Technical Standards

• Ensure all estimates comply with relevant industry regulations, standards, and company procedures.
• Maintain awareness of market trends, legislative changes, and developments within the mechanical and building services sectors.
• Support the implementation of robust estimating systems, cost libraries, and benchmarking tools.

Project & Operational Support

• Provide commercial and cost support to project management and operational teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Assist in the preparation of project budgets, financial reporting, and cost tracking activities.
• Participate in project handover meetings to ensure a smooth transition from bid stage through to delivery.
• Support contract interpretation, risk assessment, and value engineering activities.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
• Attend client meetings to clarify project requirements, technical scope, and commercial deliverables.
• Provide technical and commercial guidance to clients and project teams to support successful project outcomes.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive innovation and process improvements within the estimating department.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, operational efficiencies, and improved bid success rates.
• Support the development and maintenance of estimating databases, pricing structures, and reporting systems.

Candidate Requirements Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
• Professional membership or certification with relevant industry bodies such as CIBSE or HVCA is advantageous.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience within mechanical estimating, with significant exposure to HVAC, mechanical services, and water projects.
• Proven experience leading and developing successful estimating teams.
• Experience across commercial, residential, and industrial sectors is highly desirable.

Skills & Competencies

• Extensive technical knowledge of HVAC, mechanical services, and water industry projects.
• Strong commercial awareness with excellent financial and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to interpret technical documentation and contracts.
• Proficiency with estimating software and commercial management tools.
• Solution-oriented mindset with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and manage multiple deadlines effectively.

Leadership Competencies The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong customer focus and the ability to build lasting client relationships.
• The ability to develop effective teams and support organisational growth.
• Influential communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A collaborative leadership style with a proactive and innovative approach.
• The ability to cultivate continuous improvement and operational excellence.

What’s on Offer

• Senior leadership opportunity within a growing organisation
• Exposure to high-profile HVAC and mechanical services projects
• Collaborative and forward-thinking working environment
• Long-term career progression opportunities
• Competitive salary and benefits package

The NRL Group connect global companies with the right people to bring engineering projects to life. Supporting contracting companies with energy transition plans and working with our clients to create a cleaner, greener future.
 
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