Lead Estimator

Job description

Lead Fabrication Estimator – Mechanical Engineering & Fabrication

Southampton | £40,000–£45,000 + benefits

I’m recruiting for a long-established mechanical engineering business in Southampton that delivers complex fabrication projects across petrochemical, oil & gas, utility sectors. They’re busy, growing, and need a Lead Fabrication Estimator who genuinely knows their way around drawings, RFQs, structural steelwork and fabricated assemblies.

If you enjoy the technical challenge of estimating bespoke fabrication projects — and want to join a company where your work directly influences bid success and project profitability — this is one to take seriously.

The Role

You’ll take ownership of multidiscipline fabrication estimates for a wide range of projects, including:

• Structural steelwork, walkways, ladders, access platforms
• Modular skid frames and fabricated assemblies
• Atmospheric tanks and bespoke welding/manufacturing work
• Supporting the tendering process from initial enquiry through to submission
• Reviewing ITT/RFQ documentation, raising TQs and clarifying missing information
• Interpreting drawings/specs and producing accurate material take-offs
• Working with suppliers/sub-contractors to obtain competitive, accurate quotations
• Completing all required labour and cost breakdowns to support the bid schedule

You’ll work closely with the Sales & Estimating Manager and Operations Director, playing a key role in tender analysis, risk reviews and helping to secure profitable, deliverable work.

What You’ll Need

This role is ideal for someone from a mechanical engineering, fabrication, or petrochemical/oil & gas background with strong numerical and technical estimating skills.

Essential:

• Experience estimating fabrication and pipework systems projects
• Ability to read technical drawings and engineering specifications
• Confident producing material take-offs and labour calculations
• Strong communication skills and ability to engage with clients, suppliers and internal teams
• Numerically strong, highly organised and detail-driven
• Comfortable working in a busy SME environment where you genuinely influence outcomes

Desirable:

• Experience with BS EN 1090
• Understanding of standard engineering practices
• Background in structural, welded or modular fabrications

What’s On Offer

• Salary £40k–£45k depending on experience
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Company pension & sick pay scheme
• Long-term career progression — the company is growing and invests in their people
• A role where you’re genuinely valued and not just “another estimator in a big machine”

Interested?

If you’d like to discuss the role, the company culture, or whether your background fits — drop me a message and I’ll talk you through it. No pressure, no hard sell, just a proper conversation about whether this could be a strong next step for you.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Southampton

Type of Contract

Part-time jobs

Published at

30-12-2025

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English