HVAC Estimator / Mechanical Estimator

Cool Tech is looking for an experienced HVAC Estimator / Mechanical Estimator to join our team in Gauteng.

We specialise in HVAC installations, upgrades and refurbishments across the hospital, commercial and industrial sectors, including specialist ventilation, operating theatres and cleanrooms.

We are looking for someone with strong technical knowledge, sound commercial judgement and a practical understanding of HVAC installations. You will take ownership of the estimating process, from reviewing tender documents and completing quantity take-offs to preparing fully priced submissions and handing awarded projects over to our operations team.

Key responsibilities

• Review tender documents and assess project requirements. Interpret mechanical drawings, specifications and bills of quantities. Attend site inspections and tender briefings, identify installation constraints, and raise technical queries or scope clarifications.
• Prepare accurate quantity take-offs and detailed cost estimates. Allow for equipment, ductwork, piping, valves, insulation, controls, electrical interfaces, labour, subcontractors, rigging, access equipment, preliminaries, testing and commissioning.
• Source and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations. Issue requests for pricing, compare quotations on a consistent basis, and check technical compliance, quantities, exclusions, lead times and delivery requirements.
• Compile complete, competitive tender submissions. Prepare pricing schedules, cost breakdowns and supporting documentation for management approval. Clearly record assumptions, exclusions, commercial risks and opportunities for cost-effective alternatives without compromising the specification.
• Manage tender deadlines, clarifications and revisions. Maintain organised tender records, incorporate drawing revisions and addenda, liaise with clients and consulting engineers, and follow up on submitted quotations.
• Support project handover and commercial follow-through. Hand awarded projects over with clear scopes, budgets, supplier quotations and cost allowances. Assist with pricing variations and use feedback from completed projects to improve future estimates.

When applying, please include a brief summary of the HVAC projects you have personally estimated, their approximate values and your role in preparing the tenders. Please also indicate your notice period and salary expectations.

Essential requirements

• A minimum of five years relevant HVAC estimating experience, including the independent preparation of complete installation tenders. Candidates with mechanical estimating or quantity surveying backgrounds must have direct HVAC project experience.
• Strong working knowledge of air-conditioning and ventilation systems, including VRF/VRV, chilled water systems, air handling units, fan coil units, ductwork, piping and associated components.
• The ability to interpret mechanical drawings, specifications and bills of quantities, complete accurate quantity take-offs, and identify missing scope or inconsistencies in tender documentation.
• Proven ability to prepare detailed cost build-ups covering materials, equipment, labour, subcontractors and project-specific allowances. Experience evaluating supplier quotations and understanding the commercial implications of exclusions, lead times and installation constraints is essential.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tenders independently while meeting submission deadlines.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to liaise professionally with clients, consulting engineers, suppliers, subcontractors and internal project teams. Availability to attend site inspections and tender briefings is required.