Assistant Estimator

Job Description:

Assistant Estimator

Bury St Edmunds, office-based role (not hybrid or remote), with travel across East Anglia, Southeast, and Midlands for site visits

£30,000-£35,000 per annum plus car allowance

We are seeking an Assistant Estimator with 1-2 years of experience working for a main contractor and a desire to progress into estimating. The successful candidate will support the estimating team in preparing competitive bids for retail and leisure sector projects, including store refurbishments, fit-outs, and hotel extensions or conversions.

The role involves building and maintaining long-term relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers, particularly for framework agreements where a significant portion of work is negotiated.

• Assist in the preparation of competitive cost estimates for retail and leisure projects
• Support senior estimators in reviewing tender documents, drawings, and specifications
• Conduct site visits across East Anglia, Southeast, and Midlands to understand project scope
• Collaborate with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain and review quotations
• Assist in compiling Bills of Quantities (BOQs) and schedules of work
• Support the production of analytical pricing and tender submissions
• Contribute to bid strategy and value engineering discussions
• Maintain accurate records of estimates, supplier pricing, and historical cost data
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers
• Attend client and consultant meetings as required

• 1-2 years' experience in a main contractor environment, ideally with exposure to estimating
• Some experience with commercial, retail, or leisure projects advantageous
• Understanding of construction methods and principles relevant to fit-outs, refurbishments, and conversions
• Familiarity with measurement standards and estimating procedures
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills

• Ambitious and motivated to progress into a full estimating role
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Resilient and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Client-focused with a professional approach

• Competitive salary within the range of £30-35K
• Car allowance
• Standard company benefits for this level