Assistant Estimator

Assistant Estimator

Blackpool | £24,000 - £29,000 + Career Development Full Time | Permanent | Office-Based

Our client is a well-established, family-run principal contractor delivering high-quality fit-out, refurbishment and construction projects across the UK. Working across sectors including Leisure, Hospitality, Retail, Restaurants and Hotels, the business has built a strong reputation for delivering premium finishes and exceptional service.

With an in-house workshop helping to control costs and maintain quality, they offer a unique environment where employees gain exposure to the full project lifecycle.

Due to continued growth, they are looking to recruit an Assistant Estimator to join their team in Blackpool. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build a long-term career in construction estimating, with full support, training and progression opportunities available.

Reporting directly to the Senior Estimator and working closely with the Design, Quantity Surveying and Project Management teams, you will assist in preparing accurate project costs and tender submissions.

In simple terms, you’ll:

• Read the drawings → work out what’s needed → obtain prices → review costs → help build the final project estimate.

This role would suit someone with a construction, surveying or estimating background who is keen to develop their technical and commercial skills within a supportive environment.

• Read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Measure quantities and take-offs from drawings.
• Obtain quotations from suppliers and subcontractors.
• Review and compare quotations to ensure competitiveness and accuracy.
• Assist with preparing tender submissions and pricing documents.
• Input and maintain cost information using Excel and estimating software.
• Ensure all project elements are included within tender submissions.
• Identify missing information, risks and potential additional costs.
• Assist in calculating labour, plant, material and subcontractor costs.
• Maintain records of supplier pricing and historical project costs.
• Support value engineering exercises to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Liaise with suppliers and subcontractors regarding scope and pricing.
• Support the project team throughout the tender process.
• Ensure tender deadlines are met accurately and on time.
• Assist with project handovers to Quantity Surveyors and Project Managers.
• Support the assessment of variations and additional works.
• Keep tender documentation organised and up to date.
• Manage multiple tenders and priorities simultaneously.

• Previous experience in a construction, estimating or quantity surveying role.
• Ability to read and understand construction drawings.
• Knowledge of measurement and quantity take-offs.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills.
• Good communication and organisational abilities.
• Comfortable using Microsoft Excel.
• Eagerness to learn and develop within the construction industry.
• Local candidates are highly desirable.
• Candidates from either main contractor or subcontractor backgrounds will be considered.
• Experience with in fit-out, refurbishment, building, leisure, hospitality or retail construction projects would be advantageous.

Thompson Contracts has an excellent track record of developing talent, with several existing team members joining in junior positions and progressing through the business.

The company actively supports career development and can contribute towards relevant:

• College courses
• Higher education qualifications
• Industry training
• Professional development opportunities

This is a genuine long-term opportunity to build a successful career within estimating and commercial construction.

• £24,000 - £29,000 depending on experience
• Full-time permanent position
• Office-based role in Blackpool
• Supportive family-run business
• Structured career progression
• Training and qualification support
• Exposure to high-profile fit-out and refurbishment projects

Assistant Estimator | Estimator | Assistant Quantity Surveyor | Construction | Fit-Out | Refurbishment | Blackpool