Assistant Estimator

• Position:
  Assistant Estimator
• Office location:
  Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex
• Salary/Package: £ competitive + car allowance and comprehensive package
• Target start date:
  October/November 2026
• Skilled Careers contact:
  Mark Dixon (Maidstone branch)

The role:

Due to ongoing success and continuous work winning across the South East the need has arisen to recruit for a Assistant Estimator to join the commercial team within this main contractor and support the team. Key responsibilities include

Tender preparation:

• Assist in preparing detailed cost estimates for construction projects.
• Review drawings, specifications, bills of quantities and tender documentation.
• Undertake measurements and quantify materials, labour, plant and equipment requirements.
• Assist with the preparation of tender pricing schedules and cost breakdowns.
• Identify discrepancies, omissions, risks and potential cost-saving opportunities within tender documentation.
• Ensure estimates are prepared accurately and submitted within the required tender deadlines.
• Maintain clear and organised records of all estimates, calculations and tender submissions.

Subcontractor and supplier quotations

• Issue enquiries to subcontractors and suppliers in accordance with the tender programme.
• Obtain, record and compare quotations for materials, labour, plant and specialist subcontract packages.
• Check quotations for completeness, exclusions, qualifications and compliance with the tender requirements.
• Assist in preparing subcontractor comparison sheets and procurement schedules.
• Follow up outstanding quotations to ensure sufficient tender coverage.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with suppliers and subcontractors.

Cost Analysis and Commercial Support

• Assist with the preparation of cost plans, cost comparisons and tender summaries.
• Review material, labour and subcontract costs against historical project information and current market rates.
• Support the identification of value-engineering opportunities and alternative construction methods.
• Assist with maintaining and updating estimating databases, cost libraries and benchmarking information.
• Help identify commercial risks, provisional sums, contingencies and potential cost exposures.
• Support the handover of successful tenders to the commercial and delivery teams.

Documentation and Administration

• Maintain accurate electronic tender files and supporting documentation.
• Ensure drawings, specifications and tender revisions are recorded and kept up to date.
• Assist with the preparation of tender clarifications, assumptions, exclusions and qualifications.
• Use estimating software, spreadsheets and company systems to record and analyse costs.
• Ensure tender documentation is prepared in accordance with company procedures and quality standards.
• Handle commercially sensitive information confidentially.

Health, Safety and Compliance

• Consider the cost implications of health and safety requirements, temporary works, site establishment and construction logistics.
• Allow for relevant statutory requirements and project-specific specifications within estimates.
• Support the inclusion of appropriate costs for environmental controls, waste management and site welfare.
• Follow company policies, procedures and applicable legislation.

About you:

• You will be either qualified to HND or HNC level as a minimum and degree in a related field is highly desirable
• A relevant Level 3 qualification in Construction or the Built Environment, supported by practical estimating experience or an appropriate apprenticeship or equivalent demonstrable construction industry training.
• You will have previous relevant experience in the construction sector gained through employment or a apprenticeship programme.