Assistant Estimator

Assistant Estimator - Retail, Leisure & Fit Out
Location: Bury St Edmunds (office-based)
Travel Requirements: Regular travel across East Anglia, Southeast & Midlands for site visits and client meetings
Salary & Allowance: £30,000-£35,000 plus car allowance & pension

The Opportunity
We are working with a well-established main contractor delivering refurbishment, retail fit-out, and leisure/hotel conversion projects across the UK. They are seeking an Assistant Estimator with 1-2 years' experience (or more) looking to progress into a full Estimator role.

The business works with national repeat clients in the retail and leisure sectors, including supermarkets, retail chains, and hotel groups. Projects include store refurbishments, fit outs, and hotel extensions/conversions. Much of the work is framework-based and negotiated, so building long-term relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the preparation of estimates for refurbishment, fit out, and leisure projects using drawings, specifications, and site information.
• Undertake measurements and quantity take-offs, issue subcontractor enquiries, analyse pricing, and compile tender submissions.
• Liaise with clients, project managers, subcontractors, and suppliers to manage queries and maintain strong professional relationships.
• Contribute to cost control and pre-construction planning, supporting competitive, accurate, and value-driven proposals.
• Work within a collaborative commercial team supporting full tendering and pre-construction processes.

What We're Looking For

• 1-2 years' (or more) experience in estimating or quantity surveying, ideally within a main contractor environment, refurbishment, commercial fit-out, retail, or leisure sectors.
• Strong numeracy, attention to detail, and commercial awareness.
• Understanding of construction workflows, trade packages, and project sequencing.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, and manage trade packages.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organisational skills.
• Competence in Microsoft Office (Excel/Word); experience with take-off or estimating software is desirable.
• Relevant qualification (HNC/HND, degree, or equivalent experience in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or similar) is an advantage but not essential.

What's On Offer

• Competitive salary with car allowance.
• Full office-based role with travel to sites across East Anglia, Southeast & Midlands.
• Mentoring and support within a commercial team with a clear path from Assistant Estimator to Estimator.
• Exposure to high-quality projects for national retail and leisure clients, offering diverse experience and career development.
• Opportunity to work for a company with strong frameworks, a stable order book, and a focus on long-term relationships and professional growth.

To Apply - Choose What Works for You

• Click Apply on this job board.
• Send your CV to . co . uk. (remove spaces)
• Call Alex directly.

If you're not sure you meet every requirement, don't worry I'm happy to discuss your experience and suitability.

About Me: I'm Alex Wallace, Director at Reinforced Ltd, specialising in placing construction professionals across commercial, project management, and site-based roles in London and the Southeast. I work closely with candidates to find opportunities that match their skills, experience, and career goals.