Assistant Estimator

Henley Chase; Bury St Edmunds; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A construction firm in Bury St Edmunds is looking for an Assistant Estimator to support their estimating team in preparing bids for retail and leisure sector projects. The ideal candidate should have 1-2 years of experience in a main contractor environment and a keen desire to develop into a full estimating role. This office-based position offers a salary between £30,000 and £35,000 per annum, along with a car allowance and standard company benefits.

Benefits

Car allowance

Standard company benefits

Qualifications

• 1-2 years' experience in a main contractor environment, ideally with exposure to estimating.
• Some experience with commercial, retail, or leisure projects is advantageous.
• Familiarity with measurement standards and estimating procedures.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Cost estimation

Site visits understanding

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description: Assistant Estimator

Location

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

Salary

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

Role Overview

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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

Qualifications & Experience

• 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

Personal Attributes

• 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

Benefits

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