Assistant Estimator

OUTSOURCE CONSTRUCTION LTD; Greater London; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

OUTSOURCE CONSTRUCTION LTD is seeking an Assistant Estimator to join a main contractor specialising in heritage, refurbishment and restoration projects across London. You will support tender submissions, cost planning and subcontractor procurement while gaining experience through the estimating process.

This role suits an Assistant Estimator or someone with initial construction exposure looking to develop a long-term estimating career within a specialist main contracting environment.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in estimating, quantity surveying or a related construction role would be advantageous.
• An understanding of the main contracting environment.
• Interest in heritage, refurbishment, restoration or building conservation projects.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, or a willingness to develop this skill.
• Good numerical and analytical skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational abilities.
• Good communication skills and a proactive approach to learning.
• Competent in Microsoft Excel and other standard office applications.
• A relevant construction qualification, such as a degree or HNC/HND in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or a related discipline, would be beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation of tender submissions and detailed cost estimates.
• Review construction drawings, specifications and tender documentation.
• Support the measurement and take-off of quantities from drawings.
• Request, receive and analyse subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Assist in preparing tender comparisons, cost breakdowns and pricing schedules.
• Maintain accurate estimating records and tender documentation.
• Help identify potential project risks, cost implications and opportunities for value engineering.
• Liaise with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain pricing information and clarify quotations.
• Support the preparation of budgets and cost plans.
• Attend site visits where required to develop an understanding of existing building conditions and project requirements.
• Work closely with Estimators, Commercial Managers and operational teams throughout the tendering process.
• Assist with tender handovers and the preparation of supporting documentation for successful bids.
• Develop an understanding of construction costs, procurement strategies and market rates.

Skills

Numerical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Teamwork

Estimating

Excel

Education

QS/Construction degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The Opportunity

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Estimator to join a main contractor specialising in heritage, refurbishment and restoration projects across London.

This role offers the opportunity to develop your estimating skills while working alongside an experienced team on a range of interesting and technically challenging projects.

You will support the preparation of competitive tenders, assist with cost planning and subcontractor procurement, and gain valuable experience throughout the estimating process.

This position would suit an Assistant Estimator or an individual with an initial background in construction who is looking to develop a long-term career in estimating within a specialist main contracting environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation of tender submissions and detailed cost estimates.
• Review construction drawings, specifications and tender documentation.
• Support the measurement and take-off of quantities from drawings.
• Request, receive and analyse subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Assist in preparing tender comparisons, cost breakdowns and pricing schedules.
• Maintain accurate estimating records and tender documentation.
• Help identify potential project risks, cost implications and opportunities for value engineering.
• Liaise with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain pricing information and clarify quotations.
• Support the preparation of budgets and cost plans.
• Attend site visits where required to develop an understanding of existing building conditions and project requirements.
• Work closely with Estimators, Commercial Managers and operational teams throughout the tendering process.
• Assist with tender handovers and the preparation of supporting documentation for successful bids.
• Develop an understanding of construction costs, procurement strategies and market rates.

Experience & Requirements

• Previous experience in estimating, quantity surveying or a related construction role would be advantageous.
• An understanding of the main contracting environment.
• Interest in heritage, refurbishment, restoration or building conservation projects.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, or a willingness to develop this skill.
• Good numerical and analytical skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational abilities.
• Good communication skills and a proactive approach to learning.
• Competent in Microsoft Excel and other standard office applications.
• A relevant construction qualification, such as a degree or HNC/HND in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or a related discipline, would be beneficial.

Candidates with relevant industry experience or practical construction knowledge will also be considered.

Personal Attributes

• Keen to learn and develop within the estimating profession.
• Organised, methodical and detail-oriented.
• Able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Proactive in asking questions and developing technical knowledge.
• Comfortable working to deadlines and managing multiple tasks.
• Enthusiastic about working on specialist heritage and refurbishment projects.

What's on Offer

• Salary of up to £45,000, depending on experience.
• An opportunity to develop estimating skills within a specialist main contractor.
• Exposure to a varied portfolio of heritage, restoration and refurbishment projects.
• Support and guidance from experienced estimating and commercial professionals.
• The opportunity to build a long-term career in construction estimating.
• Experience working on projects across London.

This is an excellent opportunity for an aspiring Estimator to develop their technical and commercial skills while gaining exposure to complex and high-quality refurbishment projects.