Assistant Estimator

Building Careers UK Ltd; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career development

Project exposure

Structured training

Job summary

Building Careers UK Ltd in Wigan, Lancashire is seeking an Assistant Estimator to join a busy commercial team. The role focuses on supporting accurate estimates and competitive tenders for fit-out and refurbishment projects.

The ideal candidate has some estimating or QS experience and can read drawings, with strong numerical skills and Excel proficiency. Permanent, on-site role with development opportunities within an established North West contractor.

Qualifications

• Experience in construction estimating or quantity surveying.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings and specifications.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good IT skills, especially Excel.
• Willingness to develop estimating and commercial skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparation of accurate estimates and tenders.
• Review drawings, specs, and tender docs.
• Carry out quantity take-offs and measurements.
• Prepare pricing schedules and cost breakdowns.
• Obtain quotations from subcontractors and suppliers.
• Support tender analysis and bid preparation.
• Identify risks, exclusions, assumptions and opportunities.
• Maintain estimating records and documentation.
• Collaborate with delivery teams on tender handover.

Skills

Construction estimating

Quantity surveying

Fit-out

Refurbishment

Interiors

Microsoft Excel

Education

Relevant construction qualifications

Tools

Estimating software

Job description

Assistant Estimator - Fit Out & Refurbishment

Location: Wigan, Lancashire
Salary: 28,000 - 38,000 + Package
Job Type: Permanent

About the Company

An established and growing North West design and build contractor specialising in commercial fit-out, refurbishment and renovation projects.

The business operates across commercial and industrial, retail and leisure, public sector and specialist/bespoke sectors, combining design, manufacturing and construction capabilities. Its work includes commercial interiors, refurbishment, bespoke joinery, fire doors, ceilings, partitions, flooring and wider architectural packages.

The company has a strong reputation for delivering technically detailed projects and has an established estimating and pre-construction function, providing an excellent environment for an ambitious Assistant Estimator to develop their career.

The Role

We are looking for an Assistant Estimator to join a busy commercial team based in Wigan.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who already has some experience within construction estimating, quantity surveying, fit-out or a related commercial environment and is looking to develop their estimating skills within a specialist contractor.

Working closely with the senior estimating team, you will support the preparation of accurate and competitive tenders across a range of fit-out and refurbishment projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation of accurate and competitive estimates and tenders.

• Review drawings, specifications, scopes of work and tender documentation.

• Carry out accurate quantity take-offs and measurements.

• Prepare pricing schedules and cost breakdowns.

• Assist with the preparation of subcontractor and supplier enquiries.

• Obtain and compare quotations from subcontractors and suppliers.

• Assist with labour, material, plant and subcontract pricing.

• Support the Estimating team with tender analysis and bid preparation.

• Identify potential risks, exclusions, assumptions and opportunities within tender packages.

• Assist with value engineering and alternative cost options.

• Maintain accurate estimating records and supporting documentation.

• Work with the commercial and project teams to ensure tender information is accurate and complete.

• Assist with the handover of successful tenders to the delivery team.

• Build and maintain relationships with suppliers and subcontractors.

• Work on multiple tenders simultaneously within a busy pre-construction environment.

• Continue developing knowledge of construction methods, materials, specifications and market rates.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• Previous experience within construction, estimating, quantity surveying or a commercial role.

• Some experience of preparing estimates, tenders or cost plans.

• Experience within fit-out, refurbishment, interiors or general construction would be advantageous.

• Ability to read and understand construction drawings and specifications.

• Good numerical and analytical skills.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

• Good IT skills, particularly Microsoft Excel.

• Excellent communication and organisational skills.

• The ability to work to deadlines and manage multiple tenders.

• A commercially minded approach with a willingness to learn and develop.

• Relevant construction or commercial qualifications would be advantageous but are not essential.

What's on Offer

• 28,000 - 38,000 salary

• Package

• Opportunity to develop within an established North West contractor

• Exposure to a wide range of fit-out and refurbishment projects

• Structured development within an experienced commercial/estimating team

• Long-term career progression

• Support and training to develop estimating and commercial skills

Equal Opportunity

Building Careers UK is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.