Assistant Estimator

Arriva Kent & Surrey Limited; Leeds; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

RTS Infrastructure in Holbeck, Leeds, is seeking an ambitious Assistant Estimator to join our Commercial team at the Holbeck Depot.

You will support cost estimates, tender pricing, supplier quotations, and cost analysis for railway infrastructure and construction projects, helping develop your commercial knowledge within a growing rail-focused business.

This role offers hands-on experience and a clear path to career development in estimating and commercial management.

Qualifications

• Experience in construction, engineering, commercial or estimating environments.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Proficient in Excel and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to review and interpret technical, commercial and contractual information.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Commercial awareness and interest in estimating and commercial management.

Responsibilities

• Assist in reviewing tender documentation, specifications, drawings and scopes of work.
• Support the preparation of detailed project estimates and tender pricing.
• Obtain and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Assist with costing labour, materials, plant, equipment and subcontractor requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of estimates, assumptions and pricing information.
• Support the preparation of commercial documentation and tender submissions.
• Work closely with operational, project and HSQE teams to ensure estimates reflect delivery requirements.
• Contribute to the development of estimating databases, processes and lessons learned.
• Assist in identifying commercial risks and opportunities within tender submissions.

Skills

Estimating experience

Numerical skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Commercial awareness

Interest in estimating

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

Assistant Estimator

RTS Infrastructure

Location: Holbeck, Leeds
Hours: 40 hours per week

RTS Infrastructure is a leading provider of railway infrastructure, construction and project delivery services across the UK.

We are looking for an ambitious and detail-oriented Assistant Estimator to join our Commercial team at our Holbeck Depot in Leeds.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop a long-term career in estimating, commercial management, and the rail and construction sectors.

The Role

As an Assistant Estimator, you will support the Commercial team in preparing competitive, accurate and commercially robust tenders for railway infrastructure and construction projects.

Working alongside experienced estimators and operational teams, you will help develop cost estimates, obtain supplier quotations, analyse project costs, and support the preparation of tender submissions.

This role offers a fantastic opportunity to gain hands‑on experience within a growing business while building valuable commercial and industry knowledge.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in reviewing tender documentation, specifications, drawings and scopes of work.
• Support the preparation of detailed project estimates and tender pricing.
• Obtain and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Assist with costing labour, materials, plant, equipment and subcontractor requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of estimates, assumptions and pricing information.
• Support the preparation of commercial documentation and tender submissions.
• Work closely with operational, project and HSQE teams to ensure estimates reflect delivery requirements.
• Contribute to the development of estimating databases, processes and lessons learned.
• Assist in identifying commercial risks and opportunities within tender submissions.

About You

We are looking for someone who is organised, analytical and eager to develop their commercial career.

Essential:

• Experience within a construction, engineering, commercial or estimating environment.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Ability to review and interpret technical, commercial and contractual information.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to work to tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Commercial awareness and a genuine interest in estimating and commercial management.

Desirable:

• Experience within railway infrastructure, civil engineering or a related sector.
• Previous involvement in construction or infrastructure tendering.
• Knowledge of rail industry requirements and standards.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to develop a career in estimating and commercial management.
• Exposure to major railway infrastructure and construction projects.
• Supportive environment with ongoing learning and development opportunities.
• Opportunity to work alongside experienced industry professionals.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

If you are looking to build a rewarding career within the rail and construction industry and have a keen eye for detail, we'd love to hear from you.