Assistant Estimator

Time Recruitment Solutions Ltd; Leeds; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Time Recruitment Solutions Ltd in Leeds is looking for an Assistant Estimator to join a fast-growing construction contractor. You will own pricing smaller projects and support larger tenders, with scope across £20k–£4m projects.

The role offers progression, office-based in Leeds, and a clear development path within the new Small Works & Reactive Maintenance division as the business expands across Yorkshire.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience in estimating or assistant estimating within construction.
• Experience pricing building, industrial, commercial or retail projects.
• Strong understanding of construction costs, tendering processes and procurement.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent numerical, analytical and organisational skills.
• Competent user of Microsoft Excel; Conquest experience advantageous.
• Comfortable using AI-based productivity tools.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings, specifications and tender documentation.
• Carry out take-offs and prepare accurate cost estimates.
• Price labour, plant, materials and subcontract packages.
• Obtain, analyse and compare supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Build estimates including preliminaries, overheads, profit margins and risk allowances.
• Prepare tender submissions and ensure deadlines are met.
• Manage multiple tenders simultaneously while maintaining accuracy.
• Support the commercial team on projects valued up to £4m.
• Liaise with clients, suppliers, subcontractors and internal stakeholders.
• Utilise Excel, Conquest and AI-driven tools to improve estimating efficiency and accuracy.
• Assist with post-tender reviews and continuous improvement of pricing data.

Skills

Numerical ability

Analytical thinking

Organisational skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Tools

Conquest

Excel

AI productivity tools

Job description

Assistant Estimator

Leeds | £38,000 - £45,000 + Career Progression

Join a Fast-Growing Construction Business

Due to continued growth and the launch of a new Small Works & Reactive Maintenance division, an exciting opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Estimator to join a thriving Leeds-based construction contractor. Having grown from £3m turnover in 2023 to £6m in 2026, with £10m projected this year, the business is continuing to expand across Yorkshire and the surrounding regions. With recently secured framework agreements and a strong pipeline of negotiated and repeat business, this is an excellent opportunity to join a company where you can make a genuine impact and progress your estimating career.

Projects range from small works and reactive maintenance contracts valued between £20,000 and £250,000 through to larger commercial and industrial schemes worth up to £4m.

The Role

Working closely with the Director, Estimating Coordinator and wider commercial team, you will take ownership of pricing smaller projects independently while supporting the delivery of larger tenders.

This role would suit an existing Assistant Estimator looking for greater responsibility or an Estimator from a subcontractor background seeking a move into a main contractor environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Review drawings, specifications and tender documentation.
• Carry out take-offs and prepare accurate cost estimates.
• Price labour, plant, materials and subcontract packages.
• Obtain, analyse and compare supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Build estimates including preliminaries, overheads, profit margins and risk allowances.
• Prepare tender submissions and ensure deadlines are met.
• Manage multiple tenders simultaneously while maintaining accuracy.
• Support the commercial team on projects valued up to £4m.
• Liaise with clients, suppliers, subcontractors and internal stakeholders.
• Utilise Excel, Conquest and AI-driven tools to improve estimating efficiency and accuracy.
• Assist with post-tender reviews and continuous improvement of pricing data.

What We're Looking For

• Minimum 3 years' experience in an Estimating or Assistant Estimating role within construction.
• Experience pricing building, industrial, commercial or retail projects.
• Strong understanding of construction costs, tendering processes and procurement.
• Ability to work independently and produce accurate estimates with minimal supervision.
• Excellent numerical, analytical and organisational skills.
• Competent user of Microsoft Excel.
• Experience using estimating software such as Conquest would be advantageous.
• Comfortable working with modern technology and AI-based productivity tools.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative approach.
• Ideally located within a commutable distance of the Leeds office.

Career Development

Within your first 6-12 months you will:

• Independently price projects valued between £20,000 and £250,000.
• Manage multiple tender enquiries and consistently meet submission deadlines.
• Develop a detailed understanding of company rates, subcontractor supply chains and commercial risk.
• Support larger schemes valued up to £4m.
• Become an integral part of the growth of the new Small Works & Reactive Maintenance division.

Why Apply?

• Join a business experiencing significant year-on-year growth.
• Work alongside experienced Directors who remain actively involved in winning and delivering projects.
• Gain exposure to both small works and major construction schemes.
• Opportunity to progress your estimating career within a growing commercial team
• Secure long-term opportunity with a strong pipeline of framework and negotiated work.
• Friendly, supportive SME environment where your contribution is recognised.

Salary: £38,000 - £45,000 per annum

Location: Leeds (Office-Based)

Sector: Construction / Building Contractor

Projects: Commercial, Industrial, Retail, Small Works & Reactive Maintenance

Interview Process: Two-stage interview process

If you're an ambitious Assistant Estimator looking to develop your career with a growing contractor, we'd love to hear from you