Assistant Estimator

NRL; Leiston; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Assistant Estimator to support critical nuclear decommissioning projects. This role offers a unique chance to gain hands-on experience while working alongside a skilled project controls team. You will be involved in preparing accurate cost estimates, collaborating with various stakeholders, and contributing to project risk management. This position provides an excellent foundation for anyone looking to advance within project controls and cost estimating, with opportunities to work on impactful projects in the UK's energy sector. If you are passionate about making a difference and eager to learn, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Free single medical cover

Enhanced parental leave

Reimbursement for professional development

Paid volunteering days

Qualifications

• Solid understanding of cost estimating principles and their application.
• Previous experience in project controls or estimating roles, ideally in regulated environments.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and management of cost estimates for nuclear projects.
• Collaborate with project planners and engineers to ensure accurate estimates.

Skills

Cost Estimating Principles

Analytical Skills

Microsoft Excel

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Education

HNC/HND in Engineering

Tools

Estimating Software

Risk Analysis Tools

Job description

About the Opportunity:
NRL is partnering with a key client to recruit an Assistant Estimator to support a major project. This is a fantastic opportunity for an aspiring professional to gain valuable experience working on critical nuclear decommissioning projects. You will receive hands-on mentorship, working alongside an experienced project controls team while contributing to the delivery of large-scale, high-impact projects within the energy sector.

What You’ll Be Doing:
In this role, you’ll assist in the development and management of cost estimates for a variety of nuclear projects, from feasibility to delivery. Key responsibilities include:
Supporting the preparation of accurate cost estimates across multiple project stages, ensuring they align with project scope, budget, and timelines.
Collaborating with project planners and engineers to ensure estimates are integrated with project schedules and technical scope.
Contributing to project risk management by participating in risk reviews and supporting uncertainty analysis to determine appropriate contingency levels.
Analysing historical cost data and providing benchmarking insights to inform the estimation process and improve accuracy over time.
Reviewing internal and external cost estimates for compliance with company standards and industry best practices, making recommendations for improvements when necessary.
Supporting tender evaluations and assessments of contract changes or claims.
Assisting in the preparation of key project documentation, including Investment Review Meeting (IRM) papers, Project Definition Documents (PDDs), and progress reports.
Regularly liaising with clients and internal stakeholders, ensuring effective communication of cost-related information and maintaining strong working relationships.
This role offers an ideal foundation for anyone looking to grow within project controls and cost estimating, with the opportunity to work on some of the most impactful projects in the UK’s nuclear sector.

What You’ll Need:
To be successful in this role, you’ll need:
HNC/HND in Engineering (or a related field), or equivalent experience.
A solid understanding of cost estimating principles and how they support decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
Previous experience within a project controls or estimating role (ideally in large-scale or regulated environments, such as nuclear or infrastructure).
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with estimating software or risk analysis tools is advantageous.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with an ability to handle complex data and produce actionable insights.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across multiple teams and stakeholders.
A team-focused approach, with a keen interest in learning from more experienced colleagues.
Has the ability to gain security clearance.

Benefits:
Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package that includes:
Free single medical cover and access to digital GP services.
Enhanced parental leave and family-friendly policies.
Reimbursement for professional development and memberships, supporting your career growth.
Participation in a Collectively program, which includes paid volunteering days, matched funding for charitable causes, and community outreach initiatives.

Location:
Suffolk





The NRL Group connect global companies with the right people to bring engineering projects to life. Supporting contracting companies with energy transition plans and working with our clients to create a cleaner, greener future.

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