Assistant Estimator

Building Careers UK Ltd; Lytham St Annes; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Building Careers UK Ltd is seeking an Assistant Estimator to join our shopfitting and interior fit-out team in Blackpool. You will work with senior estimators to prepare accurate tenders and gain exposure to all tender stages.

You will develop skills in cost planning, quantity take-offs and supplier engagement, with a clear path to becoming a qualified estimator as you progress.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in estimating, quantity surveying or buying within construction, shopfitting, fit-out or joinery is advantageous.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings and specifications.
• Strong numerical skills and attention to detail.
• Good IT skills, including Excel; estimating software experience is beneficial.
• Organised and able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing estimates and tenders for shopfitting and fit-out projects.
• Review drawings, specifications and tender documents.
• Carry out quantity take-offs and measurements.
• Issue enquiries to subcontractors and suppliers and chase quotations.
• Compare and analyse quotations for like-for-like pricing.
• Help price bespoke joinery elements with the in-house manufacturing team.
• Prepare tender documentation, schedules and supporting information.
• Maintain accurate records, cost databases and supplier information.
• Attend site visits and meetings with senior estimators as required.
• Build relationships with subcontractors and suppliers.
• Support handover of successful tenders to the project delivery team.

Skills

Numerical skills

Reading drawings

Attention to detail

Excel experience

Communication skills

Education

QS/Construction qualification

Tools

Excel

Estimating software

Job description

Assistant Estimator - Shopfitting & Interior Fit‑Out

Location: Blackpool

Salary: £30,000-£40,000 + Package

Job Type: Permanent

About the Company

Our client is a well‑established shopfitting and design & build contractor based in Blackpool, delivering high‑quality interior fit‑out projects across the UK. The business works across a wide range of sectors, including food & beverage, leisure and hotels, retail, workspace and sporting venues. Its clients include some of the UK's best‑known high street and hospitality brands. It offers a full turnkey service, covering shopfitting, design & build contracting, in‑house bespoke joinery manufacturing, electrical installations and renewable energy solutions. With continued growth and a strong pipeline of work, the business is looking to appoint an Assistant Estimator to support its estimating team.

The Role

This is an excellent opportunity for an Assistant or Junior Estimator, or an ambitious construction professional, looking to develop their estimating career within the shopfitting and interior fit‑out sector. Working alongside the senior estimating team, you will help prepare accurate and competitive tenders for a varied range of projects. You will gain exposure to every stage of the tender process, with full support and genuine scope to progress into an Estimator role.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing estimates and tenders for shopfitting and fit‑out projects.
• Review drawings, specifications and tender documents.
• Carry out quantity take‑offs and measurements.
• Issue enquiries to subcontractors and suppliers and chase quotations.
• Compare and analyse quotations to ensure like‑for‑like pricing.
• Help price bespoke joinery elements with the in‑house manufacturing team.
• Prepare tender documentation, schedules and supporting information.
• Maintain accurate records, cost databases and supplier information.
• Attend site visits and meetings with senior estimators where required.
• Build relationships with subcontractors and suppliers.
• Support the handover of successful tenders to the project delivery team.

Requirements

• Previous experience in an estimating, quantity surveying or buying role within construction, shopfitting, fit‑out or joinery would be advantageous.
• An understanding of construction materials and fit‑out methods.
• Able to read and interpret drawings and specifications.
• Strong numerical skills and attention to detail.
• Good IT skills, including Excel. Experience with estimating or measurement software would be beneficial.
• Organised and able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Strong communication skills and a team‑focused approach.
• Eager to learn and develop a long‑term career in estimating.
• Relevant qualification in Quantity Surveying, Construction or similar would be desirable.
• Full UK driving licence.

What’s on Offer

• £30,000-£40,000 basic salary
• Package
• Clear progression route to Estimator
• Training and development from an experienced estimating team
• Varied project portfolio with high‑profile clients
• Opportunity to join a well‑established and growing business
• Blackpool‑based role