Assistant Estimator

Skilled Careers; Shoreham-by-Sea; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Skilled Careers is recruiting an Assistant Estimator to join the commercial team in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex. The role focuses on preparing detailed cost estimates for construction projects, reviewing drawings and tender docs, and ensuring timely submission.

You will liaise with subcontractors and suppliers, analyse costs against market rates, and help with value engineering, cost plans, and tender handover to delivery teams. A relevant construction qualification is preferred.

Qualifications

• Assist in preparing detailed cost estimates for construction projects.
• Review drawings, specifications, bills of quantities and tender documentation.
• Undertake measurements and quantify materials, labour, plant and equipment requirements.
• Assist with the preparation of tender pricing schedules and cost breakdowns.
• Identify discrepancies, omissions, risks and potential cost-saving opportunities within tender documentation.
• Ensure estimates are prepared accurately and submitted within the required tender deadlines.
• Maintain clear and organised records of all estimates, calculations and tender submissions.

Responsibilities

• Assist with tender programme and issue enquiries to subcontractors and suppliers.
• Obtain, record and compare quotations for materials, labour, plant and specialist subcontract packages.
• Check quotations for completeness, exclusions, qualifications and compliance with tender requirements.
• Assist in preparing subcontractor comparison sheets and procurement schedules.
• Follow up outstanding quotations to ensure sufficient tender coverage.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with suppliers and subcontractors.

Skills

Tender preparation

Cost analysis

Subcontractor quotations

Documentation

Commercial support

Education

HND/HNC in related field

Degree in related field desirable

Level 3 Construction qualification

Tools

Estimating software

Spreadsheets

Company systems

Job description

Position: Assistant Estimator

Office location: Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex

Salary/Package: £ competitive + car allowance and comprehensive package

Target start date: October/November2026

Skilled Careers contact: Mark Dixon (Maidstone branch)

The role:

Due to ongoing success and continuous work winning across the South East the need has arisen to recruit for a Assistant Estimator to join the commercial team within this main contractor and support the team. Key responsibilities include

Tender preparation:

• Assist in preparing detailed cost estimates for construction projects.
• Review drawings, specifications, bills of quantities and tender documentation.
• Undertake measurements and quantify materials, labour, plant and equipment requirements.
• Assist with the preparation of tender pricing schedules and cost breakdowns.
• Identify discrepancies, omissions, risks and potential cost-saving opportunities within tender documentation.
• Ensure estimates are prepared accurately and submitted within the required tender deadlines.
• Maintain clear and organised records of all estimates, calculations and tender submissions.

Subcontractor and supplier quotations

• Issue enquiries to subcontractors and suppliers in accordance with the tender programme.
• Obtain, record and compare quotations for materials, labour, plant and specialist subcontractpackages.
• Check quotations for completeness, exclusions, qualifications and compliance with the tenderrequirements.
• Assist in preparing subcontractor comparison sheets and procurement schedules.
• Follow up outstanding quotations to ensure sufficient tender coverage.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with suppliers and subcontractors.

Cost Analysis and Commercial Support

• Assist with the preparation of cost plans, cost comparisons and tender summaries.
• Review material, labour and subcontract costs against historical project information and currentmarket rates.
• Support the identification of value-engineering opportunities and alternative constructionmethods.
• Assist with maintaining and updating estimating databases, cost libraries and benchmarkinginformation.
• Help identify commercial risks, provisional sums, contingencies and potential cost exposures.
• Support the handover of successful tenders to the commercial and delivery teams.

Documentation and Administration

• Maintain accurate electronic tender files and supporting documentation.
• Ensure drawings, specifications and tender revisions are recorded and kept up to date.
• Assist with the preparation of tender clarifications, assumptions, exclusions and qualifications.
• Use estimating software, spreadsheets and company systems to record and analyse costs.
• Ensure tender documentation is prepared in accordance with company procedures and qualitystandards.
• Handle commercially sensitive information confidentially.

Health, Safety and Compliance

• Consider the cost implications of health and safety requirements, temporary works, siteestablishment and construction logistics.
• Allow for relevant statutory requirements and project-specific specifications within estimates.
• Support the inclusion of appropriate costs for environmental controls, waste management and sitewelfare.
• Follow company policies, procedures and applicable legislation.

About you:

You will be either qualified to HND or HNC level as a minimum and degree in a related field is highly desirable

A relevant Level 3 qualification in Construction or the Built Environment, supported by practicalestimating experienceor an appropriate apprenticeship or equivalent demonstrable construction industry training.

You will have previous relevant experience in the construction sector gained through employment or a apprenticeship programme