Assistant Estimator

Recco; Watford; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Recco is seeking an Assistant Estimator to join the pre-construction team in Watford. The role focuses on assisting with tender preparation for refurbishment and regeneration projects, coordinating with subcontractors, maintaining cost data, and contributing to pricing schedules within a collaborative, growth-oriented environment.

You will work closely with senior estimators to develop your estimating career, gaining exposure to tender processes and procurement practices while ensuring deadlines

Qualifications

• Construction-related qualification such as a Degree, HNC, HND or equivalent, or currently studying towards one.
• Previous experience within construction, commercial, estimating or pre-construction environments would be advantageous.
• Understanding of tendering processes, subcontractor procurement and construction delivery methods is desirable.
• Knowledge of social housing refurbishment, regeneration or planned maintenance projects would be beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Support the estimating team in preparing high-quality tender submissions for refurbishment and regeneration projects.
• Obtain and coordinate quotations from subcontractors and suppliers, ensuring enquiries are issued in line with project requirements.
• Analyse and compare subcontractor pricing to support informed procurement decisions.
• Maintain tender databases, cost records and package analysis information.
• Assist in producing pricing schedules, cost plans and supporting documentation.
• Monitor tender programmes and key milestones, helping ensure deadlines are achieved.
• Participate in internal tender reviews, subcontractor workshops and project meetings.
• Support the preparation of bid presentations and tender adjudication documentation.
• Ensure all tender-related correspondence and commercial information is accurately recorded and organised.
• Contribute to the identification of programme, commercial and delivery risks within tender opportunities.
• Develop strong working relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors and internal stakeholders.
• Maintain compliance with company procedures, quality standards and best practice processes.

Skills

Numerical analysis

Attention to detail

Excel

Estimating software

Multitasking

Communication

Commercial awareness

Proactiveness

Education

Degree/HNC/HND or equivalent, or studying

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Estimating software

Job description

About the Company

Our client is a leading design, build and refurbishment contractor operating across London and the South East. With more than 30 years of industry experience, they have built an outstanding reputation for delivering high-quality residential and commercial projects while maintaining a customer-first approach.

Their operations are structured across specialist divisions:

• New Build Residential
• Regeneration & Refurbishment, Fire Safety & Retrofit Decarbonisation

The company is equally committed to investing in its people. From apprenticeship schemes through to ongoing professional development programmes, they provide clear career pathways and opportunities for employees to grow and progress within the business.

The Role

Due to continued growth within the refurbishment division, an opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Estimator to join the pre-construction team.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for an ambitious construction professional to develop their estimating career within a supportive and experienced team. You will play an important role in the tendering process, assisting with the preparation of competitive bids for refurbishment and regeneration projects while gaining exposure to all stages of pre-construction.

Working closely with senior estimators and pre-construction professionals, you will be involved in analysing project information, engaging with subcontractors and suppliers, maintaining cost data, and helping ensure tender submissions are delivered accurately and on time.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the estimating team in preparing high-quality tender submissions for refurbishment and regeneration projects.
• Obtain and coordinate quotations from subcontractors and suppliers, ensuring enquiries are issued in line with project requirements.
• Analyse and compare subcontractor pricing to support informed procurement decisions.
• Maintain tender databases, cost records and package analysis information.
• Assist in producing pricing schedules, cost plans and supporting documentation.
• Monitor tender programmes and key milestones, helping ensure deadlines are achieved.
• Participate in internal tender reviews, subcontractor workshops and project meetings.
• Support the preparation of bid presentations and tender adjudication documentation.
• Ensure all tender-related correspondence and commercial information is accurately recorded and organised.
• Contribute to the identification of programme, commercial and delivery risks within tender opportunities.
• Develop strong working relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors and internal stakeholders.
• Maintain compliance with company procedures, quality standards and best practice processes.

About You

We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented individual with a genuine interest in construction estimating and pre-construction activities.

Qualifications & Experience

• Construction-related qualification such as a Degree, HNC, HND or equivalent, or currently studying towards one.
• Previous experience within construction, commercial, estimating or pre-construction environments would be advantageous.
• Understanding of tendering processes, subcontractor procurement and construction delivery methods is desirable.
• Knowledge of social housing refurbishment, regeneration or planned maintenance projects would be beneficial.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent attention to detail with a methodical and organised approach.
• Confident user of Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Previous exposure to estimating software would be advantageous.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work effectively to deadlines.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive working relationships at all levels.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to identify risks and opportunities.
• Self-motivated, proactive and eager to develop a successful career within pre-construction and estimating.

What's on Offer

This is an opportunity to join a well-established and growing contractor with an excellent reputation across the residential and commercial sectors. The successful candidate will benefit from structured career development, exposure to a diverse range of projects and the opportunity to learn from experienced industry professionals within a supportive environment