Assistant Estimator

Building Careers UK Ltd; Wigan; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development

Exposure to diverse projects

Structured training and development

Job summary

Building Careers UK Ltd. is seeking an Assistant Estimator to join a busy commercial team in Wigan. The role supports senior estimators across fit-out and refurbishment projects, assisting with tender preparation, cost breakdowns and supplier enquiries.

Ideal candidates will have experience in construction estimating or related commercial environments, with strong Excel skills and a keen eye for detail, working to deadlines in a dynamic pre-construction setting.

Qualifications

• Experience in construction estimating, tenders or cost planning appreciated.
• Strong numeracy and analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Read and interpret drawings and specifications confidently.
• Proactive, accurate and able to work to deadlines within a team.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparation of accurate estimates and tenders for fit-out and refurbishment projects.
• Review drawings, specifications, scopes of work and tender documents.
• Carry out quantity take-offs and measurements to support pricing.
• Prepare pricing schedules and cost breakdowns for bids.
• Request and compare subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Support tender analysis and handover to delivery teams.

Skills

Estimating experience

Microsoft Excel

Reading drawings

Attention to detail

Ability to meet deadlines

Commercial awareness

Education

Construction qualifications (advantageous)

Job description

Job Title: Assistant Estimator - Fit Out & Refurbishment

Location: Wigan, Lancashire

Salary: £28,000 - £38,000 + Package

Job Type: Permanent

About the Company

An established and growing North West design and build contractor specialising in commercial fit-out, refurbishment and renovation projects.

The business operates across commercial and industrial, retail and leisure, public sector and specialist/bespoke sectors, combining design, manufacturing and construction capabilities. Its work includes commercial interiors, refurbishment, bespoke joinery, fire doors, ceilings, partitions, flooring and wider architectural packages.

The company has a strong reputation for delivering technically detailed projects and has an established estimating and pre-construction function, providing an excellent environment for an ambitious Assistant Estimator to develop their career.

The Role

We are looking for an Assistant Estimator to join a busy commercial team based in Wigan.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who already has some experience within construction estimating, quantity surveying, fit-out or a related commercial environment and is looking to develop their estimating skills within a specialist contractor.

Working closely with the senior estimating team, you will support the preparation of accurate and competitive tenders across a range of fit-out and refurbishment projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation of accurate and competitive estimates and tenders.
• Review drawings, specifications, scopes of work and tender documentation.
• Carry out accurate quantity take-offs and measurements.
• Prepare pricing schedules and cost breakdowns.
• Assist with the preparation of subcontractor and supplier enquiries.
• Obtain and compare quotations from subcontractors and suppliers.
• Assist with labour, material, plant and subcontract pricing.
• Support the Estimating team with tender analysis and bid preparation.
• Identify potential risks, exclusions, assumptions and opportunities within tender packages.
• Assist with value engineering and alternative cost options.
• Maintain accurate estimating records and supporting documentation.
• Work with the commercial and project teams to ensure tender information is accurate and complete.
• Assist with the handover of successful tenders to the delivery team.
• Build and maintain relationships with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Work on multiple tenders simultaneously within a busy pre-construction environment.
• Continue developing knowledge of construction methods, materials, specifications and market rates.

The Ideal Candidate

• Previous experience within construction, estimating, quantity surveying or a commercial role.
• Some experience of preparing estimates, tenders or cost plans.
• Experience within fit-out, refurbishment, interiors or general construction would be advantageous.
• Ability to read and understand construction drawings and specifications.
• Good numerical and analytical skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good IT skills, particularly Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• The ability to work to deadlines and manage multiple tenders.
• A commercially minded approach with a willingness to learn and develop.
• Relevant construction or commercial qualifications would be advantageous but are not essential.

What's on Offer

£28,000 - £38,000 salary

Package

• Opportunity to develop within an established North West contractor
• Exposure to a wide range of fit-out and refurbishment projects
• Structured development within an experienced commercial/estimating team
• Long-term career progression
• Support and training to develop estimating and commercial skills

Building Careers UK is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

INDCOM