Commercial Administrator / Trainee Estimator

Daniel Owen Ltd; Basildon; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Daniel Owen Ltd. in Basildon is seeking a Commercial Administrator / Trainee Estimator to join the commercial team. The role focuses on pricing works, managing variations, and supporting commercial or estimating functions within construction, repairs, maintenance or FM contracts.

You will interpret SOR codes, assist with estimates and cost submissions, and liaise with operations, subcontractors and clients to resolve pricing queries while maintaining accurate commercial records and documentation.

Qualifications

• Experience in a commercial administration or estimating support role.
• Good understanding of SOR codes and schedule of rates pricing.
• Experience processing variations within construction, repairs, maintenance, or FM contracts.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation of estimates, quotations, and cost submissions.
• Process and manage variations in line with client contracts and SOR frameworks.
• Interpret and apply SOR codes accurately across works orders and pricing schedules.
• Support commercial reporting and cost tracking activities.
• Liaise with operational teams, subcontractors, and clients regarding pricing queries and variations.
• Maintain accurate commercial records and documentation.
• Review completed works against schedules and submitted costs.
• Assist in identifying commercial risks and opportunities.
• Ensure all pricing submissions are completed within required timescales.
• Provide administrative support to the commercial and estimating teams as required.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Independent worker

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Commercial Administrator / Trainee Estimator

Based in Basildon

Permanent

Office based

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Commercial Administrator / Trainee Estimator to join our commercial team. This role is ideal for someone with experience working with SOR (Schedule of Rates) codes, processing variations, and supporting commercial or estimating functions within a construction, maintenance, or facilities management environment.

The successful candidate will support the commercial and estimating team in pricing works, managing variations, analysing costs, and ensuring accurate commercial administration across projects and contracts.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation of estimates, quotations, and cost submissions.
• Process and manage variations in line with client contracts and SOR frameworks.
• Interpret and apply SOR codes accurately across works orders and pricing schedules.
• Support commercial reporting and cost tracking activities.
• Liaise with operational teams, subcontractors, and clients regarding pricing queries and variations.
• Maintain accurate commercial records and documentation.
• Review completed works against schedules and submitted costs.
• Assist in identifying commercial risks and opportunities.
• Ensure all pricing submissions are completed within required timescales.
• Provide administrative support to the commercial and estimating teams as required.

Skills & Experience Required

• Previous experience in a commercial administration, estimating, or quantity surveying support role.
• Good understanding of SOR codes and schedule of rates pricing.
• Experience processing variations within construction, repairs, maintenance, or FM contracts.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

Desirable

• Experience within social housing, reactive maintenance, planned works, or construction sectors.
• Knowledge of NHF Schedule of Rates or similar pricing frameworks.
• Understanding of commercial procedures and contract administration.
• Ambition to develop into a fully qualified Estimator or Commercial professional