Commercial Administrator / Trainee Estimator

Daniel Owen Ltd.; Essex; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Daniel Owen Ltd. is seeking a Commercial Administrator / Trainee Estimator based in Basildon to join the commercial team. The role supports pricing works, variations, cost analysis and accurate commercial administration across projects and contracts.

Ideal candidates have experience with SOR codes and pricing in construction, repairs, maintenance, or FM contracts, with strong numerical and Excel skills and the ability to work independently or in a team.

Qualifications

• Experience in commercial administration, estimating support, or quantity surveying support.
• Proficient with Excel and MS Office applications.
• Good numerical and analytical abilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparation of estimates, quotations and cost submissions.
• Process and manage variations in line with contracts and SOR frameworks.
• Interpret and apply SOR codes across works orders and pricing schedules.
• Support commercial reporting and cost tracking activities.
• Liaise with operational teams, subcontractors and clients on pricing queries.
• Maintain accurate commercial records and documentation.
• Review completed works against schedules and submitted costs.
• Identify commercial risks and opportunities and ensure pricing submissions meet deadlines.
• Provide administrative support to the commercial and estimating teams.

Skills

Attention to detail

Numerical & analytical skills

MS Excel

Communication skills

Independence

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.