Estimating Assistant

Vantage Data Centers LLC; Newport; Hybrid; GBP 21,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Vantage Data Centers LLC in Newport, Wales, is seeking an entry-level Assistant Estimator to support our growing Data Centre Estimating team. You will develop foundational knowledge of cost planning, benchmarking, and analysis on large-scale projects under the guidance of experienced estimators.

We welcome candidates from construction, mechanical or electrical engineering, or related fields who are eager to learn.

Qualifications

• Strong numerical and analytical skills with comfortable handling figures and data.
• Good attention to detail and organisational abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Teams, Outlook, and Word.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to learn and work in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare defined elements of estimates, cost plans, budgets and benchmarking exercises under guidance of experienced estimators.
• Review and interpret project drawings and specifications at a foundational level with support from the estimating team.
• Collaborate with Design, Sales, OFCI and other departments to gather information for estimates and cost plans.
• Obtain, track and support analysis of supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Maintain estimating records, databases and historical cost information.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of cost benchmarks.

Skills

Numerical analysis

Attention to detail

Data interpretation

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Quantity Surveying / Construction Management related degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Job description

About Vantage

Vantage powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world’s well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.

Working Arrangement: Office-based during the six-month probationary period to support training, development, and integration within the team. Upon successful completion of probation, employees will be eligible to participate in Vantage's hybrid working arrangements, with the opportunity to work from the office, home or other Vantage locations, subject to business requirements.

Vantage is committed to being a workplace of inclusion, equity, respect and acceptance. We celebrate diversity and intentionally seek out opportunities to learn from one another’s experience.

Development Delivery Cost and Commercial Department

The Development Delivery Cost and Commercial team supports the Development team with cost planning across all work stages, utilizing Vantage standard templates and tools. We assist project teams in pricing customer changes, contribute to Build Cost Optimization initiatives, and support the monthly reporting cycle in collaboration with Construction Cost Finance (CCF). Our team also provides accurate forecasting and reforecasting methods, monitors project financials against budgets, and ensures compliance with regional and global governance processes – including Delegated Authorities, Change Management procedures (REACH), and project reviews. Additionally, we offer support to other departments across EMEA.

Position Overview

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Assistant Estimator to support our growing Data Centre Estimating team. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual looking to develop a long-term career within estimating and pre-construction. This is an entry-level professional role within the Estimating function. The Assistant Estimator will develop and apply foundational knowledge of construction, engineering, commercial management or related disciplines to prepare and analyse defined elements of estimates, cost plans and benchmarks under the guidance of experienced estimators. The successful candidate will work closely with the Estimating Manager and wider estimating team, contributing to cost planning, benchmarking, reporting and estimating activities, alongside maintaining accurate estimating documentation and records. The role offers hands‑on exposure to large-scale mission‑critical data centre projects throughout the project lifecycle. Previous estimating experience is not essential. We welcome candidates from a range of backgrounds, including those with relevant apprenticeships, qualifications or early-career experience within construction, mechanical or electrical engineering, commercial, finance, procurement, project controls or similar environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare defined elements of estimates, cost plans, budgets and benchmarking exercises under the guidance of experienced estimators.
• Review and interpret project drawings, specifications and technical documentation at a foundational level, with guidance from the wider estimating team.
• Collaborate with Vantage SMEs (subject matter experts), including Design, Sales, OFCI, Commercial and other relevant departments, to gather and interpret information required for estimates, cost plans and benchmarking activities.
• Obtain, track and support the analysis of supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Maintain and analyse estimating records, databases and historical cost information.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of cost benchmarks.

Administration & Document Control

• Maintain project folders, trackers, and estimating documentation.
• Ensure information is accurately logged, filed, and easily accessible.
• Support reporting requirements across multiple projects.
• Assist with the preparation of presentations, reports, and estimate submissions.
• Maintain version control of cost plans and estimating documents.

Team & Manager Support

• Provide day-to-day support to the Estimating Manager and wider estimating team.
• Assist with workload management, action tracking, and meeting coordination.
• Support process improvements and the development of estimating tools and templates.
• Contribute across multiple estimating workstreams, progressively taking greater ownership of defined estimating activities as knowledge and capability develop.

Learning & Development

• Develop an understanding of data centre construction and associated systems.
• Gain knowledge of CSA, Mechanical, Electrical, Security, and Ancillary packages.
• Learn estimating processes, cost planning methodologies, and company procedures.
• Progressively take on greater responsibility within the estimating function.

Qualifications & Experience

Skills & Experience (Essential)

• Strong numerical and analytical skills, with the ability to work confidently with figures, calculations and data.
• Good attention to detail and organisational abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Teams, Outlook, and Word.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Ability to work effectively within a team environment.
• Ability to interpret and work with technical or numerical information, with a willingness to develop an understanding of construction drawings, specifications and estimating information.

Desirable

• Experience within construction, engineering, infrastructure, or data centre environments.
• Exposure to cost management, procurement, commercial administration, finance or project controls.
• Understanding of construction drawings and technical information.
• Knowledge of estimating or cost planning principles.

Qualifications Essential

• Degree, HNC, HND, professional apprenticeship or equivalent relevant knowledge/experience in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Commercial Management, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Building Services Engineering or a related discipline.

Qualifications Desirable

• Practical or early-career experience within construction, mechanical or electrical engineering, commercial, finance or a related environment.
• Previous exposure to mechanical, electrical, construction or data centre environments.

We operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each other’s strengths and respecting each other’s weaknesses. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above market total compensation package. We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations. Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community.

Don't meet all the requirements? Please still apply if you think you are the right person for the position. We are always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values.

Vantage is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Vantage does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage.