Estimating Graduate Management Trainee (site-based)

Wates Group; Leeds; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Car allowance

Health & wellness programme

26 days holiday + bank holidays

Birthday Day off

Job summary

Wates Group in Leeds is seeking an Estimating Management Trainee to develop commercial and technical skills for construction projects from the earliest stages. You will learn to prepare cost plans, estimates and budgets to shape project finance and support winning bids.

You will work with experienced estimators, commercial teams, and supply chain partners, reviewing drawings and tender docs, analysing requirements and delivering competitive estimates while developing your professional network.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree expected by Sep 2027, 2:2 or above, relevant subject.
• Full UK driving licence required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of cost plans, budgets and detailed estimates for tender submissions.
• Review drawings, specifications and tender docs to identify scope and cost implications.
• Evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotes to ensure competitive costs.
• Contribute to customer-focused bid responses and work-winning strategies.
• Coordinate tender documentation and electronic submissions within governance and deadlines.
• Collaborate with Commercial, Pre-Construction, Operations and Supply Chain teams.
• Research market trends, material costs and labour rates to inform estimating decisions.
• Analyze how materials and construction methods affect project costs and propose cost-effective solutions.
• Build relationships with colleagues, customers and supply chain partners.

Skills

Cost estimation

Tender submissions

Budgeting

Subcontractor evaluation

Market research

Collaboration across teams

Construction cost knowledge

Job description

About The Opportunity

As an Estimating Management Trainee, you will have the opportunity to develop the commercial and technical skills needed to support the successful delivery of construction projects from the earliest stages. Working as part of our Estimating team, you will learn how to prepare cost plans and estimates that help shape project budgets and support the work-winning process.

Throughout the programme, you will gain exposure to a wide range of projects and work closely with experienced estimators, commercial teams, operational colleagues, supply chain partners and clients. You will learn how to review drawings, specifications and tender documentation, analyse project requirements, and develop accurate and competitive cost estimates.

What You Will Do

Over the course of the programme, you will:

• Assist in the preparation of cost plans, budgets and detailed estimates to support tender submissions and new business opportunities.
• Review project drawings, specifications and tender documentation to identify scope, risks and cost implications.
• Support the evaluation of subcontractor and supplier quotations, ensuring costs are competitive and aligned with project requirements.
• Help produce customer-focused bid responses and work-winning strategies, tailoring submissions to meet the specific needs of each client.
• Compile and coordinate tender documentation and electronic submissions, ensuring internal processes, governance and deadlines are met.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Commercial, Pre-Construction, Operations and Supply Chain teams to develop a broad understanding of the project lifecycle.
• Assist in researching market trends, material costs and labour rates to help inform estimating decisions.
• Develop an understanding of how different materials, designs and construction methods can affect project costs, helping to identify practical and cost-effective solutions for clients.
• Build strong relationships with colleagues, customers and supply chain partners while developing your professional network across the business.
• Gain the relevant technical and behavioural knowledge for your role, through the completion of a technical manual, behavioural workshops, short-term placements and relevant qualifications.

About You

To be successful, you'll:

• Be passionate about building a career in the built environment.
• Be curious, eager to learn and committed to your personal development.
• Build positive relationships and work collaboratively with others.
• Take ownership of your work and act with integrity and professionalism.
• Approach challenges with a positive, solution-focused mindset.
• Be organised, adaptable and able to prioritise effectively.
• Be committed to delivering high standards and making a positive impact.

What's in it for you?

At Wates, we're committed to helping you build a successful career in construction. Alongside hands‑on experience in your chosen career pathway, graduates who do not hold a degree in a construction‑related subject will be enrolled onto a relevant Level 4 apprenticeship, providing additional learning and development to help accelerate your career in the built environment.

You'll also benefit from mentoring, structured training, behavioural workshops and support from experienced professionals throughout your programme. We encourage and support our trainees to continue their professional development through industry‑recognised qualifications and, where applicable, work towards chartership.

In Addition, We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Private medical insurance
• Car allowance
• Health & wellness programme
• 26 days holiday + bank holidays
• Birthday Day off

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for this programme, you must:

• By September 2027, you must have obtained a bachelor's degree with a predicted or achieved classification of 2:2 or above.
• Your degree subject must be relevant to the position.
• A full UK driving licence is required.

Location:

Leeds Thorpe Park and London
For site based roles, please note that the location listed in this advert reflects your initial placement and may change throughout the programme depending on project and business requirements.

Important: Travel Requirements

As a project‑based business, our teams work across a variety of locations. Depending on the role, you may be required to work from different project sites within the region or nationally throughout the programme.

Please carefully consider this requirement before applying, as travel and mobility are essential parts of the role. Successful candidates must be willing to travel in line with project and business need.

Applications close on 10 November 2026

About Wates

Established in 1897, we are one of the UK's leading family‑owned development, building and property maintenance companies. With 6,000 employees and now in our fourth generation of family ownership, we're committed to the long‑term sustainability of the built environment and to making our industry more inclusiveand representative of the communities we work in.

With multiple businesses working across the built environment, we can offer a wide range of career opportunities.

As part of our trainee programme, you'll join a network of around 200 peers, learning and working together as you build connections and develop your career at Wates.

Our Commitments

Wates is proud to be an employer where everyone can thrive, and we welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, we will be happy to support you. To discuss your requirements, please contact us at [e-mail].

Please note that some roles may require additional pre‑employment checks due to the nature of the work.