Estimator

Trevett Project Services; Southampton; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A refurbishment and fit-out contractor in Southampton is seeking an Estimator to play a key role in early project planning. This position requires transforming site visits and sketches into accurate cost estimates for interior projects. The ideal candidate should have experience in the industry, strong IT skills in Excel, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. This is a great opportunity to contribute to a company known for its integrity and reliability.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in estimating within the fit-out, refurbishment, or interiors industry.
• Ability to interpret limited design input such as sketches or verbal instruction and produce reliable costings.
• Strong IT proficiency, particularly with Excel, and the ability to present pricing clearly and concisely.

Responsibilities

• Create cost estimates and competitive tenders for interior projects.
• Generate material and labour breakdowns, pricing schedules, and bills of quantities.
• Oversee the full estimating cycle from initial enquiry to tender submission.
• Source, liaise with, and evaluate subcontractors and suppliers.
• Act as a professional point of contact for clients.
• Monitor relevant tender portals and identify business opportunities.
• Work in partnership with project and senior management teams.

Skills

Estimating

Client Communication

IT Proficiency (Excel)

Organisational Skills

Problem Solving

Job description

Estimator - Southampton - £55k - £60k+ plus package

Company Overview

A respected, small-scale refurbishment and fit-out contractor based in Southampton, this company has carved out a strong reputation in the healthcare, care, and hospitality sectors. Known for their integrity and reliability, they manage diverse interior projects from inception through to completion, with values up to £5 million.

With a commitment to exceeding client expectations and a clear vision for growth, they are now seeking a like-minded professional to join their dedicated team and contribute to the company’s ongoing success.

Role Overview

This Estimator role offers a unique opportunity to play a crucial part in the early planning stages of a wide range of projects. Unlike traditional estimating roles that focus solely on completed design packages, this position requires a more hands-on, interpretive approach transforming site visits, notes, sketches, and photographs into detailed, accurate, and competitive quotations.

Ideal for a proactive, solutions-oriented professional, the role involves working across multiple trades and project types, supporting pricing efforts, and helping identify future business opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Estimating: Create cost estimates and competitive tenders for interior projects up to £5 million, often from partial or conceptual designs.
• Take-offs & Pricing: Generate material and labour breakdowns, pricing schedules, and bills of quantities across a wide range of interior trades.
• Tender Process Management: Oversee the full estimating cycle from initial enquiry through to tender submission while maintaining high standards and meeting deadlines.
• Supply Chain Coordination: Source, liaise with, and evaluate subcontractors and suppliers to ensure value for money and quality standards are upheld.
• Client Communication: Act as a professional point of contact for clients, clarifying project requirements and building strong working relationships.
• Business Development: Monitor relevant tender portals and proactively identify opportunities that match the company’s expertise.
• Collaboration & Improvement: Work in close partnership with project and senior management teams to enhance estimating processes and support the firm’s strategic growth goals.

Candidate Requirements

• Demonstrable experience in estimating within the fit-out, refurbishment, or interiors industry.
• Ability to interpret limited design input such as sketches or verbal instruction and produce reliable costings.
• Strong IT proficiency, particularly with Excel, and the ability to present pricing clearly and concisely.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills, suited to a small, fast-paced environment.
• A pragmatic, self-driven approach with a focus on finding effective solutions.
• A full UK driving licence and the ability to attend the Southampton office daily.