Graduate Estimator

Avove; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

24 days holiday + bank holidays

Company pension scheme

Life assurance

Private GP Helpline & Health Cash Plan

Avove Discount Scheme

Family friendly policies

Lifestyle benefit options

Financial wellbeing programme

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Avove is offering a two-year Graduate Estimator programme within the Severn Trent Water Framework. The role is open to Birmingham or Derby applicants, with a hybrid schedule combining office, site, and home-based work.

The salary starts at £29,355.00, with a September 2027 start date for a full-time permanent position. You will learn how project costs are estimated by combining labour, materials, equipment, suppliers, timescales and risk, while supporting tender preparation alongside experienced

Qualifications

• Degree completed or expected by summer 2027
• A degree related to quantity surveying, construction management, commercial management, business or finance could be helpful
• Not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship; alternative right to work is required

Responsibilities

• Learn how we take a new project opportunity from initial review through to tender submission
• Help understand what our customers need and what it will take to deliver their projects successfully
• Learn how estimates are built using labour, materials, equipment, suppliers, timescales and risk
• Support the preparation of cost calculations, tender information and accurate project records
• Work with operations, engineering, commercial, procurement and planning teams to develop realistic estimates
• Build understanding of supplier quotes, contracts, specifications and project programmes and how they influence cost
• Visit project sites and operational locations to see how the work you’re estimating is delivered in practice
• Take on more responsibility as knowledge and confidence grow, contributing ideas and supporting handover of successful tenders to project teams

Skills

Curious

Communication

Team player

Willing to learn

Education

Any degree (by summer 2027)

Quantity surveying

Construction management

Commercial management

Business

Finance

Job description

Advance your career, join our Graduate Programme - Be The Future!

Being a graduate at Avove isn’t just a job, it’s the beginning of a rewarding career. We’re building a bright and ambitious future, and we want you to be part of it. Join our thriving graduate community and take your next step toward shaping the future of our business.

About our Graduate Programme

Our two-year graduate programme is designed to help you grow, learn, and thrive. You’ll gain hands‑on experience, take part in tailored development activities, and be supported by experienced mentors and colleagues. From an induction week to masterclasses, development days, and bespoke training, we’ll help you reach your full potential. We want you to love what you do, learn quickly, broaden your horizons, and make a difference from day one.

We’re looking for a Graduate Estimator to join our Severn Trent Water Framework.

Location: We are open to applicants from either the Birmingham or Derby area - This role offers hybrid working, combining office and site attendance with home‑based working.

Contract Type: Full time permanent

Salary: Our graduate starting salary is £29,355.00

Want to learn how much major infrastructure projects cost and what it takes to deliver them?

As a Graduate Estimator, you’ll join our Estimating team and gain experience supporting tenders for essential water, utilities and infrastructure projects.

You’ll learn how we bring together people, materials, equipment, suppliers, timescales and risks to understand project costs and prepare competitive tenders. You’ll work alongside experienced colleagues on civil engineering and MEICA projects, building your knowledge through real opportunities.

You don’t need to know everything when you join. We’ll support you to learn, build your confidence and take on more responsibility as you develop.

This role is a September 2027 start.

What you’ll be doing:

• Learn how we take a new project opportunity from initial review through to tender submission.
• Help understand what our customers need and what it will take to deliver their projects successfully.
• Learn how estimates are built using labour, materials, equipment, suppliers, timescales and risk.
• Support the preparation of cost calculations, tender information and accurate project records.
• Work with operational, engineering, commercial, procurement and planning teams to develop realistic estimates.
• Build your understanding of supplier quotations, contracts, specifications and project programmes and how they influence cost.
• Visit project sites and operational locations to see how the work you’re estimating is delivered in practice.
• Take on more responsibility as your knowledge and confidence grow, contributing ideas and supporting the handover of successful tenders to project teams.

About you:

We’re looking for someone who is curious, enjoys working with others, communicates well and is excited to learn and take on new challenges. If you’re organised, open to feedback and interested in understanding how projects work, we’ll help you build the knowledge and experience you need.

Your degree can be in any subject, if you’ve completed it, or expect to by summer 2027. A degree related to quantity surveying, construction management, commercial management, business or finance could be helpful, but it isn’t essential. We’re interested in you, your potential, transferable skills and what you can bring to Avove, not just what you studied. You’ll also need to be happy travelling to project sites and client locations when needed.

This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Visa process. Applicants must therefore have, and maintain, an alternative right to work for the duration of employment.

What’s in it for you?

• 24 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Company pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Private GP Helpline & Health Cash Plan
• Avove Discount Scheme
• Family friendly policies
• A selection of lifestyle benefit options
• Financial wellbeing programme
• Employee assistance program for health and wellbeing and onsite mental health first aiders to support our colleagues
• We love to give back so we offer you volunteering days in your community and charity matched giving where we will boost your fundraising.

An inclusive invitation to apply:

We want to build a team that reflects the communities we serve and benefits from different perspectives, ideas and experiences. We know that some people may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you're interested in this role and meet the essential qualification requirements, we encourage you to apply.

You don't need previous experience in water, wastewater or utilities, and we won't expect you to arrive with all the answers. We're interested in your potential, curiosity, problem-solving approach and willingness to learn.

Why join Avove?

At Avove, we’re proud to create an environment where people can build meaningful careers, develop their skills and feel supported to reach their full potential. We invest in training and development, provide opportunities to grow, and are committed to a workplace where safety, wellbeing and collaboration are at the heart of everything we do. With a strong focus on supporting our people and their families through a broad range of benefits, Avove is a place where you can feel valued, make a real impact and take the next step in your career with confidence.

About Avove

Avove is a leading infrastructure services provider, delivering critical utility and energy solutions across the UK. With a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and innovation, we specialise in the design, maintenance, and renewal of essential infrastructure for water, energy, and telecoms networks. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to long-term investment in training, development, and modern equipment to support our teams in delivering high-quality, reliable services for our clients and communities.

We are an equal opportunities employer

At the heart of what we do is a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We celebrate what makes each of us unique and are building a workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to be their authentic selves. If you require any reasonable adjustments or support during the application or interview process, please let us know and we’ll be happy to discuss how we can support you.