Graduate Estimator

Warden; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Career growth opportunities

Structured development programme

Job summary

Warden is seeking a Graduate Estimator to join our preconstruction team and support tender submissions across single and two-stage tenders. You will work with clients and design teams to develop cost plans, attend site visits, and help drive successful bids while gaining exposure to various procurement routes.

This role offers a clear development pathway within construction estimating, a supportive team environment, and the chance to contribute to projects that benefit communities.

Qualifications

• Recent graduate or early-career construction professional seeking a career in estimating.
• Interest in estimating with developing commercial knowledge.
• Willing to learn and work with clients and design teams.

Responsibilities

• Support preparation and submission of tenders and preconstruction information.
• Learn to use estimating software and IT systems to produce estimates and tender documentation.
• Assist with commercial, contractual, financial, and risk information during tendering.
• Attend site visits and support tenders and new business opportunities.
• Contribute to improvements in estimating processes and tender information control.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Organised

Education

Construction related degree (QS/CM/PM)

Tools

Estimating software

Job description

In the role of a Graduate Estimator, you will be responsible for preparing and managing tenders, leading preconstruction activity, and working with clients and design teams to support successful project bids.

At Warden we believe in Building Something Greater. We’re not here just to build, but to deliver outstanding construction projects that help to improve lives and communities.

We’re looking for people who represent our company values of People First, Quality you can Trust, Relationships Built to Last and Community First.

In return, we offer a great working environment where our people are rewarded fairly, looked after properly, and supported to achieve their personal and professional goals.

We are looking for a motivated Graduate to join our preconstruction team as an Estimator. Reporting to the Managing/Preconstruction Director and working closely with experienced colleagues, you will support the preparation of tender submissions across single and two stage framework and negotiated tenders. This role offers exposure to a wide range of construction procurement routes, including traditional contracts, bespoke contracts and design and build projects.

This is an excellent opportunity for a graduate who is keen to build a career in estimating, develop commercial knowledge, and learn from experienced preconstruction professionals.

This position will be primarily based at our Kirkham office with occasional travel to our Birchwood office and tender sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the preparation and submission of tenders and preconstruction information in line with client requirements and company systems such as ISO 9001, 14001 & 45001.
• Learn to use estimating software and IT systems to produce estimates, quantities, and tender documentation.
• Assist with commercial, contractual, financial, supply chain and risk information throughout the tendering process.
• Attend site visits and work with clients, colleagues and management to support tenders and new business opportunities.
• Contribute to improvements in estimating processes, procedures, and tender information control.

Two Stage, Negotiated and Preconstruction Duties

• Support colleagues in developing briefs, feasibility studies, cost plans, and tender information with clients, project managers, and design teams.
• Support surveys, preconstruction programmes, methodology, logistics, planning requirements, and third-party processes.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external teams to understand preconstruction timescales and help meet project targets.
• Attend tender interviews, presentations, and meetings where required, gaining experience in representing the business professionally.
• Take part in structured learning and development opportunities to build estimating and preconstruction skills.

About You

• A recent graduate or early-career construction professional with an interest in estimating.
• We welcome applicants with a construction related degree for example, in quantity surveying, commercial management or project management who are committed to developing their career specifically within an estimating route.
• Keen to develop commercial awareness, including knowledge of contracts, cost planning, tender processes, and risk management.
• Enthusiastic, organised and willing to learn, with the confidence to work collaboratively with colleagues and project teams.
• Comfortable using Microsoft systems, with strong organisation, attention to detail and communication skills.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary dependant on experience
• Attractive benefits package.
• Opportunities for career growth
• A clear pathway to forge a career in construction estimating through an internal structured development programme.
• Diverse and inclusive working environment
• Opportunity to work on projects that make a difference.