Junior Estimator

OCU; Greater London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in infrastructure engineering is seeking a Junior Estimator to support accurate and competitive cost estimating for construction and utilities projects. This role is ideal for recent graduates or early-career professionals looking to develop their estimating skills in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Experience with 11kV substation and cabling projects is essential.
• Awareness of UK building regulations and health & safety practices is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of accurate cost estimates for projects.
• Support tendering activities and produce estimates/take-offs.
• Collaborate with clients and suppliers to gather project data.

Skills

Numerical skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Written communication skills

Verbal communication skills

Ability to prioritise tasks

Tools

MS Office

MS Project

Job description

Role Overview

As a Junior Estimator at OCU, you will support the preparation of accurate and competitive cost estimates for construction and utilities projects across the UK. Working alongside experienced estimators, engineers, and project managers, you’ll assist in analysing project requirements, gathering data, and developing financial forecasts to help ensure projects are delivered cost-effectively and competitively.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a recent graduate or someone early in their estimating career to gain hands-on experience with a leading energy transition and utilities contractor.

Key Responsibilities

• Tendering Activities
• Projects up for tender include 11kV to 132kV substation and underground cabling works, based on full civil/electrical design and build basis.
• Produce supplier and subcontractor RFQs.
• Produce estimates/take-offs based on proposed design.
• Develop scope of works with clarifications.
• Create project programmes in MS Project.
• Assist in identifying project risks and contribute to mitigation planning.
• Support in creating cost reports and budgets to monitor project expenditures.
• Collaborate with internal teams, clients, and suppliers to gather necessary project data and quotations.
• Keep updated on market rates, material costs, and industry trends to support accurate estimating.
• Support supplier negotiations to obtain competitive quotes and engage with subcontractors.
• Maintain accurate records of estimates, tender submissions, and project correspondence.
• Ensure estimating activities comply with UK regulations and OCU’s standards.

Skills And Experience

• Experience with 11kV substation and cabling projects is essential.
• Ambition to develop from an 11kV estimator to a 33/132kV estimator under the guidance of the Senior Estimator.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Strong numerical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Awareness of UK building regulations and health & safety practices is beneficial.

Company Information

OCU leads in end-to-end infrastructure engineering in utilities, digital, and energy markets, specialising in delivering complex client requirements safely and efficiently. Our capabilities and operational capacity, paired with cutting-edge technology, position us as market leaders.

We work directly with many of the country’s leading power, energy transition, water, telecoms, and digital clients, and are seeking the best talent to join our growing team.