Junior Estimator

Gallagher Aggregates Ltd; Maidstone; Hybrid; GBP 20,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Gallagher Aggregates Ltd is seeking a Junior Estimator to join our team at Leitrim House. You will support the estimating team in preparing accurate, competitive tender submissions for groundworks and civil projects.

The role involves downloading tender information, setting up tender files, issuing supplier and subcontractor enquiries, scheduling materials, and uploading bills of quantities into Candy estimating software.

Qualifications

• Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail when handling drawings and tender information.
• Good written and verbal communication; ability to issue clear enquiries.

Responsibilities

• Assist with tender submissions for groundworks and civil projects.
• Download tender docs, drawings, specs and BOQs.
• Set up and maintain tender files with accurate naming.
• Review information to identify drawings, scope, specs and submission requirements.
• Upload BOQs and pricing into Candy estimating software.
• Schedule materials from drawings to support pricing and procurement.
• Issue subcontractor and supplier enquiries with clear scope and deadlines.
• Collate quotations and check alignment with tender requirements.
• Undertake measurement and quantity take-offs for earthworks, drainage, roads, bases, etc.
• Maintain estimating records and tender trackers.
• Assist with tender clarifications and pricing schedules.

Skills

Numerical ability

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Microsoft Excel

Candy estimating software

Reading drawings

Independent working

Team collaboration

Proactive attitude

Groundworks interest

GCSE maths & English

Education

GCSE Maths & English

Construction-related qualification advantageous

Tools

Candy estimating software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Competitive, dependent on skills and experience

The Gallagher Group have built an enviable reputation as one of the South East’s premier aggregate, groundwork, civil engineering, and property development businesses. We deliver our services to exceptionally high standards and are committed to benefit the communities we serve and the environment in which we live.

Gallagher Limited are seeking for a Junior Estimator to join our team at Leitrim House.

As a Junior Estimator you will support the estimating team within a large groundworks and civil engineering business, assisting with the preparation of accurate and competitive tender submissions. The role will involve supporting Senior Estimators and the Chief Estimator with downloading tender information, setting up tender files, issuing subcontractor enquiries, scheduling materials, undertaking measurement, and uploading bills of quantities into Candy estimating software. This is a development role suited to someone with strong numerical ability, attention to detail, and a genuine interest in groundworks, infrastructure, and civil engineering estimating.

Keys Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Assist Senior Estimators and the Chief Estimator with the preparation of tender submissions for groundworks and civil engineering projects.
• Download tender documentation, drawings, specifications, bills of quantities, addendums, and associated information from client portals or tender platforms.
• Set up, organise, and maintain tender files, ensuring all documents are accurately saved, named, and controlled.
• Review tender information to identify key drawings, scope documents, specifications, pricing schedules, and submission requirements.
• Upload bills of quantities and pricing schedules into Candy estimating software for use by the estimating team.
• Schedule out materials from drawings, specifications, and bills of quantities to support pricing and procurement enquiries.
• Prepare and issue subcontractor and supplier enquiries, ensuring the correct scope, drawings, specifications, and return dates are included.
• Collate subcontractor and supplier quotations and assist in checking they are complete, compliant, and aligned with the tender requirements.
• Undertake measurement and support quantity take-offs for earthworks, drainage, external works, roads, foundations, slabs, services, and associated civil engineering works.
• Maintain estimating records, tender trackers, quotation logs, pricing information, and cost databases in an organised and accurate manner.
• Assist with tender clarifications, tender returns, pricing schedules, and supporting commercial documents.
• Liaise with colleagues in estimating, commercial, procurement, operations, and project delivery teams to gather information required for tenders.
• Attend internal tender review meetings where required and help record actions, risks, opportunities, and outstanding information.
• Develop an understanding of groundworks and civil engineering methods, programme constraints, contract requirements, commercial risks, and market pricing.
• Contribute to a professional, accurate, and timely estimating process that supports successful tender outcomes.

Candidate Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Strong numerical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy when handling drawings, schedules, quantities, and tender information.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to issue clear supplier and subcontractor enquiries.
• Organised and methodical, with the ability to manage tender documentation and work to deadlines.
• Confident using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Experience of, or willingness to learn, Candy estimating software and other construction-related systems.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and technical information, with training and support where required.
• Ability to work independently while also supporting Senior Estimators, the Chief Estimator, and the wider commercial team.
• Positive attitude, reliability, and a proactive approach to learning.
• Interest in groundworks, civil engineering, infrastructure, commercial management, procurement, or estimating.
• Previous experience in construction, groundworks, civil engineering, estimating, procurement, commercial administration, or a similar technical environment is desirable but not essential.
• A relevant qualification or interest in construction, estimating, civil engineering, construction management, or commercial management would be advantageous.
• Good GCSEs or equivalent in Maths and English are expected.
• Experience using Excel and working with numbers, schedules, or technical documents would be beneficial.
• Knowledge of Candy estimating software would be advantageous, although training can be provided.
• Further education, apprenticeship routes, or professional development in estimating may be supported where appropriate.

This role offers the opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in the full tender process within a large groundworks and civil engineering business, including tender document control, supplier and subcontractor enquiries, material scheduling, measurement, bill of quantities uploads, Candy estimating software, cost analysis, and commercial decision‑making. With training and experience, the Junior Estimator will be supported to develop into an Assistant Estimator, Estimator and ultimately a Senior Estimator.