Assistant Estimator

Job Description: Assistant Estimator

Location

Bury St Edmunds, office-based role (not hybrid or remote), with travel across East Anglia, Southeast, and Midlands for site visits

Salary

£30,000–£35,000 per annum plus car allowance

Role Overview

We are seeking an Assistant Estimator with 1–2 years of experience working for a main contractor and a desire to progress into estimating. The successful candidate will support the estimating team in preparing competitive bids for retail and leisure sector projects, including store refurbishments, fit-outs, and hotel extensions or conversions.

The role involves building and maintaining long-term relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers, particularly for framework agreements where a significant portion of work is negotiated.

Key Responsibilities

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Assist in the preparation of competitive cost estimates for retail and leisure projects

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Support senior estimators in reviewing tender documents, drawings, and specifications

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Conduct site visits across East Anglia, Southeast, and Midlands to understand project scope

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Collaborate with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain and review quotations

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Assist in compiling Bills of Quantities (BOQs) and schedules of work

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Support the production of analytical pricing and tender submissions

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Contribute to bid strategy and value engineering discussions

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Maintain accurate records of estimates, supplier pricing, and historical cost data

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Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers

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Attend client and consultant meetings as required

Qualifications & Experience

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1–2 years’ experience in a main contractor environment, ideally with exposure to estimating

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Some experience with commercial, retail, or leisure projects advantageous

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Understanding of construction methods and principles relevant to fit-outs, refurbishments, and conversions

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Familiarity with measurement standards and estimating procedures

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Proficient in Microsoft Office applications

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Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills

Personal Attributes

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Ambitious and motivated to progress into a full estimating role

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Strong communication and interpersonal skills

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Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

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Resilient and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously

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Client-focused with a professional approach

Benefits

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Competitive salary within the range of £30–35K

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Car allowance

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Standard company benefits for this level