Assistant Estimator

Trainee Estimator / Assistant Estimator

Location: Horley
Sector: Drylining & Interior Fit-Out
Industry: Building and Construction
Salary: £25,000 - £30,000 per annum (Negotiable Depending on Experience)

Overview

Due to continued growth, our client is looking to recruit a Trainee Estimator / Assistant Estimator to join their Work Winning team. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual with some previous estimating or construction industry experience who is looking to develop their career within a supportive and fast-paced commercial environment.

Working closely with the Work Winning Manager and wider Commercial Team, you will play a key role in supporting the tendering process, coordinating bid submissions, and assisting with the commercial delivery of projects.

The Role

The Trainee Estimator / Assistant Estimator will support the estimating function throughout the tender process, helping to deliver accurate and competitive submissions while maintaining strong relationships with suppliers, subcontractors and internal stakeholders.

This role would suit someone with a background in estimating, construction administration, commercial support, or a related construction discipline who is looking to build a long-term career within estimating and work winning.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Tender Support

• Assisting with the preparation and submission of tender return documents
• Reviewing and downloading enquiry information from client portals
• Collating and distributing tender information in accordance with business procedures
• Obtaining and tracking supplier quotations
• Maintaining accurate tender records and ensuring tracking systems are kept up to date
• Supporting the estimating team with pricing exercises and bid submissions
• Assisting in the preparation of commercial schedules and cost information
• Uploading and managing tender submissions through client portals including Asite, Business Collaborator and similar systems

Work Winning & Business Development

• Supporting the Work Winning team in delivering high-quality tender submissions
• Assisting with the production of business support documentation
• Understanding client requirements and helping ensure tender submissions reflect these needs
• Supporting project handovers from pre-construction to operational teams
• Helping maintain the tender pipeline and reporting progress to management

Commercial Support

• Assisting with the production and checking of labour and material schedules
• Supporting reporting requirements for senior leadership and management teams
• Researching market trends and supplier information to support tender competitiveness
• Maintaining accurate records and documentation throughout the bidding process

Health & Safety & Quality

• Supporting the inclusion of health and safety information within tender submissions
• Working in accordance with company policies and business management systems
• Assisting with quality compliance documentation for tender returns
• Promoting high standards of quality and attention to detail in all work produced

Administrative Support

• Providing general administrative support to the estimating and commercial teams
• Managing project and tender documentation
• Maintaining organised records and filing systems
• Undertaking additional duties as required to support the business

Requirements

• Previous experience within estimating, commercial support, construction administration or a similar role
• Strong organisational and planning skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively
• Good attention to detail and accuracy
• Proactive and enthusiastic approach to work
• Strong problem-solving abilities
• Comfortable working within a fast-paced construction environment
• Good IT skills including Microsoft Office

Desirable:

• Experience within the construction industry
• Knowledge of drylining, interior fit-out or associated construction products
• Experience using tender portals and collaboration platforms
• Familiarity with OST, WeTransfer, Asite, Business Collaborator or similar systems
• Evidence of continuous professional development
• Full UK Driving Licence

The Opportunity

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing contractor that genuinely invests in the development of its people.

The successful candidate will gain valuable exposure to estimating, pre-construction and commercial activities while working alongside experienced industry professionals. The business offers ongoing training, clear progression opportunities and the chance to develop into a fully established Estimator as your experience grows.