Junior Estimator – Groundworks & Civil Engineering
PW Construction Recruitment is working with a well-established and highly regarded groundworks and civil engineering contractor based in Maidstone, Kent, who is looking to appoint a Junior Estimator to join its growing estimating team.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build a long-term career within construction estimating. You will work alongside experienced Senior Estimators and the Chief Estimator, gaining hands-on exposure to the complete tender process across a varied portfolio of groundworks and civil engineering projects.
The position would suit either someone at the beginning of their construction career or a junior-level candidate with some previous exposure to estimating, commercial administration, procurement, groundworks or civil engineering who is looking for structured development and progression.
The Role
As Junior Estimator, you will support the estimating team with the preparation of accurate and competitive tender submissions.
You will assist with downloading and reviewing tender documentation, drawings, specifications and bills of quantities, setting up and maintaining tender files and ensuring information is accurately recorded and controlled.
Working alongside the Senior Estimators, you will prepare and issue enquiries to subcontractors and suppliers, ensuring they receive the appropriate drawings, specifications and scope information. You will collate returned quotations and assist with checking them against the tender requirements.
You will also gain practical experience undertaking measurements and quantity take-offs for groundworks and civil engineering packages including earthworks, drainage, roads, external works, foundations, slabs and services.
As your experience develops, you will become increasingly involved in material scheduling, pricing, cost analysis, tender clarifications and commercial decision-making.
The position will also involve uploading bills of quantities and pricing schedules into Candy estimating software, with training available where required.
Key Responsibilities
Your responsibilities will include supporting Senior Estimators and the Chief Estimator with tender submissions; downloading, reviewing and organising tender information; setting up and maintaining tender files; reviewing drawings, specifications, bills of quantities and pricing schedules; undertaking measurement and quantity take-offs; scheduling materials; issuing subcontractor and supplier enquiries; collating and checking quotations; maintaining tender trackers, quotation logs and cost information; assisting with tender clarifications and returns; and liaising with estimating, commercial, procurement and operational teams.
You may also attend internal tender review meetings, helping to record actions, risks, opportunities and outstanding information.
About You
You do not necessarily need extensive estimating experience. More important will be strong numerical ability, attention to detail and a genuine desire to develop a career within construction estimating.
You should be organised and methodical, comfortable working with numbers and able to manage detailed information accurately while working to deadlines.
Good Microsoft Office skills are required, particularly Excel, Word and Outlook. Previous experience of Candy estimating software would be advantageous but is not essential, as training can be provided.
An ability to read construction drawings and technical information would be beneficial, although further training and support will be available.
Previous experience within construction, groundworks, civil engineering, estimating, procurement, commercial administration or another technical environment would be advantageous but is not essential.
A relevant construction, civil engineering, estimating, quantity surveying, construction management or commercial qualification would also be beneficial. Good GCSEs or equivalent qualifications in Maths and English are expected.
Training & Career Progression
This is very much a development opportunity rather than simply an administrative estimating position.
You will gain hands-on experience of the complete tender process within an established groundworks and civil engineering business, including tender document control, subcontractor and supplier enquiries, material scheduling, measurement, quantity take-offs, bills of quantities, Candy estimating software, cost analysis and commercial decision-making.
With training and experience, there is a clear opportunity to progress from Junior Estimator to Assistant Estimator, Estimator and ultimately Senior Estimator.
Further education, apprenticeship routes and professional development may also be supported where appropriate.
Benefits
The package includes life insurance, company pension, wellness programmes, on-site parking and company events, alongside structured training and long-term career development.
If you are numerically strong, commercially minded and interested in developing a career within groundworks and civil engineering estimating, please apply with an up-to-date CV for further information.