At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the commercial team in estimating, pricing, and managing project variations.
- Company: Join a dynamic construction company based in Basildon with a focus on growth.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop skills, and enjoy a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career progression into a qualified Estimator or Commercial professional.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in commercial administration and make an impact in the construction industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial admin or estimating, strong numerical skills, and attention to detail.
Based in Basildon, this is a permanent, office-based role.
About the Role
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Commercial Administrator / Trainee Estimator to join our commercial team. This role is ideal for someone with experience working with SOR (Schedule of Rates) codes, processing variations, and supporting commercial or estimating functions within a construction, maintenance, or facilities management environment.
The successful candidate will support the commercial and estimating team in pricing works, managing variations, analysing costs, and ensuring accurate commercial administration across projects and contracts.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with the preparation of estimates, quotations, and cost submissions.
- Process and manage variations in line with client contracts and SOR frameworks.
- Interpret and apply SOR codes accurately across works orders and pricing schedules.
- Support commercial reporting and cost tracking activities.
- Liaise with operational teams, subcontractors, and clients regarding pricing queries and variations.
- Maintain accurate commercial records and documentation.
- Review completed works against schedules and submitted costs.
- Assist in identifying commercial risks and opportunities.
- Ensure all pricing submissions are completed within required timescales.
- Provide administrative support to the commercial and estimating teams as required.
Skills & Experience Required
- Previous experience in a commercial administration, estimating, or quantity surveying support role.
- Good understanding of SOR codes and schedule of rates pricing.
- Experience processing variations within construction, repairs, maintenance, or FM contracts.
- Strong numerical and analytical skills.
- Good knowledge of Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
- Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
Desirable
- Experience within social housing, reactive maintenance, planned works, or construction sectors.
- Knowledge of NHF Schedule of Rates or similar pricing frameworks.
- Understanding of commercial procedures and contract administration.
- Ambition to develop into a fully qualified Estimator or Commercial professional.
Commercial Administrator / Trainee Estimator in Basildon employer: Daniel Owen Ltd
Join our dynamic team in Basildon as a Commercial Administrator / Trainee Estimator, where we prioritise employee growth and development within a supportive work culture. We offer comprehensive training opportunities, competitive benefits, and a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and excellence in commercial administration and estimating functions. With a focus on meaningful work in the construction and facilities management sectors, you'll find a rewarding career path with us.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Administrator / Trainee Estimator in Basildon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and understanding their projects. Tailor your responses to highlight your experience with SOR codes and commercial administration. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but a perfect match for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build confidence. Focus on articulating your skills in managing variations and supporting estimating functions clearly and concisely.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Administrator / Trainee Estimator in Basildon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Commercial Administrator / Trainee Estimator. Highlight any experience you have with SOR codes, processing variations, and supporting commercial functions. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your previous experience makes you a great fit. Don’t forget to mention your ambition to develop into a fully qualified Estimator or Commercial professional – we love that enthusiasm!
Show Off Your Skills:In your application, be sure to showcase your strong numerical and analytical skills. If you've got experience with Microsoft Excel or other Office applications, let us know! We’re looking for someone who can handle the nitty-gritty details with ease.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to submit all your documents in one go. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Daniel Owen Ltd
✨Know Your SOR Codes
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of SOR codes before the interview. Being able to discuss how you've used these codes in past roles will show that you're not just familiar with them, but that you can apply them effectively in a commercial setting.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your numerical and analytical skills. Whether it's a project where you managed variations or analysed costs, having specific instances ready to share will demonstrate your capability and attention to detail.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since strong communication skills are key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might be asked about how you would handle pricing queries or liaise with clients, so think through your responses and keep them concise.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
This role requires collaboration with various teams, so be prepared to discuss how you've worked effectively in a team environment. Share experiences where you supported colleagues or contributed to group projects, showing that you can thrive both independently and as part of a team.
