At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in preparing competitive bids for exciting refurbishment and regeneration projects.
- Company: Leading design and build contractor with over 30 years of experience.
- Benefits: Structured career development, exposure to diverse projects, and supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a growing company committed to investing in its people and fostering career growth.
- Why this job: Kickstart your construction career with hands-on experience and mentorship from industry experts.
- Qualifications: Construction-related qualification or currently studying towards one; previous experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
About the Company
Our client is a leading design, build and refurbishment contractor operating across London and the South East.
With more than 30 years of industry experience, they have built an outstanding reputation for delivering high-quality residential and commercial projects while maintaining a customer-first approach.
Their operations are structured across specialist divisions
- New Build Residential
- Regeneration & Refurbishment, Fire Safety & Retrofit Decarbonisation
The company is equally committed to investing in its people.
From apprenticeship schemes through to ongoing professional development programmes, they provide clear career pathways and opportunities for employees to grow and progress within the business.
The Role
Due to continued growth within the refurbishment division, an opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Estimator to join the pre-construction team.
This position offers an excellent opportunity for an ambitious construction professional to develop their estimating career within a supportive and experienced team.
You will play an important role in the tendering process, assisting with the preparation of competitive bids for refurbishment and regeneration projects while gaining exposure to all stages of pre-construction.
Working closely with senior estimators and pre-construction professionals, you will be involved in analysing project information, engaging with subcontractors and suppliers, maintaining cost data, and helping ensure tender submissions are delivered accurately and on time.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the estimating team in preparing high-quality tender submissions for refurbishment and regeneration projects.
- Obtain and coordinate quotations from subcontractors and suppliers, ensuring enquiries are issued in line with project requirements.
- Analyse and compare subcontractor pricing to support informed procurement decisions.
- Maintain tender databases, cost records and package analysis information.
- Assist in producing pricing schedules, cost plans and supporting documentation.
- Monitor tender programmes and key milestones, helping ensure deadlines are achieved.
- Participate in internal tender reviews, subcontractor workshops and project meetings.
- Support the preparation of bid presentations and tender adjudication documentation.
- Ensure all tender-related correspondence and commercial information is accurately recorded and organised.
- Contribute to the identification of programme, commercial and delivery risks within tender opportunities.
- Develop strong working relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors and internal stakeholders.
- Maintain compliance with company procedures, quality standards and best practice processes.
About You
We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented individual with a genuine interest in construction estimating and pre-construction activities.
Qualifications & Experience
- Construction-related qualification such as a Degree, HNC, HND or equivalent, or currently studying towards one.
- Previous experience within construction, commercial, estimating or pre-construction environments would be advantageous.
- Understanding of tendering processes, subcontractor procurement and construction delivery methods is desirable.
- Knowledge of social housing refurbishment, regeneration or planned maintenance projects would be beneficial.
Skills & Attributes
- Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent attention to detail with a methodical and organised approach.
- Confident user of Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
- Previous exposure to estimating software would be advantageous.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and work effectively to deadlines.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive working relationships at all levels.
- Commercial awareness with the ability to identify risks and opportunities.
- Self-motivated, proactive and eager to develop a successful career within pre-construction and estimating.
- What's on Offer
This is an opportunity to join a well-established and growing contractor with an excellent reputation across the residential and commercial sectors.
The successful candidate will benefit from structured career development, exposure to a diverse range of projects and the opportunity to learn from experienced industry professionals within a supportive environment
Assistant Estimator in Watford employer: Recco
Our client is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to employee development and a collaborative work culture. With a strong focus on nurturing talent and promoting from within, this well-established main contractor offers meaningful career growth opportunities in the thriving construction sector, particularly in the vibrant location of [insert location]. Employees benefit from ongoing training and mentorship, ensuring they are well-equipped to transition into strategic roles while remaining engaged with project delivery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Estimator in Watford
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Recco, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Assistant Estimator at Recco.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Estimator in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Recco
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
