Assistant Estimator
Leeds | £38,000 - £45,000 + Career Progression
Join a Fast-Growing Construction Business
Due to continued growth and the launch of a new Small Works & Reactive Maintenance division, an exciting opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Estimator to join a thriving Leeds-based construction contractor.
Having grown from £3m turnover in 2023 to £6m in 2026, with £10m projected this year, the business is continuing to expand across Yorkshire and the surrounding regions. With recently secured framework agreements and a strong pipeline of negotiated and repeat business, this is an excellent opportunity to join a company where you can make a genuine impact and progress your estimating career.
Projects range from small works and reactive maintenance contracts valued between £20,000 and £250,000 through to larger commercial and industrial schemes worth up to £4m.
The Role
Working closely with the Director, Estimating Coordinator and wider commercial team, you will take ownership of pricing smaller projects independently while supporting the delivery of larger tenders.
This role would suit an existing Assistant Estimator looking for greater responsibility or an Estimator from a subcontractor background seeking a move into a main contractor environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Review drawings, specifications and tender documentation.
- Carry out take-offs and prepare accurate cost estimates.
- Price labour, plant, materials and subcontract packages.
- Obtain, analyse and compare supplier and subcontractor quotations.
- Build estimates including preliminaries, overheads, profit margins and risk allowances.
- Prepare tender submissions and ensure deadlines are met.
- Manage multiple tenders simultaneously while maintaining accuracy.
- Support the commercial team on projects valued up to £4m.
- Liaise with clients, suppliers, subcontractors and internal stakeholders.
- Utilise Excel, Conquest and AI-driven tools to improve estimating efficiency and accuracy.
- Assist with post-tender reviews and continuous improvement of pricing data.
What We're Looking For
- Minimum 3 years' experience in an Estimating or Assistant Estimating role within construction.
- Experience pricing building, industrial, commercial or retail projects.
- Strong understanding of construction costs, tendering processes and procurement.
- Ability to work independently and produce accurate estimates with minimal supervision.
- Excellent numerical, analytical and organisational skills.
- Competent user of Microsoft Excel.
- Experience using estimating software such as Conquest would be advantageous.
- Comfortable working with modern technology and AI-based productivity tools.
- Strong communication skills and a collaborative approach.
- Ideally located within a commutable distance of the Leeds office.
Career Development
Within your first 6-12 months you will:
- Independently price projects valued between £20,000 and £250,000.
- Manage multiple tender enquiries and consistently meet submission deadlines.
- Develop a detailed understanding of company rates, subcontractor supply chains and commercial risk.
- Support larger schemes valued up to £4m.
- Become an integral part of the growth of the new Small Works & Reactive Maintenance division.
Why Apply?
- Join a business experiencing significant year-on-year growth.
- Work alongside experienced Directors who remain actively involved in winning and delivering projects.
- Gain exposure to both small works and major construction schemes.
- Opportunity to progress your estimating career within a growing commercial team.
- Secure long-term opportunity with a strong pipeline of framework and negotiated work.
- Friendly, supportive SME environment where your contribution is recognised.
Salary: £38,000 - £45,000 per annum
Location: Leeds (Office-Based)
Sector: Construction / Building Contractor
Projects: Commercial, Industrial, Retail, Small Works & Reactive Maintenance
Interview Process: Two-stage interview process
If you're an ambitious Assistant Estimator looking to develop your career with a growing contractor, we'd love to hear from you.
Assistant Estimator in Leeds employer: Time Recruitment Careers
The Skipton Academy is an excellent employer that values quality workmanship and professionalism, offering a supportive work culture where attention to detail is paramount. Employees benefit from competitive pay rates and the opportunity to contribute to a vibrant educational environment, fostering both personal and professional growth. Working at The Skipton Academy not only allows you to showcase your skills but also to be part of a community dedicated to excellence in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Estimator in Leeds
✨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 Time Recruitment Careers, 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 Time Recruitment Careers.
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 Time Recruitment Careers
✨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!
