Junior Estimator

Salary: £30,000 - £40,000
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8-hour day shift (flexible start time)
Benefits:24 Days Holiday (+ 8 Days Bank Holiday) / Company bonus scheme / On-site parking / Annual pay rise / Employee of the month reward scheme / Company events / One-off extra effort rewards / Financial mortgage & budgeting advice / Monday morning company breakfast / Monthly meal reward for hitting sales target / Flexible working hours

We are recruiting on behalf of our client, a well‑established, family‑run SME based in Derby, who are looking to appoint a Junior Estimator to join their growing team. This is a developmental role, ideal for someone with strong numerical skills who is comfortable working in an office environment and keen to build a career in estimating within the construction or building services sector.

Previous estimating experience is beneficial but not essential. Full training, mentoring, and structured development will be provided.

The Role

Initially, you will support the estimating and sales function by managing incoming enquiries, setting up project files, liaising with suppliers, and maintaining accurate records. As you progress, you will be trained to prepare estimates for air conditioning, ventilation, and extraction systems and take on greater responsibility within the estimating process.

You will work closely with the sales and project management teams to ensure projects are handed over smoothly and customer service standards remain high.

Key Responsibilities

• Acknowledge and review all new enquiries

• Set up and manage new project files
• Request and review supplier quotations, including negotiating where appropriate
• Arrange and minute meetings, following up on actions
• Update internal documentation and run reports
• Schedule and attend site surveys, initially with support
• Prepare and issue estimates, including value‑engineering options
• Complete estimate follow‑up calls within 24 working hours
• Maintain accurate CRM records and pipeline data
• Support clear handovers to the project management team
• Attend weekly learning sessions and contribute ideas and improvements

Career Development

This is an excellent opportunity to join a close‑knit team where internal progression is actively encouraged.

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

• Strong numerical and analytical skills
• Comfortable working in an office‑based, team environment
• Organised, diligent, and detail‑focused
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn

Desirable but not essential:

• Construction or building services exposure

• Any estimating or commercial experience
• Strong Excel or data‑handling skills

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is steady, consistent, and reliable, with an interest in technical detail and problem‑solving. They will have a logical, mature, and self‑disciplined approach, be comfortable working independently as well as part of a team, and be a strong cultural fit within a collaborative, family‑run business.