- Type: Permanent, Full Time
- Location: Role is fully office based (PO15 7QQ), no remote option available.
- Position: Trainee Estimator (career pathway taking you all the way from trainee to fully fledged Project Surveyor)
The Opportunity
Are you analytically minded, detail-oriented, and excited about learning how large-scale maritime projects come together?
We're recruiting a Trainee Estimator to join our estimating team. You'll work alongside experienced Project Surveyors, learning our processes, developing commercial acumen, and building genuine confidence in cost estimation — all while contributing meaningfully to real projects from day one.
As you demonstrate competence and mastery, you'll progress into roles with greater responsibility: owning larger projects, leading client relationships, and eventually mentoring others. Your growth is entirely tied to what you learn, how you apply it, and your commitment to continuous improvement.
As you demonstrate competence, curiosity, and commitment to your craft, there's a clear career ladder ahead of you: progress from Trainee Estimator to Junior Estimator, Junior Project Surveyor, and finally to Project Surveyor — taking on increasingly complex projects, greater responsibility, and opportunities to mentor others. Your advancement is shaped by your attitude, willingness to learn, and ability to apply what you've learned to real work.
What You'll Do
Initially:
- Learn our estimating processes, systems, and commercial approach from experienced mentors.
- Interpret drawings, specifications, and project scopes under guidance — asking questions, challenging ambiguities, building confidence.
- Shadow site surveys and client discussions, observing how we represent Trimline's cost position.
- Support the preparation of estimates and project documentation on real projects.
As You Develop:
- Take ownership of work packages, preparing estimates with decreasing supervision.
- Collaborate with design, project, and manufacturing teams to align cost assumptions with delivery reality.
- Begin representing cost positions in internal and client discussions.
- Build deep understanding of material costs, labour rates, vessel layouts, and what drives project profitability.
As You Grow:
- Move into roles with greater scope — owning larger quotes, leading internal and client discussions, mentoring junior team members.
- Take a strategic view of estimating — understanding the full project lifecycle and how estimates translate into delivery success.
Who You Are
- Analytically sharp — you enjoy working with numbers, spotting patterns, and building logical cost models.
- Detail-oriented — accuracy matters to you; you take pride in well-structured, documented work.
- Curious & coachable — you ask good questions, learn quickly from feedback, and aren't afraid to admit what you don't know yet.
- Collaborative — you work well across teams, communicate clearly, and see estimating as a team sport.
- Commercially minded — you're interested in understanding why things cost what they do, not just what they cost.
- Resilient — you're comfortable with ambiguity and changing scopes; you see problems as puzzles to solve.
Essential:
- Strong work ethics and eagerness to learn and succeed.
- Proficiency with IT and comfortable learning new software systems.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Desirable:
- Bachelors Degree in related field
- Background in estimating, quantity surveying, or commercial project management.
Why Join Trimline?
✓ Mentorship — You'll learn from experienced professionals genuinely invested decades of experience in what we do.
✓ Meaningful Work from Day One — You'll own real projects and be trusted with genuine decisions early.
✓ Clear Path Forward — As you learn the trade and master your skills, responsibility grows. Your progression is based on what you demonstrate, not arbitrary timelines.
✓ Interesting Work — You'll estimate some of the world's most luxurious vessels, working with world-class clients and challenging technical scopes.
✓ Supportive Culture — We invest in our people. Regular feedback, access to expertise across our team, and space to develop at your pace.
Pay: £30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Cycle to work scheme
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Private dental insurance
- Private medical insurance
- Profit sharing
- Sick pay
Application question(s):
- Please confirm the first part of your post code and if you're planning to commute or relocate.
- This role involves travelling for work purposes (approximately once a month anywhere in the world). For verification of visa/travel permissions, please specify which country issued your passport:
- Will you require visa sponsorship now or in the future ?
- What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career or personal development to date?
- Share one interesting fact about yourself — something that helps us get to know you a little better.
- What has prompted you to look for a new role at this time?
- When are you looking to start your new role? Have you got a notice period?
- Please provide the best phone number and email address for us to contact you on.
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
