Start your career where it matters most – building a better future together
Tilbury Douglas is a leading UK building, infrastructure, engineering and fit-out company. We deliver vital projects across a range of sectors including health, education, water, defence, justice and civic and civil estate. Our schemes improve lives and strengthen communities. As a Graduate Estimator, you’ll play a key role in the early stages of our projects – helping to shape cost plans and tenders that make sure we can deliver real value, on time and on budget.
Location
This role will be based in the Reading region, where you’ll work within our Infrastructure and Thames Water team. Flexibility to travel across sites in the region will be required as part of your development.
What you’ll be doing
As a Graduate Estimator, you’ll rotate across key areas to develop your skills and gain the experience you need to progress towards professional accreditation.
No two days are the same and with the support of experienced colleagues, you’ll:
- Assist in preparing cost estimates and tender submissions for a wide range of construction projects
- Learn how to analyse drawings, specifications and project requirements to develop accurate cost plans
- Work with supply chain partners to obtain quotations and assess market rates
- Support in producing bills of quantities, take-offs and other pricing documents
- Help identify risks, opportunities and value engineering options
- Contribute to tender presentations and client proposals
- Develop skills in estimating software and digital tools used for cost modelling
- Build strong working relationships with design teams, project managers, and supply chain partners
Why this role?
This isn’t just about numbers – it’s about impact. You’ll be supported to develop the technical, commercial and people skills to become a trusted professional. With mentoring, structured training and support towards professional accreditation (e.g. RICS or CIOB), you’ll be on a clear pathway to becoming a Chartered Estimator.
What we’re looking for
We want to hear from people who are passionate about making a difference through construction and the built environment. You’ll bring:
- A degree (or expected in 2026) in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline (2:1 or above)
- A full UK driving licence (or working towards by the time you start)
- Strong numerical and analytical skills with a keen eye for detail
- Good written and verbal communication, able to engage with a wide range of people
- A collaborative mindset, with enthusiasm to learn and take on responsibility
- Previous placement or site experience (desirable but not essential)
What we can offer you
- A structured two-year graduate development programme aligned to professional membership
- Professional accreditation support (e.g. RICS or Chartered Institute of Building)
- Mentoring and support from experienced counsellors and supervisors
- Two days volunteering opportunities per year
- Opportunities to work on diverse and meaningful projects across the UK
- An inclusive culture where your ideas and contributions make a real difference
- Competitive salary
- Car Allowance
- Performance Related Pay (PRP)
- 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays (with the opportunity to buy or sell up to 3 days holiday)
- Private medical insurance and 24/7 access to health and wellbeing experts via our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Company pension scheme matched up to 8%
- Flexible Benefits scheme which includes the opportunity to purchase benefits such as:
- Critical illness insurance (with option to purchase for your partner)
- Dental Insurance
- Travel insurance
- Cycle to work scheme
- Perks at Work employee discount scheme offering discounts and savings portal for hundreds of retailers, cafés, restaurants, cinemas, travel, payroll giving/activity pass for top leisure attractions and a range of other benefits
Why Tilbury Douglas?
We’re more than just a construction company; we’re a community of people working together to deliver projects that matter. We value diversity, innovation and wellbeing and we’re committed to helping you reach your full potential.
Our values form a core part of our company and our mission to build a better future together. They underpin everything we do and set out what is expected from all of us:
- Everyone has a voice
- Do the right thing
- Take pride in what you do
- Bring better to life
Join us and take your first step towards an exciting career!
