Join a Specialist Contractor Delivering High-End Commercial Projects
Lab Fit is a specialist design-and-build contractor delivering laboratory, office and commercial fit-out projects throughout the UK.
Our projects range from high-specification research laboratories and clean environments through to commercial office refurbishments, workplace transformations and technical construction projects.
We're growing and are looking for an experienced Estimator to become a key part of our team.
This isn't a corporate estimating role where you're pricing hundreds of repetitive jobs.
We're looking for someone who enjoys technical projects, working closely with clients, finding practical solutions and taking ownership from enquiry through to project delivery.
You'll be joining a small, ambitious company where your experience will directly influence how projects are delivered and how the business continues to grow.
The Role
You'll lead the estimating process on negotiated and competitive tenders while supporting projects through pre-construction and delivery.
Working alongside directors, designers and subcontractors, you'll develop accurate costs, identify risks, challenge specifications where appropriate and help deliver commercially successful projects.
This is a varied role that combines estimating, pre-construction planning and project involvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare detailed estimates from drawings, specifications and client briefs.
- Produce competitive tender submissions and quotations.
- Carry out site surveys and attend client meetings.
- Obtain and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotations.
- Prepare Bills of Quantities where required.
- Identify commercial risks and value engineering opportunities.
- Develop project programmes and procurement schedules.
- Assist with project planning and mobilisation.
- Support project delivery through to completion.
- Build strong relationships with clients, consultants and subcontractors.
- Ensure projects remain commercially viable and delivered within budget.
About You
We are looking for someone who already has experience estimating commercial construction projects.
Essential
- Minimum 5 years' estimating experience within commercial construction or fit-out.
- Experience pricing commercial office refurbishments, laboratory projects, healthcare, education or similar technical environments.
- Ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications and tender documentation.
- Strong understanding of commercial construction methods.
- Excellent knowledge of subcontract procurement.
- Confident pricing M&E, partitions, ceilings, flooring, joinery and specialist fit-out packages.
- Commercially aware with excellent attention to detail.
- Able to manage multiple tenders simultaneously.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
Desirable
- Laboratory or cleanroom experience.
- Experience working under JCT contracts.
- CAD or AutoCAD knowledge.
- Build programme experience.
- Understanding of CDM Regulations.
- Quantity Surveying background.
What You'll Get
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Expenses paid.
- Company laptop and phone.
- Genuine autonomy.
- Direct access to directors with fast decision making.
- Opportunity to help shape the future of a growing specialist business.
- Diverse, technically challenging projects.
- Career progression into Pre-Construction or Commercial Management.
Why Join Lab Fit?
We're not a large national contractor with layers of management.
You'll work directly with the people making decisions, have genuine influence over projects and see the results of your work.
Every project is different.
One week you could be pricing a university laboratory.
The next a pharmaceutical office fit-out.
Then a commercial refurbishment with complex M&E requirements.
If you enjoy technical construction, solving problems and working in an environment where your experience genuinely matters, we'd love to hear from you.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Newmarket CB8 0GS: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:
- Diploma of Higher Education (preferred)
Experience:
- estimating: 3 years (required)
Work Location: In person
