Graduate Estimator & Technical Designer
Horizon Facades Ltd is a specialist cladding remediation and external wall system contractor working on residential buildings across England. We are recruiting a graduate for a hybrid commercial and technical role: around 80% estimating and around 20% technical design, based in London with hybrid working.
The Role
The estimating side means turning specifications, drawings and site surveys into accurate, competitive tender prices. You will read and scrutinise tender documents to understand exactly what is being asked for and what has been left out; carry out measured take-offs of materials, labour and plant; obtain, compare and interrogate quotations from subcontractors and suppliers; build up rates in Excel and estimating software; identify tender risks and draft clear qualifications and exclusions; and contribute to value engineering. You will typically support one to three tenders at a time on two- to four-week return periods.
The technical design side means producing and amending 2D construction drawings, sections and details of external wall build-ups, including insulation, cavity barriers, rainscreen cladding, render, SFS and brick-slip systems, in AutoCAD or similar. You will mark up tender drawings to show scope and interfaces, sketch alternative details to illustrate value engineering options, and help prepare technical submittals for design sign-off.
Across both you will attend site visits and surveys, support intrusive investigations of existing walls, liaise with clients, consultants and suppliers, and work flexibly across a small, growing team.
Who we are looking for
A graduate, or final-year student, in Architecture (Part 1), Architectural Technology (CIAT-accredited), Quantity Surveying or Commercial Management, Building Surveying, or Civil or Structural Engineering. You should be able to read construction drawings and specifications, have working 2D CAD skills (AutoCAD, Revit or ArchiCAD), be confident with numbers and Excel, have genuine attention to detail, and write clearly. No estimating experience is required; we will teach you.
Awareness of Approved Document B and the fire performance of external wall systems, familiarity with cladding or facade systems, any estimating or measurement modules, site experience or a driving licence are all welcome but not expected.
What we offer
Salary of £30,000 to £35,000 depending on qualifications and experience, reviewed after probation. Training and coaching directly from the Director with a 12-month development plan. Support towards chartered membership by the RICS, CIAT, CIOB or ARB route. Exposure to the full tender process on live cladding remediation projects from your first week, and a defined progression path to Estimator and Senior Estimator. You also keep your drawing skills live and develop real expertise in facade detailing.
Full time, 9:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday, hybrid working with some days each week in our London office plus regular site visits.
How to apply
Email your CV and a short covering note with the subject line "Graduate Estimator & Technical Designer". Architecture and Architectural Technology graduates should also attach a short portfolio (PDF, maximum 10 pages) of technical drawings and construction details. We review applications as they arrive and are an equal opportunities employer.
Sectors
Horizon Facades
Property, construction & QS +5
About us
Horizon Facades Ltd is a specialist facade contractor delivering cladding remediation and external wall system works on residential, commercial and hotel buildings across England. We take buildings wi
Sectors
Horizon Facades Ltd is a specialist cladding remediation and external wall system contractor working on residential buildings across England. We are recruiting a graduate for a hybrid commercial and technical role: around 80% estimating and around 20% technical design, based in London with hybrid working.
The Role
The estimating side means turning specifications, drawings and site surveys into accurate, competitive tender prices. You will read and scrutinise tender documents to understand exactly what is being asked for and what has been left out; carry out measured take-offs of materials, labour and plant; obtain, compare and interrogate quotations from subcontractors and suppliers; build up rates in Excel and estimating software; identify tender risks and draft clear qualifications and exclusions; and contribute to value engineering. You will typically support one to three tenders at a time on two- to four-week return periods.
The technical design side means producing and amending 2D construction drawings, sections and details of external wall build-ups, including insulation, cavity barriers, rainscreen cladding, render, SFS and brick-slip systems, in AutoCAD or similar. You will mark up tender drawings to show scope and interfaces, sketch alternative details to illustrate value engineering options, and help prepare technical submittals for design sign-off.
Across both you will attend site visits and surveys, support intrusive investigations of existing walls, liaise with clients, consultants and suppliers, and work flexibly across a small, growing team.
Who we are looking for
A graduate, or final-year student, in Architecture (Part 1), Architectural Technology (CIAT-accredited), Quantity Surveying or Commercial Management, Building Surveying, or Civil or Structural Engineering. You should be able to read construction drawings and specifications, have working 2D CAD skills (AutoCAD, Revit or ArchiCAD), be confident with numbers and Excel, have genuine attention to detail, and write clearly. No estimating experience is required; we will teach you.
Awareness of Approved Document B and the fire performance of external wall systems, familiarity with cladding or facade systems, any estimating or measurement modules, site experience or a driving licence are all welcome but not expected.
What we offer
Salary of £30,000 to £35,000 depending on qualifications and experience, reviewed after probation. Training and coaching directly from the Director with a 12-month development plan. Support towards chartered membership by the RICS, CIAT, CIOB or ARB route. Exposure to the full tender process on live cladding remediation projects from your first week, and a defined progression path to Estimator and Senior Estimator. You also keep your drawing skills live and develop real expertise in facade detailing.
Full time, 9:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday, hybrid working with some days each week in our London office plus regular site visits.
How to apply
Email your CV and a short covering note with the subject line "Graduate Estimator & Technical Designer". Architecture and Architectural Technology graduates should also attach a short portfolio (PDF, maximum 10 pages) of technical drawings and construction details. We review applications as they arrive and are an equal opportunities employer.
Horizon Facades
Property, construction & QS +5
About us
Horizon Facades Ltd is a specialist facade contractor delivering cladding remediation and external wall system works on residential, commercial and hotel buildings across England. We take buildings wi
