Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Civil.
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.
Why we love construction
Hear from our colleagues about why they love working in construction and their advice on how to gain work experience and get into the sector!
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 offer
A structured two-year graduate development programme aligned to professional membership
Professional accreditation support (e.g. RICS or Chartered Institute of Building)
Mentoring and guidance from experienced construction professionals
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
Recruitment Timeline
Stage 1 – Online Applications: You can apply up until 28 November 2025. We recommend getting your application in early!
Stage 2 – Shortlisting: We’ll review all applications during December 2025 and get in touch to invite successful candidates to interview.
Stage 3 – Interviews: Interviews will take place during the week commencing 5 January 2026. We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare in advance.
Stage 4 – Offers: Offers will be made in February 2026. We’ll keep you updated throughout the process so you know what to expect.
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