About Us

Lawsons is the UK’s largest independent supplier of fencing, timber and building materials. Established in 1921, we operate across London and the South East of England with over 35 branches, more than 700 employees and a turnover of £165 million. We are committed to delivering high quality products and exceptional service to both trade and retail customers.

Role Overview

We are recruiting a Trainee CAD and Estimator Designer to join our design and estimating team. This is an entry-level, hands-on role based in-branch and home/office, ideal for someone with a keen interest in technical drawing, materials estimating and customer-focused design. The role provides structured training in CAD, estimating techniques and product knowledge, supporting accurate quotations, drawings and project take-offs for fencing, decking and associated timber products.

Working hours for this position -

7.00 to 4.00pm Mon to Friday

1 in 3 Saturday 8.00 to 12.00pm

• Salary range £29,000 - £31,000, dependent on experience.

Employee Benefits

• 25 days’ holiday plus UK Bank Holidays and an additional celebration day.

• Pension scheme, Death in Service benefit, and Employee Assistance Programme.

• Access to the “My Reward” platform including Online GP Access and wellbeing support.

• Comprehensive onboarding and ongoing training with clear career development opportunities including progression to Estimator or CAD Designer roles.

• Supportive, team-oriented culture within a leading independent supplier.

Main Responsibilities

• Assist in producing accurate CAD drawings and technical layouts for fencing, gates, decking and timber structures using company software and standards.

• Support the estimating team by preparing material take-offs, labour assumptions and initial costings to help produce competitive quotations.

• Learn product specifications and pricing structures to ensure accurate estimates and viable project proposals.

• Work with branch colleagues and customers to gather site information, dimensions and design requirements either remotely or in person when required.

• Maintain clear and timely documentation for drawings, estimates and revision histories within company systems.

• Support ordering and stock queries related to projects, liaising with purchasing and branch teams to confirm availability and lead times.

• Ensure all work follows company health and safety policies and safe working practices; report hazards and complete needed documentation.

• Identify opportunities to improve estimating accuracy, drawing efficiency and customer communication; contribute to team initiatives.

Qualifications and Skills

• Some experience or demonstrable interest in CAD, technical drawing, construction, joinery, landscaping or a related discipline is desirable.

• Good numeracy and attention to detail, able to perform accurate measurements and basic calculations.

• Strong communication skills with a professional telephone manner and ability to build rapport with colleagues and customers.

• Organised, methodical and able to manage a varied workload while maintaining accuracy under supervision.

• Basic IT literacy, comfortable learning new software; experience with CAD packages (AutoCAD, SketchUp or similar) is an advantage but full training will be provided.

• Willingness to visit sites to take measurements and gather information; a full UK driving licence is desirable.

• Commitment to continuous development with the ability to follow technical guidance and learn estimating best practice.

Why Join Lawsons?

• Start your career with a well-established and respected company offering clear progression paths into Estimator or CAD Designer roles.

• Receive structured training and on-the-job mentoring from experienced technical and commercial colleagues.

• Work on varied projects across residential and commercial sectors, gaining practical product and industry knowledge.

• Access to company benefits including pension, employee assistance programme and training opportunities.

Lawsons is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you are keen to develop technical drawing and estimating skills within a busy, customer-focused environment, we would like to hear from you. #MP