Senior Estimator

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Senior Estimator – Painting & Decorating / Specialist Finishes
London | Hybrid (1 day WFH) | Competitive salary + bonus package
Michael Taylor Search & Selection are currently partnering with a leading UK specialist subcontractor within the painting, decorating, and specialist finishes sector to appoint a Senior Estimator.
This is a key senior hire within a growing commercial team, offering the opportunity to take ownership of pricing, lead a small estimating function, and play a pivotal role in securing high-value commercial projects across the UK.
The Opportunity
Our client is a well-established specialist subcontractor delivering painting, decorating, spraying, and high-end interior finishes on major commercial fit-out and refurbishment schemes nationwide.
They are now seeking an experienced Senior Estimator with a strong background in painting & decorating or another specialist finishing subcontractor environment to strengthen their pre-construction capability.
This role is ideal for someone who understands the nuances of specialist finishes estimating — including labour outputs, programme constraints, access requirements, and fast-paced tendering environments — while also being ready to step into a team leadership position.
Key Responsibilities
Estimating & Commercial Pricing (Hands-On)
Lead and produce detailed cost estimates for painting, decorating, and specialist finishes packages
Interpret drawings, specifications, and tender documents with a strong understanding of finishes scope
Develop accurate labour, materials, and plant/resource build-ups specific to specialist subcontract works
Liaise with suppliers and subcontractors to obtain competitive and up-to-date pricing
Assess risk, logistics, access, and programme considerations within tender submissions
Contribute directly to winning tenders through robust and commercially sound pricing strategies
Team Leadership & Development
Manage, support, and develop a small team of Estimators
Allocate workload across the team and ensure tender deadlines are consistently achieved
Review and quality-check all estimates prior to submission
Mentor junior estimators and support their technical development within specialist finishes estimating
Drive consistency, accuracy, and continuous improvement across the estimating function
Commercial & Stakeholder Engagement
Work closely with commercial, operations, and project delivery teams
Attend pre- and post-tender meetings with clients and main contractors
Support seamless handover of secured projects into delivery teams
Build strong working relationships with key clients, contractors, and supply chain partners
About You
We are particularly keen to speak with candidates who have:
Strong estimating experience within painting & decorating or specialist finishes subcontracting (essential focus)
Alternatively, experience within another specialist subcontracting environment (e.g. drywall, ceilings, flooring, façade, or similar interiors packages)
Proven ability to price labour-intensive, fast-turnaround commercial packages
Experience managing or mentoring estimators (or a clear readiness to step into leadership)
Strong commercial awareness and understanding of subcontractor delivery constraints
Excellent numerical, analytical, and communication skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and estimating software
Package & Benefits
Competitive basic salary (dependent on experience)
Individual performance-related bonus
Company-wide bonus scheme
Hybrid working – 1 day per week from home
Senior leadership role with genuine influence over estimating output
Strong pipeline of secured and repeat commercial work
Clear long-term progression within a growing specialist subcontractor
This is a rare opportunity for an experienced specialist finishes estimator to step into a senior leadership position while still remaining deeply involved in the technical and commercial aspects of pricing.
You’ll be joining a business that truly understands the complexity of painting and decorating and wider finishes packages, with a strong reputation for quality delivery and repeat client relationships
Apply
Location:
London, ENG, GB
Salary:
£75,000 - £85,000 /annum
Job Type:
FullTime
Category:
Other

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