Estimator / Senior Estimator - Painting & Decorating Location: Central London Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 per annum, depending on experience Job Type: Full-time, Permanent Working Arrangement: Office-based with occasional site visits Sector: Commercial Painting & Decorating / Interior Fit-Out Job Description Optima Site Solutions is recruiting an experienced Estimator / Senior Estimator on behalf of an established commercial painting and decorating contractor based in Central London. We are looking for someone with a strong background in commercial painting and decorating, specialist finishes, interior fit-out or related construction finishing trades who can confidently manage tenders and produce accurate, competitive estimates. This position would suit an intermediate or senior-level Estimator who understands specialist subcontractor packages, has good commercial awareness and is comfortable taking ownership of the estimating process. Key Responsibilities Prepare detailed estimates and competitive tenders for commercial painting, decorating and interior finishing projects. Review construction drawings, specifications, bills of quantities and tender documentation. Carry out accurate measurements and quantity take-offs. Build up labour, material, access and subcontractor costs. Obtain and compare supplier and subcontractor quotations. Identify tender risks, scope gaps, qualifications and commercial opportunities. Prepare quotations, tender submissions and supporting documentation. Liaise with clients, main contractors, suppliers and internal project teams. Attend occasional site visits, tender meetings and project handovers.Requirements Proven experience as an Estimator within construction, ideally at intermediate or senior level. Experience in commercial painting and decorating, specialist finishes or interior fit-out is strongly preferred. Previous estimating experience with a specialist subcontractor or construction finishing contractor would be highly relevant. Good understanding of painting and decorating materials, labour requirements, access arrangements and project costs. Confident reading construction drawings, specifications and bills of quantities. Ability to independently prepare accurate estimates and manage tender submissions. Strong numerical skills, commercial awareness and proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Digital take-off or estimating software experience would be advantageous. Good communication, organisation and time-management skills. Ability to work full-time from the Central London office.What's on Offer Salary of £50,000 - £55,000 per annum, depending on experience. Permanent, full-time employment. Opportunity to work on commercial painting, decorating and interior finishing projects. Responsibility for managing tenders and contributing to the wider commercial team.Who Should Apply? We welcome applications from experienced Estimators, Senior Estimators and specialist subcontractor Estimators with backgrounds in: Commercial painting and decorating Interior fit-out and refurbishment Specialist coatings and finishes Wallcoverings and decorative finishes Construction finishing tradesCandidates with direct painting and decorating estimating experience will be of particular interest, although relevant experience in closely related interior finishing trades will also be considered. Apply Now If you have experience estimating commercial painting and decorating or interior finishing packages and are looking for a permanent opportunity in Central London, apply today with your updated CV. #INDPERM
Painting & Decorating Estimator in London employer: Optima Site Solutions Ltd
Optima Site Solutions is an excellent employer for Labourers, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and development of its team members. With over 20 years in the industry, employees benefit from diverse project opportunities in Minster on Sea, along with access to ongoing training and career advancement. Join us to be part of a company that values your skills and fosters a rewarding work environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Painting & Decorating Estimator in London
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Optima Site Solutions Ltd, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Painting & Decorating Estimator at Optima Site Solutions Ltd.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Optima Site Solutions Ltd
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
