At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead competitive tenders and manage the full estimating lifecycle in painting and decorating.
- Company: Join a respected and growing contractor with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company car, 25 days leave, and career progression.
- Other info: Supportive team environment with opportunities for mentorship and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by securing profitable work and strengthening client relationships.
- Qualifications: Proven estimating experience in painting & decorating and strong communication skills.
Location: Salford, or Cumbria
Salary: £50,000+ Plus benefits
Term: Permanent | Full Time
Smart City Recruiters are working exclusively with a respected and growing contractor to appoint an experienced Senior Estimator to support their pre-construction and commercial teams. This is a key role for someone who can lead competitive tenders, manage the full estimating lifecycle, and contribute to ongoing business growth.
The Role
As Senior Estimator, you will take ownership of tenders from initial enquiry through to handover, working closely with Commercial, Operations and Senior Leadership to secure profitable work and strengthen client relationships.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare accurate and competitive tenders from drawings, specifications and Bills of Quantities
- Complete detailed take-offs and pricing using estimating software
- Manage and track the tender pipeline within the CRM system
- Engage with clients, contractors and suppliers to maximise conversion rates
- Attend site visits to assess scope, risks and build strong working relationships
- Support early engagement, value engineering and budget estimates
- Lead tender handovers and produce clear, structured project documentation
- Mentor junior estimators and contribute to team development
- Support major bids, framework submissions and pipeline reviews
About You
- Proven estimating experience within painting & decorating or a related construction trade
- Strong understanding of BoQs, drawings, specifications and measurement methods
- Experience pricing projects ranging from small works to large commercial contracts
- Excellent communication, organisation and relationship-building skills
- Confident managing multiple tenders simultaneously
- Competent with CRM systems, estimating software and Microsoft Excel
What’s on Offer
- Company car or Car allowance
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Pension (3% employer / 5% employee)
- Career progression opportunities
- Supportive, collaborative team environment
- Opportunity to join a respected and expanding business
For more information, please forward your up to date CV.
Estimator / Senior Estimator – (Painting & Decorating) in Salford employer: Smart City Recruiters Ltd
Join a respected and growing contractor in Salford or Cumbria as a Senior Estimator, where you will thrive in a supportive and collaborative team environment. With competitive salaries starting at £50,000+, generous annual leave, and clear career progression opportunities, this role offers not just a job, but a meaningful career path in the painting and decorating sector. Embrace the chance to lead tenders, mentor junior estimators, and contribute to the ongoing success of a company that values your expertise and fosters professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator / Senior Estimator – (Painting & Decorating) in Salford
✨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 Smart City Recruiters 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 Estimator / Senior Estimator – (Painting & Decorating) at Smart City Recruiters Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimator / Senior Estimator – (Painting & Decorating) in Salford
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 Smart City Recruiters 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!
