At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the Estimating & Planning team while overseeing project estimates.
- Company: Leading POS manufacturer based in London with a focus on growth.
- Benefits: Ownership of key functions, influence major projects, and opportunities for advancement.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant impact on project outcomes.
- Why this job: Shape future growth and work alongside experienced industry professionals.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience, 5 years in estimating, and strong leadership skills.
We are supporting a leading POS manufacturer based in London in identifying an experienced Head of Estimating - Print to lead and develop the Estimating & Planning team while overseeing the preparation of accurate, commercially sound estimates for projects ranging from bespoke installations to high-value contracts. Working closely with Sales, Operations, and Project Management teams, you’ll ensure pricing strategies, timelines, and project requirements are aligned to support business growth and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, mentor, and develop the Estimating & Planning team, driving performance and continuous improvement
- Produce and oversee accurate cost estimates covering materials, labour, equipment, production methods, and project timelines
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to support pricing strategies and successful project delivery
- Build strong relationships with suppliers and subcontractors, negotiating costs and securing best-value solutions
- Identify commercial risks within estimates and tenders, implementing mitigation strategies where required
- Ensure all proposals and tender submissions are professional, accurate, compliant, and submitted within deadlines
- Support smooth project handovers from estimating through to delivery and execution teams
What We’re Looking For
We’re interested in candidates who combine technical estimating expertise with strong leadership capability. You’ll ideally have:
- Degree qualification (2:1 or above) or equivalent industry experience
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in estimating, ideally within manufacturing, print, signage, construction, or related sectors
- At least 2 years’ experience leading or managing teams
- Proven experience preparing tenders and estimates for projects valued up to £5 million
- Strong understanding of technical drawings, specifications, and costing processes
- Advanced IT skills including Excel and Word
- Experience with AutoCAD (advantageous)
- Professional chartership or industry accreditation (desirable)
About You
You’ll thrive in this role if you are:
- A confident and motivating leader
- Commercially aware with strong strategic thinking skills
- Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail
- Calm under pressure and comfortable managing competing priorities
- An excellent communicator able to build relationships across teams and suppliers
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to take ownership of a key function within the business, influence major project outcomes, and help shape future growth while working alongside experienced industry professionals. Also, the role offers significant opportunities for advancement.
Head of Estimating - Print employer: THE RECRUITMENT ORCHARD
Join a leading POS manufacturer in London as the Head of Estimating - Print, where you will not only lead and develop a dynamic team but also play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the business. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, collaboration, and operational excellence, this company fosters a supportive work culture that values innovation and strategic thinking. Enjoy the unique advantage of working in a vibrant city while contributing to high-value projects and advancing your career in a thriving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Estimating - Print
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant online groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they even hit the market.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and recent achievements so you can tailor your answers to show how you fit into their vision. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses and boost your confidence. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Estimating - Print
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Head of Estimating role. Highlight your experience in estimating, leadership, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your achievements in estimating and team leadership that demonstrate your capabilities.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your technical expertise, especially with tools like Excel and AutoCAD. If you have any industry accreditations, make sure to include those too. We love seeing candidates who are well-rounded and technically savvy!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at THE RECRUITMENT ORCHARD
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your estimating skills and be ready to discuss specific examples of cost estimates you've prepared. Be prepared to explain how you calculated costs for materials, labour, and timelines, as this will show your technical expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Since the role involves leading a team, think about your leadership style and be ready to share examples of how you've mentored or developed team members in the past. Highlight any strategies you've used to drive performance and continuous improvement.
✨Understand the Business
Research the company and its projects thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with their pricing strategies and recent projects. This will help you align your answers with their business goals and demonstrate your commercial awareness during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as managing competing priorities or negotiating with suppliers. Think through potential scenarios and prepare structured responses that showcase your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
