At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare cost estimates and manage projects for bespoke furniture and soft furnishings.
- Company: Join a family-run manufacturer with over a century of expertise in luxury interiors.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £35,000 and permanent full-time position.
- Other info: Dynamic office environment in Dewsbury with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the luxury hospitality sector while developing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating or project management in bespoke interiors is essential.
The predicted salary is between 37350 - 45650 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity for an experienced Estimator, Project Manager or Account Manager from the furniture, upholstery, FF&E, joinery, commercial fit out or soft furnishings sectors to join a family-run manufacturer with over a century of combined expertise. Our client manufactures and installs bespoke curtains, drapery and soft furnishings for luxury and contemporary hotels and high-end multi-residential properties around the world.
This is an office-based role in Dewsbury (WF13) and a genuinely dual one. You will spend as much time preparing accurate, technical cost estimates and quotations as you will project managing B2B contracts from initial enquiry through to installation and final handover, acting as the client's main point of contact and account manager throughout.
You do not need to have worked with curtains or soft furnishings before. If you have estimated, quoted or project managed bespoke, made-to-order interiors work in upholstery, furniture manufacture, contract furniture, FF&E, joinery, cabinetry, shopfitting or commercial fit out, your skills transfer directly: reading drawings and schedules, taking off quantities, pricing materials and labour, and coordinating workshops, suppliers and installers to a deadline. What matters is the estimating and project management skill set and a willingness to learn the product.
The business is also introducing new systems to streamline the estimating process, so this role suits someone who is comfortable learning and adopting new tools.
What you'll be doing:
- Preparing detailed and accurate cost estimates and quotations for bespoke curtain and soft furnishing packages, including fabrics, linings, tracks, poles, fixings, labour and installation
- Interpreting technical drawings, specifications and design briefs to produce comprehensive quotations
- Carrying out quantity take-offs using window schedules, plans and site data
- Working with suppliers to obtain current pricing and maintain accurate pricing structures
- Project managing hotel, hospitality and residential contracts from initial enquiry through to installation and final handover, ensuring deadlines are met
- Coordinating with workrooms, suppliers and installation teams to ensure accurate and timely delivery
- Developing and managing project schedules in line with client requirements and company standards
- Acting as the main client contact and account manager, ensuring clear communication and high levels of customer satisfaction
- Liaising with site surveyors so that accurate measurements and site data feed into estimates and project plans
- Coordinating remotely with installation teams, primarily via calls and video meetings, to ensure quality and efficiency
- Resolving site challenges raised by on-site teams and arranging final inspections and snagging
- Monitoring project budgets, margins and performance
What we're looking for:
- Proven experience as an Estimator, Project Manager, Contracts Manager or Account Manager, producing costings and quotations for bespoke or made-to-order products
- A background in one or more of the following: furniture manufacture, upholstery, contract furniture, FF&E, joinery, cabinetry, shopfitting, commercial fit out, curtains, blinds or soft furnishings
- Experience working on commercial or hospitality projects, such as hotels or residential developments, is beneficial
- Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications and carry out quantity take-offs
- Strong organisational skills with meticulous attention to detail, particularly in costings, measurements and data accuracy
- Excellent time management, with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple live projects in a fast-paced environment
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to build client relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels
- Commercial awareness with a focus on profitability, margins and operational efficiency
- Confident and adaptable with new technologies and digital tools; strong Excel skills are an advantage
- Full UK driving licence
The package:
- Up to £35,000 depending on experience
- Permanent, full-time, office-based position in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire (WF13)
- Commutable from Leeds, Wakefield, Huddersfield, Bradford, Batley and Halifax
Ready to apply? Send your CV today, highlighting your estimating, project management or account management experience, to find out more about the role.
Estimator in Dewsbury employer: THE TALENT BRANCH
Join a leading furniture restoration brand that values its employees and offers a supportive work culture. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and excellent training and development opportunities, this role as an Upholsterer provides not just a job, but a pathway to growth and success. Enjoy unique benefits like a company vehicle, free fuel, and performance bonuses while being part of a dynamic team during an exciting period of expansion across the UK, Scotland, and Ireland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator in Dewsbury
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like THE TALENT BRANCH, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Estimator in Dewsbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to THE TALENT BRANCH specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at THE TALENT BRANCH
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with THE TALENT BRANCH, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like THE TALENT BRANCH value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
