At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead bespoke curtain and soft furnishing projects from estimate to installation.
- Company: Family-run business with over a century of expertise in luxury furnishings.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on innovation and new technologies.
- Why this job: Join a creative team and make an impact in the luxury interiors sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating or project management; knowledge of interiors is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
We are a family-run business with over a century of combined expertise, manufacturing and installing bespoke curtains, drapery and soft furnishings to luxury and contemporary hotels, as well as high-end multi-residential properties globally. We are seeking a highly capable Estimator / Project Manager to lead the delivery of bespoke curtain and soft furnishing projects for our B2B clients. This is an office-based role at our Dewsbury office, and a genuinely dual-function one: you will spend as much time preparing accurate, technical cost estimates as you will managing projects from initial enquiry through to installation and final handover, so we're looking for someone equally comfortable with both sides.
Experience in curtains, drapery, soft furnishings, or the wider interiors sector is a strong advantage, but we welcome candidates from related estimating or project management backgrounds who can demonstrate the right skills and are keen to learn the sector. This role suits someone with strong organisational skills, technical estimating expertise, and the ability to manage multiple projects efficiently. We are also introducing new systems to streamline the estimating process, so a comfort with learning and adopting new tools is beneficial.
What you'll be doing:
- Prepare detailed and accurate cost estimates for curtain and soft furnishing packages, including fabrics, linings, tracks, poles, fixings, labour, and installation.
- Interpret drawings, specifications, and design briefs to produce comprehensive quotations.
- Carry out quantity take-offs using window schedules, plans, and site data.
- Work with suppliers to obtain current pricing and maintain accurate pricing structures.
- Oversee curtain and soft furnishings projects from initial enquiry through to installation and final handover, ensuring deadlines are met.
- Coordinate with workrooms, suppliers, and installation teams to ensure accurate and timely delivery.
- Develop and manage project schedules in line with client requirements and company standards.
- Act as the main client contact, ensuring clear communication and high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Liaise with site surveyors to ensure accurate measurements and site data feed into estimates and project plans.
- Coordinate remotely with installation teams to ensure quality and efficiency, primarily via calls and video meetings.
- Resolve site challenges raised by on-site teams and arrange final inspections and snagging.
- Monitor project budgets, margins, and performance.
What we're looking for:
- Proven experience in estimating and/or project management; experience within curtains, drapery, soft furnishings, or interiors is a strong advantage.
- Experience working on commercial or hospitality projects (e.g., hotels, residential developments) is beneficial.
- Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications.
- Excellent time management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong organisational skills with meticulous attention to detail, particularly in costings, measurements, and data accuracy.
- Full UK driving licence.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Commercial awareness with a focus on profitability and operational efficiency.
- Confident and adaptable with new technologies and digital tools.
- Strong knowledge and experience with Excel would be an advantage.
You may currently be working as a Curtain Estimator, Soft Furnishings Estimator, Drapery Project Manager, Interiors Project Manager, Quantity Surveyor or Contract Furnishings Project Manager, or come from a related estimating/project management background and be keen to move into curtains and soft furnishings.
Ready to apply? Get in touch today to find out more about the role.
Senior Project Estimator in Slough 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 Senior Project Estimator in Slough
✨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 Senior Project Estimator in Slough
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.
