Commercial Estimator

Commercial Estimator

Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Prepare competitive tenders and analyse project specifications for high-end commercial interiors.
  • Company: Venetian Interiors London, a specialist subcontractor in complex interior finishes.
  • Benefits: £55k-£65k salary, performance bonuses, hybrid working, and clear career progression.
  • Why this job: Take ownership of estimating and make impactful commercial decisions in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Proven estimating experience in commercial fit-out and strong understanding of subcontractor risks.
  • Other info: Opportunity to grow into a senior position with direct access to decision-makers.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

High-end commercial interiors / specialist finishes in the City of London.

This is not a junior role. Please read carefully.

We are Venetian Interiors London (VIL) - a specialist subcontractor delivering complex interior finishes on high-profile commercial projects across London.

We are looking for a commercially switched on Estimator who understands how margins are actually made (and lost) in subcontracting - not someone who just prices drawings and hopes for the best.

If you want:

  • Responsibility
  • Autonomy
  • Exposure to real commercial decisions

this role will suit you.

The Role

You will own the estimating function across live tenders and pre-construction, working directly with senior management.

Your core responsibilities:

  • Preparing accurate, competitive tenders for commercial interior packages
  • Analysing drawings, specs, and scope gaps
  • Producing highly detailed take-offs, pricing labour, materials, prelims, and risk
  • Liaising with suppliers and subcontractors for accurate pricing
  • Value engineering and margin optimisation
  • Supporting handover into commercial/project delivery

This is a real estimator role, with the opportunity to grow into a senior position within a driven environment.

What We’re Looking For

You must have:

  • Proven experience as an Estimator in commercial fit-out / interiors / specialist finishes
  • Strong understanding of subcontractor commercial risk
  • Confidence challenging scope, programme, and assumptions
  • Ability to work at pace on multiple tenders
  • High attention to detail without paralysis

Big plus (but not essential):

  • Experience with specialist finishes (plaster, acoustic, bespoke interiors)
  • Exposure to projects £250k - £2M+
  • Background in subcontracting rather than main contracting

What You’ll Get

  • £55k - £65k base salary (aligned to ability, not time served)
  • Performance linked bonus
  • Hybrid working (London-based projects)
  • Direct access to decision-makers - no corporate wall
  • Clear progression as the business scales

This is a growth role in a business that values people who actually deliver.

How to Apply

Apply only if you meet the criteria. CVs without relevant estimating experience will not be progressed.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a confidential discussion.

Commercial Estimator employer: Venetian Interiors London

Venetian Interiors London (VIL) is an exceptional employer for those seeking a dynamic role in high-end commercial interiors. With a focus on autonomy and responsibility, employees enjoy direct access to decision-makers and the opportunity for clear career progression within a supportive and driven environment. The hybrid working model and competitive salary package further enhance the appeal of joining our team in the vibrant City of London.
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Contact Detail:

Venetian Interiors London Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Commercial Estimator

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that estimator role.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with commercial fit-out and specialist finishes. Share specific examples of how you've optimised margins or tackled complex projects.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of subcontractor risks and pricing strategies. Be ready to discuss how you approach estimating and what makes you a commercially switched-on candidate. Confidence is key!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Venetian Interiors London.

We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Estimator

Estimating
Commercial Awareness
Tender Preparation
Drawing Analysis
Take-off Production
Pricing Labour and Materials
Supplier Liaison
Value Engineering
Margin Optimisation
Attention to Detail
Subcontractor Commercial Risk Understanding
Ability to Work on Multiple Tenders
Confidence in Challenging Scope and Assumptions
Experience with Specialist Finishes

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant estimating experience in commercial fit-out and specialist finishes. We want to see how you've tackled similar projects, so don’t hold back on the details!

Showcase Your Skills: In your cover letter, emphasise your understanding of subcontractor commercial risk and your ability to challenge scope and assumptions. We’re looking for someone who can think critically and make informed decisions.

Be Specific: When discussing your past roles, be specific about the types of projects you’ve worked on and the value of those projects. Mention any experience with specialist finishes or high-value tenders to really stand out!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures it gets into the right hands quickly. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

How to prepare for a job interview at Venetian Interiors London

✨Know Your Numbers

Make sure you understand the financial aspects of estimating. Be prepared to discuss how margins are made and lost in subcontracting. Brush up on your knowledge of pricing labour, materials, and risk management, as these will be key topics during your interview.

✨Showcase Your Experience

Highlight your proven experience in commercial fit-out and specialist finishes. Bring examples of past projects where you successfully managed tenders and overcame challenges. This will demonstrate your capability and confidence in handling complex estimating tasks.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect to be challenged on your understanding of scope, programme, and assumptions. Prepare to discuss specific scenarios where you had to analyse drawings and specs, and how you approached value engineering and margin optimisation.

✨Engage with the Team

Since this role involves liaising with suppliers and subcontractors, show your interpersonal skills during the interview. Be ready to discuss how you build relationships and communicate effectively with different stakeholders to ensure accurate pricing and project success.

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