Senior Estimator – Painting & Decorating / Specialist Finishes
London | Hybrid (1 day WFH) | Competitive salary + bonus package
Michael Taylor Search & Selection are currently partnering with a leading UK specialist subcontractor within the painting, decorating, and specialist finishes sector to appoint a Senior Estimator.
This is a key senior hire within a growing commercial team, offering the opportunity to take ownership of pricing, lead a small estimating function, and play a pivotal role in securing high-value commercial projects across the UK.
The Opportunity
Our client is a well-established specialist subcontractor delivering painting, decorating, spraying, and high-end interior finishes on major commercial fit-out and refurbishment schemes nationwide.
They are now seeking an experienced Senior Estimator with a strong background in painting & decorating or another specialist finishing subcontractor environment to strengthen their pre-construction capability.
This role is ideal for someone who understands the nuances of specialist finishes estimating — including labour outputs, programme constraints, access requirements, and fast-paced tendering environments — while also being ready to step into a team leadership position.
Key Responsibilities
Estimating & Commercial Pricing (Hands-On)
- Lead and produce detailed cost estimates for painting, decorating, and specialist finishes packages
- Interpret drawings, specifications, and tender documents with a strong understanding of finishes scope
- Develop accurate labour, materials, and plant/resource build-ups specific to specialist subcontract works
- Liaise with suppliers and subcontractors to obtain competitive and up-to-date pricing
- Assess risk, logistics, access, and programme considerations within tender submissions
- Contribute directly to winning tenders through robust and commercially sound pricing strategies
Team Leadership & Development
- Manage, support, and develop a small team of Estimators
- Allocate workload across the team and ensure tender deadlines are consistently achieved
- Review and quality-check all estimates prior to submission
- Mentor junior estimators and support their technical development within specialist finishes estimating
- Drive consistency, accuracy, and continuous improvement across the estimating function
Commercial & Stakeholder Engagement
- Work closely with commercial, operations, and project delivery teams
- Attend pre- and post-tender meetings with clients and main contractors
- Support seamless handover of secured projects into delivery teams
- Build strong working relationships with key clients, contractors, and supply chain partners
About You
We are particularly keen to speak with candidates who have:
- Strong estimating experience within painting & decorating or specialist finishes subcontracting (essential focus)
- Alternatively, experience within another specialist subcontracting environment (e.g. drywall, ceilings, flooring, façade, or similar interiors packages)
- Proven ability to price labour-intensive, fast-turnaround commercial packages
- Experience managing or mentoring estimators (or a clear readiness to step into leadership)
- Strong commercial awareness and understanding of subcontractor delivery constraints
- Excellent numerical, analytical, and communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and estimating software
Package & Benefits
- Competitive basic salary (dependent on experience)
- Individual performance-related bonus
- Company-wide bonus scheme
- Hybrid working – 1 day per week from home
- Senior leadership role with genuine influence over estimating output
- Strong pipeline of secured and repeat commercial work
- Clear long-term progression within a growing specialist subcontractor
This is a rare opportunity for an experienced specialist finishes estimator to step into a senior leadership position while still remaining deeply involved in the technical and commercial aspects of pricing.
You’ll be joining a business that truly understands the complexity of painting and decorating and wider finishes packages, with a strong reputation for quality delivery and repeat client relationships.
