Story Decorating Group Ltd
Senior Estimator
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Senior Estimator
About Story Decorating Group
At Story Decorating Group, we do more than paint and decorate, we bring buildings to life. With over 50 years of experience, we are one of the UK's leading painting and decorating contractors, delivering exceptional finishes across some of the nation's most prestigious construction projects. From luxury hotels and landmark heritage restorations to modern healthcare facilities, residential developments, and major sporting venues, our expertise can be found in projects that shape communities across the UK.
Our success is built on quality, craftsmanship, and strong relationships. We take pride in delivering outstanding results while creating an environment where our people can develop, thrive, and build rewarding careers.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Senior Estimator to play a key role in our continued growth. This is an exciting opportunity to lead pre-construction activities, secure high-value projects, and contribute directly to the success of our business.
Managing the full tender lifecycle from initial enquiry through to project handover, you will work closely with our Commercial and Delivery teams to prepare accurate, competitive submissions and build strong relationships with clients, contractors, suppliers, and key stakeholders.
This role is ideal for someone who combines technical expertise with commercial awareness and has a proven ability to secure profitable work within the painting and decorating or wider construction sector.
The role is primarily office-based, with regular visits to client and project sites as required.
Our Culture
At Story Decorating Group, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We have built our reputation through teamwork, trust, and a shared commitment to excellence. We foster a collaborative and supportive environment where ideas are welcomed, achievements are recognised, and employees are encouraged to develop their skills and progress their careers. We believe in empowering our people, promoting continuous improvement, and creating opportunities for everyone to make a meaningful contribution to the business. As a family-oriented company with strong values, we are committed to maintaining the integrity, professionalism, and customer-focused approach that has been central to our success for generations. When you join Story Decorating Group, you become part of a team that takes pride in delivering quality, supporting one another, and achieving success together.
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Key Responsibilities
- Prepare accurate and competitive tenders from drawings, specifications, Bills of Quantities (BoQs), and client requirements.
- Carry out detailed take-offs and pricing using estimating software and internal systems.
- Manage the tender pipeline within the CRM system, ensuring opportunities are tracked, reviewed, and followed up effectively.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, contractors, consultants, and supply chain partners.
- Attend site visits to assess project scope, identify risks, and develop client relationships.
- Support early contractor engagement, value engineering exercises, and budget cost planning.
- Lead tender handovers and prepare clear, accurate pre-construction documentation for operational teams.
- Mentor and support junior estimators, sharing knowledge and best practice.
- Contribute to major bid submissions, framework applications, and strategic pipeline reviews.
- Work closely with Commercial and Delivery teams to ensure a smooth transition from tender award to project delivery.
Qualifications & Estimating Experience
Essential
- Proven estimating experience within the painting and decorating industry or a closely related construction trade.
- A successful track record of producing accurate, competitive, and commercially viable tender submissions that have secured profitable projects.
- Extensive experience interpreting architectural drawings, specifications, Bills of Quantities (BoQs), schedules of works, and tender documentation.
- The ability to prepare detailed take-offs, labour calculations, material schedules, and cost plans for projects of varying size and complexity.
- Experience pricing projects from small refurbishment works through to large-scale commercial construction contracts.
- Strong understanding of construction methodologies, labour outputs, productivity rates, programme requirements, and project delivery considerations.
- Proven ability to assess commercial and contractual risks during the tender process and identify opportunities for value engineering and cost optimisation.
- Strong commercial awareness with a clear understanding of estimating principles, margins, overhead recovery, and tender strategy.
- Experience managing multiple tender opportunities simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines.
- Proficiency in estimating software, CRM systems, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Office applications.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to client and project sites as required.
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Desirable
- Experience estimating painting and decorating packages on large-scale commercial construction projects.
- Experience contributing to negotiated tenders, two-stage tenders, framework agreements, and major bid submissions.
- Experience working with JCT Design & Build and Traditional Contracts, including an understanding of contract conditions, scope interpretation, variations, risk allocation, and tender compliance requirements.
- Experience mentoring or supporting junior estimators and contributing to team development.
- HNC, HND, Degree, or equivalent qualification in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Building Studies, or a related discipline.
Why Join Story Decorating Group?
- Join a well-established business with over 50 years of industry success.
- Work on some of the UK's most prestigious and high-profile construction projects.
- Be part of a supportive, collaborative, and experienced team.
- Play a key role in the future growth and success of the business.
- Opportunity to influence major project wins and strategic decision-making.
- Ongoing opportunities for professional development and career progression.
Please note: Previous estimating experience within the painting and decorating industry or a closely related construction trade is an essential requirement for this role. Applicants will be expected to clearly demonstrate their experience of preparing successful tender submissions, managing the estimating process from enquiry through to handover, and securing commercially successful project opportunities.
Story Decorating Group Ltd is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
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