We are proud family business established over 50 years ago, and a leading name in the painting and decorating industry. We deliver high-quality projects across the UK and have gained a strong reputation for excellence and a commitment to customer satisfaction.
Due to a long-standing member of our team taking a well-earned retirement this Summer, we are now recruiting for a skilled Senior Estimator to join us.
The Role
As a Senior Estimator, you will plays a critical role in the pre‑construction process, leading the preparation of competitive tenders while supporting the company’s commercial growth strategy. The role combines technical estimating expertise with bid management, CRM pipeline visibility and contractor engagement to maximise tender conversion and secure profitable work.
You will be working closely with our Business Development, Quantity Surveying, Contracts and Commercial leadership to ensure opportunities move efficiently from enquiry through to secured contracts and successful project delivery.
While our Head Office is based in Carlisle and the role requires regular attendance there for weekly (and occasionally more frequent) meetings, we also welcome applications from candidates based in the Glasgow or Salford regions, where we have satellite offices.
Please note that a willingness and ability to travel to Carlisle as required is essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the preparation and submission of accurate and competitive tenders from drawings, specifications and Bills of Quantities.
- Carry out detailed take‑offs and pricing of labour, plant and materials using industry estimating software.
- Manage the full tender lifecycle from initial enquiry through to submission and handover.
- Maintain all tender opportunities within the company CRM system including bid value, stage, probability and expected start dates.
- Ensure all bids are tracked and followed up within agreed timescales to maximise conversion rates.
- Conduct tender follow‑ups with contractors and clients to obtain feedback and identify further opportunities.
- Attend site visits during the tender stage to review scope, assess risk and build relationships with project teams.
- Support early contractor engagement by providing technical input, budget estimates and value engineering suggestions.
- Collaborate with Business Development to support contractor relationships and identify strategic opportunities.
- Organise and lead internal tender handover meetings with Quantity Surveyors, Contracts Managers and delivery teams once projects are secured.
- Prepare clear handover documentation including pricing breakdowns, scope assumptions and risk considerations.
- Mentor and support junior estimators, sharing best practice and improving team capability.
- Participate in monthly pipeline and bid review meetings to ensure visibility of all opportunities.
- Support framework submissions and major project bids alongside senior leadership.
Commercial & Growth Contribution
- Work with Business Development Managers to support strategic contractor relationships.
- Contribute to identifying repeat business opportunities with existing clients.
- Support the company’s target of increasing tender win rates through disciplined follow‑up and bid quality.
- Assist in developing value engineering options that improve project competitiveness while protecting margin.
Skills & Experience
- Strong estimating experience within painting & decorating or related construction trades.
- Excellent understanding of Bills of Quantities, method of measurements, drawings and specifications.
- Experience pricing projects ranging from small works packages through to large commercial contracts.
- Ability to build relationships with main contractors, project managers and consultants.
- Strong communication and negotiation skills.
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple tenders simultaneously.
- Experience using CRM systems and estimating software.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and standard office software.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
- Pension (3% employer, 5% employee)
- Opportunities for career progression within a growing company.
- Supportive team environment with offices in Carlisle, Salford and Glasgow.
- The chance to be part of a respected organisation with a strong track record in the industry.
To apply for the role please visit: Story Decorating Group Ltd – Senior Estimator
Alternatively, you can send a copy of your CV to joannedevlin@storydecoratinggroup.com or call Joanne on 01228 404114 for a chat.