Estimator - Painting

Hawkes Resourcing Group; City Of London; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading commercial painting contractor in Central London is seeking a Painting Estimator to manage tenders and develop competitive bids. With a salary range of £55,000 to £65,000 and benefits including bonuses and career progression opportunities, this role is ideal for a candidate with at least 1 year of estimating experience in painting or finishing trades. Join a supportive team and influence the company’s commercial department's future.

Benefits

Performance-based bonuses

Company car allowance

Pension scheme

Work-life balance

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year experience in estimating, ideally in painting or finishing trades.
• Confident with costings and identifying value-engineering opportunities.
• Strong interpersonal skills for liaising with clients and colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Manage tenders and produce accurate bids.
• Attend site visits and client meetings.
• Price and prepare competitive bids and tenders.

Skills

Estimating

Interpersonal skills

Commercial awareness

Organisational skills

Tech-savvy

Tools

Bluebeam

PlanSwift

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

Painting Estimator - Central London

Location: Central London

Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 per annum (DOE) + Benefits & Bonus

Job Type: Permanent | Full-Time

Hawkes Resourcing Group are recruiting on behalf of a market-leading commercial painting contractor based in Central London. This business has a long-standing reputation for excellence, delivering high-quality painting and decorating works across Fit-Out, Residential, Healthcare, Education, Retail, Commercial, and Heritage projects. With a healthy pipeline of projects and long-term frameworks in place with Tier 1 and Tier 2 main contractors, they are looking to bring in a driven Painting Estimator to strengthen their commercial team. This is more than just an estimating position — it\'s a chance to join a forward-thinking, family-feel business where your input is valued, your career will be nurtured, and you\'ll play a pivotal role in winning and delivering high-profile projects across London.

The Role - What You\'ll Be Doing

As Painting Estimator, you will be at the heart of the commercial function, responsible for managing tenders and producing accurate, competitive bids that secure profitable projects. You\'ll also work closely with the delivery team to ensure smooth handovers and successful project outcomes.

• Attending site visits, client meetings, and preparing RFIs to clarify project details.
• Pricing and preparing competitive bids and tenders.
• Producing bills of quantities and digital take-offs using Bluebeam, PlanSwift, or similar software.
• Following up strategically on bids to secure work and grow the order book.
• Collaborating with Project Managers to ensure accurate and efficient project handovers.
• Building strong working relationships with property managers, councils, inspectors, and Tier 1 & Tier 2 main contractors.
• Reviewing drawings, specifications, and ensuring compliance with project requirements.
• Monitoring industry trends, new products, and construction methods to stay ahead of the curve.
• Assisting with forecasting project costs and providing commercial insight to senior management.

What We\'re Looking For

We are seeking a candidate who is:

• Experienced - at least 1+ year in estimating (painting, finishing trades, or wider construction background).
• Knowledgeable - ideally from a painting or finishing trades background (flooring, drylining, plastering all welcome).
• Commercially minded - confident with numbers, costings, and identifying value-engineering opportunities.
• A relationship builder - strong interpersonal skills with the ability to liaise confidently with clients, suppliers, and colleagues.
• Tech-savvy - proficient in Microsoft Office and ideally experienced with digital take-off tools (Bluebeam, PlanSwift).
• Organised - able to manage multiple tenders at once while maintaining accuracy and deadlines.
• Ambitious - someone looking to grow with the business, take on responsibility, and develop into a senior role in the near future.

What\'s On Offer

Joining this company means becoming part of a team that truly values people. You\'ll be more than just a number — your contribution will directly impact the growth and success of the business.

• Competitive Salary - £55,000 - £65,000 per annum (DOE)
• Performance-based bonuses - rewarding you for success and contribution
• Company car allowance / vehicle (potential for the right candidate)
• Pension scheme
• Monday-Friday, 08:30-16:30 schedule - work-life balance considered
• Long-term career progression - genuine opportunities to grow
• Exposure to high-value, prestigious projects across Central London and the South East
• Collaborative and supportive company culture - a close-knit team that celebrates success together

Why Join?

This is an exciting time to come onboard as the company is in growth mode. The successful candidate will not only have the chance to work on diverse and challenging projects, but also to influence the future of the business\'s commercial department.

If you want to be part of a business that recognises your skills, rewards your efforts, and gives you the autonomy to thrive, this is the role for you.

Apply today to take the next step in your estimating career.

To apply directly or request further information, please email