Senior Joinery Estimator

London Source: WhatJobs

£72,000–£88,000

Our client is an established specialist joinery contractor with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality bespoke and fitted joinery across some of London's most prestigious and architecturally ambitious projects. The business works across commercial, high-end residential and leisure environments — sectors where the quality of joinery finishes is central to the overall success of a project and where clients expect a contractor that understands both the craft and the commercial realities of delivery.

The firm has built lasting relationships with main contractors, interior designers, architects and direct clients by consistently delivering to a standard that sets it apart from the broader market. Its reputation is built not just on the quality of its output, but on the reliability of its pricing, the accuracy of its programmes and the professionalism of its commercial function — all of which makes the estimating role a critical and highly valued position within the business.

With a healthy pipeline spanning multiple sectors and project types, the business is well-positioned for continued growth. The appointment of a Senior Joinery Estimator reflects a deliberate investment in the commercial capability of the estimating team — bringing in an experienced individual who can price work with confidence and precision, support the business development function and help the firm continue to win the calibre of projects it is known for.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT & PROJECTS

You will be working across a diverse mix of project types — each presenting its own estimating challenges and requiring a sharp commercial eye. Commercial projects range from high-specification office fit-outs and reception areas to bespoke joinery packages for corporate interiors, where quality, programme and value for money must all be balanced within competitive tender submissions. Residential work spans premium apartment developments and high-end private commissions where detailing and material specification are paramount. Leisure projects — hotels, restaurants, bars and hospitality venues — bring a further dimension, with an emphasis on design-led solutions, complex geometries and tight delivery programmes.

The estimating environment is hands‑on and technically engaged. You will be working directly from drawings, specifications and schedules, interpreting design intent and building accurate, detailed cost submissions that reflect a genuine understanding of how joinery is manufactured, supplied and installed. The role requires both commercial rigour and craft knowledge — and the business values estimators who bring both in equal measure.

You will work closely with directors, project managers and the commercial team, contributing to bid strategy and tender review as well as day-to-day pricing activity. There is a collaborative culture here — senior estimators are consulted, respected and given the space to apply their expertise without bureaucratic constraint. For someone who takes pride in their work and wants to operate at the top of their specialism, it is a genuinely rewarding environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Prepare detailed, accurate tender submissions for bespoke and fitted joinery packages across commercial, residential and leisure projects, working from drawings, specifications and employer's requirements
Analyse tender documentation, identify scope, and build comprehensive cost models that reflect material costs, labour, manufacturing, logistics and installation
Engage with the supply chain — timber merchants, hardware suppliers, specialist manufacturers — to obtain competitive and reliable material and supply pricing
Attend pre-tender site visits, tender interviews and post-tender negotiations, representing the business professionally and responding to queries with confidence and authority
Review and assess subcontractor and specialist supplier quotations, ensuring scope coverage and value for money across all elements of the tender
Liaise with project managers and directors during the handover of won tenders, ensuring that the commercial assumptions underpinning the estimate are clearly communicated and understood
Track tender outcomes, maintain a library of benchmark rates and contribute to the continuous improvement of estimating processes and cost data within the business
Support business development activity by contributing to relationships with key clients, main contractors and design teams during the pre-tender and post-tender phases

WHAT YOU NEED

Substantial experience as an estimator within a joinery contracting or manufacturing environment, with a strong track record pricing bespoke and fitted joinery packages across a range of project types
Deep understanding of joinery materials, manufacturing processes, hardware specifications and installation methodologies — sufficient to price confidently and accurately from first principles
Experience across at least two of the following sectors: commercial interiors, high-end residential, hospitality or leisure — with an appreciation of the differing commercial and specification demands each presents
Ability to read and interpret detailed architectural drawings, joinery details, specifications and schedules of work to a high level of accuracy
Strong commercial instinct, with the ability to identify risk, scope gaps and opportunities within tender documentation before submission
Confident communicator with the ability to engage directly with clients, main contractors, architects and suppliers at all levels
Proficiency with estimating software and standard office tools; experience with specialist joinery or construction estimating platforms is advantageous

WHAT YOU'LL GET IN RETURN

This role offers a salary of up to £80,000 alongside a benefits package commensurate with the seniority of the appointment. Beyond the financial reward, you will be joining a specialist business that takes genuine pride in the quality of its work and the calibre of its projects — operating in a sector where expertise is respected and rewarded. For a senior joinery estimator who wants to apply their specialism on interesting, design‑led projects and work within a business that values commercial excellence, this is a compelling and well‑remunerated opportunity in one of the world’s most active construction markets.