Estimator

MM Search; Greenock; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading demolition contractor in Scotland is seeking an experienced Estimator to join their team. The role involves analyzing tender documents, quantifying work items, and preparing costings. Candidates must have proven experience in demolition or civil engineering, strong project management skills, and proficiency with estimating software. The position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a variety of projects within a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Estimator in demolition or civil engineering.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings and specifications.
• Solid experience in project planning.

Responsibilities

• Analyse tender documents and specifications.
• Quantify work items and prepare costings.
• Maintain estimate records and pricing information.
• Work closely with project managers and site teams.

Skills

Estimating skills

Understanding of demolition methods

Project management

Numerical skills

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Education

Degree or technical qualification in construction or related discipline

Tools

Estimating software/tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Estimator Role Profile - Caskie Limited

Caskie Limited is one of Scotland's leading demolition and enabling works contractors. We provide an end‑to‑end service from project planning, decommissioning, dismantling and demolition through enabling and site preparation. Our services include asbestos removal, internal strip‑out, site clearance, earthworks, civil engineering, drainage, façade retention, propping and shoring, among others. We work with both public and private sector clients, delivering projects safely, to time, and to budget.

Role and Responsibilities

• Analyse tender documents, drawings, specifications and other contract information to understand requirements and scope of work.
• Quantify work items (demolition, enabling works, internal strip‑out, asbestos removal, earthworks, drainage etc.) and prepare detailed costings.
• Identify, assess and quantify risks, including environmental and health & safety considerations; factor these into estimates.
• Solicit and evaluate quotes from suppliers and subcontractors; maintain and build relationships with reliable supply chain partners.
• Prepare and submit tenders to meet deadlines; collate all required documentation.
• Work closely with project managers, site teams, commercial team and senior leadership to ensure that estimates align with what is feasible on site and with company capabilities.
• Apply project planning principles to inform timelines, phasing, and sequencing of works in support of the estimate.
• Contribute to project programming discussions to ensure realistic resource and delivery planning.
• Track and monitor estimating accuracy and lessons learned from completed projects; feed back into future bids to improve performance.
• Maintain estimate records, cost databases, and pricing information. Ensure up‑to‑date data on materials, plant, labour rates.
• Contribute to risk assessments, value engineering, and bid strategy discussions.
• Support design reviews where required (e.g. façade retention, propping & shoring) to ensure estimates reflect constructability.

Required Skills and Experience

• Proven experience as an Estimator in demolition, enabling works, civil engineering or a similar construction sector.
• Strong understanding of demolition methods, enabling/site preparation works, earthworks, drainage, asbestos removal etc.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, structural reports.
• Solid experience in project planning and project management.
• Excellent numerical skills and attention to detail; ability to quantify complex jobs.
• Good knowledge of cost drivers: labour, plant, materials, subcontractors, health & safety/environmental risk.
• Effective negotiation skills with suppliers/subcontractors.
• Strong organisational and time‑management skills; ability to manage multiple tenders and tight deadlines.
• Good communication skills—both written (tenders, reports) and verbal (liaising with stakeholders).
• Proficiency with estimating software/tools and Microsoft Office (Excel in particular).
• Understanding of health, safety, environmental regulations relevant to demolition and asbestos removal.

Desirable Attributes

• Degree or technical qualification in construction, civil engineering or related discipline.
• Previous experience with value engineering, alternative methods, cost optimisation.
• Experience working in Scotland or UK regulatory environment for demolition / enabling works.
• Experience in site visits/surveys to verify conditions for estimation.