Head of Estimating

Contract Scotland; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading civil engineering contractor is seeking a Head of Estimating to lead the Preconstruction/Estimating Department at their Glasgow office. The ideal candidate will have extensive estimating experience in civil engineering or renewable infrastructure, strong leadership skills, and a proactive mindset. This full-time role is critical in overseeing tender submissions and managing a multi-disciplinary team to support impactful infrastructure projects.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in estimating within civil engineering or renewable infrastructure.
• Proven leadership experience in a senior estimating or preconstruction role.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to evaluate contractual risks.
• Excellent communication, organisation and leadership skills.
• Proactive, strategic thinker with a drive for excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Preconstruction/Estimating Department.
• Oversee delivery of tender submissions and ensure quality standards.
• Manage a multi-disciplinary team including estimators and engineers.
• Finalise tender values and submission levels for approval.
• Contribute to bid/no-bid decisions with senior management.
• Review contracts to identify risks and value engineering opportunities.
• Mentor and develop staff across multi-disciplinary teams.
• Foster collaboration and continuous improvement.

Skills

Estimating experience in civil engineering

Leadership experience

Commercial awareness

Excellent communication skills

Organizational skills

Strategic mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Job description

Role Overview

Contract Scotland is delighted to be working with one of Scotland’s leading civil engineering contractors, with a proud track record of delivering high-quality infrastructure projects across the renewables sector.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Head of Estimating to join the leadership team, based full-time at the Glasgow office.

As Head of Estimating, you will lead the Preconstruction/Estimating Department and play a pivotal role in the strategic development and delivery of major project bids.

Reporting directly to the Deputy Managing Director, you will work closely with technical and commercial teams to ensure the successful submission of tenders across a diverse portfolio of civil engineering projects.

With a strong order book and a growing pipeline within the renewables sector, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to meaningful, high-impact infrastructure projects that support Scotland’s drive toward a more sustainable future.

Duties

• Lead and manage the Preconstruction/Estimating Department, ensuring strong coordination and performance.
• Select and allocate project teams for individual bids, matching expertise to project requirements.
• Oversee the delivery of all tender submissions, maintaining quality standards and meeting deadlines.
• Finalise and recommend tender values and submission levels to the Deputy Managing Director.
• Contribute to bid/no-bid decision-making with senior management.
• Review tender contracts in detail, highlighting risks, opportunities, and potential for value engineering.
• Directly manage and support a multi-disciplinary team, including senior estimators, estimators, bid managers, design managers, senior engineers, and technical staff.
• Mentor and develop staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, professional growth, and continuous improvement.

What We’re Looking For

• Extensive experience in estimating within civil engineering and/or renewable infrastructure and power transmission sectors.
• Proven leadership experience in a senior estimating or preconstruction role.
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to evaluate contractual and project risks.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and leadership skills.
• A proactive and strategic mindset with a commitment to excellence.

Location & Working Arrangements

This is a full-time position based at the Glasgow office. Due to the seniority and collaborative nature of the role, remote or hybrid working is not available.

To Apply

For further information or to apply, please contact Adam Rahma.

Senior Level

Director

Employment Type

Full-time

Job Function

Management

Industry

Civil Engineering

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