Estimator in Greenock

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.

The Estimator will be responsible for preparing accurate cost estimates and tender submissions for demolition, enabling works, earthworks and related civil engineering projects. The role will support securing new contracts by analysing project specifications, assessing risks, sourcing materials/subcontractors, and ensuring bid competitiveness while maintaining profitability. The Estimator will also be expected to bring a strong understanding of project planning and management processes to ensure estimates are realistic, executable, and aligned with operational delivery.

• 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.