Estimator

Company Background

Caskie Limited stands as one of Scotland's premier contractors specializing in demolition and enabling works. Their comprehensive services encompass project planning, decommissioning, dismantling, demolition, enabling, and site preparation. Their offerings also include asbestos removal, internal strip-out, site clearance, earthworks, civil engineering, drainage, façade retention, propping, and shoring. Caskie serves both public and private sector clients, consistently delivering projects within safety standards, scheduled timelines, and budget constraints.

Role Overview

The Estimator's primary function is to generate precise cost estimates and bid proposals for projects related to demolition, enabling works, earthworks, and civil engineering. A vital part of the role involves evaluating project requirements, gauging risks, sourcing materials and subcontractors, and ensuring cost competitiveness while safeguarding profitability. Additionally, the Estimator must integrate a comprehensive understanding of project planning and management to produce feasible and executable estimates that correspond with operational capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Carefully evaluate tender documents, drawings, specifications, and associated contract materials to discern project scope and expectations.
• Measure and quantify work elements such as demolition, enabling works, internal strip-out, asbestos removal, earthworks, and drainage to develop comprehensive cost estimates.
• Identify and assess environmental, health, and safety risks, incorporating them accurately into estimates.
• Request and appraise quotations from suppliers and subcontractors while nurturing relationships with dependable supply chain partners.
• Compile and submit tender documentation in a timely manner, satisfying all required criteria.
• Collaborate with project managers, site personnel, commercial teams, and senior leaders to validate that estimates are feasible and aligned with company strengths.
• Utilize project planning methodologies to guide timelines, work phases, and sequencing that support the cost estimation process.
• Participate in project scheduling discussions to ensure efficient resource allocation and delivery planning.
• Monitor estimation precision and review lessons from completed projects to improve future bid quality.
• Maintain detailed records of estimates, cost databases, and pricing updates related to materials, equipment, and labor rates.
• Contribute actively to risk evaluations, value engineering initiatives, and bid strategy formulation.
• Provide support during design assessments, especially activities involving façade retention and propping and shoring, ensuring constructability is reflected in estimates.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Demonstrated background as an Estimator within demolition, enabling works, civil engineering, or analogous construction sectors.
• Comprehensive knowledge of demolition techniques, site preparation, earthworks, drainage, and asbestos removal.
• Proficiency in interpreting drawings, specifications, and structural reports.
• Experience with project planning and management principles.
• Strong numerical aptitude with meticulous attention to detail to accurately quantify intricate workloads.
• Insight into major cost components, including labor, plant, materials, subcontractors, and associated health, safety, and environmental risks.
• Skilled negotiation abilities when dealing with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Effective organizational and time-management capabilities, adept at handling multiple tender submissions within stringent deadlines.
• Strong communication skills for both written tenders and verbal stakeholder interactions.
• Familiarity with estimating software and Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel.
• Understanding of regulations governing health, safety, and environment concerning demolition and asbestos management.

Preferred Skills and Knowledge

• Academic qualification in construction, civil engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience with value engineering, exploring alternative methodologies, and optimizing costs.
• Knowledge of the Scottish or broader UK regulatory framework for demolition and enabling works.
• Experience conducting on-site visits and surveys to verify conditions essential for accurate estimation.