Estimator

Help Shape the Future of Scottish Canals

Scottish Canals are the custodians of the nation’s canal network and surrounding estates. Our vision is to invest in the canal network to generate lasting benefit for people and communities; celebrating their industrial heritage, ensuring they offer quality green and blue spaces for people and communities and contribute to Scotland’s resilience in tackling climate change.

Our success is rooted in valuing the contributions of our entire team - we care, we create, and we collaborate to continue to deliver a whole range of activities and services, from boating, and mooring, paddling, walking and wheeling, to living and playing and improving what the canals have to offer to our visitors and communities. We also work collaboratively with our partners and stakeholders to contribute to a wealthier, fairer, greener and more resilient Scotland.

As an employer we offer a truly unique opportunity to be part of our team, help us realise our vision and contribute to safeguarding our heritage and ensuring our canals flourish now and in the future.

About the Role

We currently have an exciting opportunity for an Estimator to join our Engineering & Assets Directorate Asset Management Team, based in Falkirk, Glasgow or Inverness, with hybrid working arrangements available.

This is one of two newly created roles reporting to the Contracts Manager and supporting the delivery of Scottish Canals’ investment programmes across our nationally significant infrastructure network. You will provide specialist estimating, cost planning and commercial support across a diverse portfolio of engineering and asset management projects.

The successful candidate will work closely with Project Managers, Engineers and Construction Managers to develop robust cost estimates, support procurement activities and contribute to effective commercial management throughout the project lifecycle. You will also play a key role in developing and maintaining Scottish Canals’ engineering cost database, helping to inform future investment planning and decision-making.

Working across a varied range of assets including reservoirs, canals, bridges, aqueducts, locks, embankments, water control structures and mechanical and electrical infrastructure, this role offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to projects that protect and enhance Scotland’s canal network for future generations.

The role is offered on a permanent basis, working 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Primary Responsibilities of the Role:

• Prepare detailed cost estimates and cost plans for capital investment and maintenance projects.
• Produce quantity take-offs from engineering drawings, specifications and other technical documentation.
• Support tendering and procurement activities, including cost evaluations and tender analysis.
• Assist in the preparation and administration of NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract documentation.
• Monitor project expenditure against approved budgets and provide commercial reporting and analysis.
• Develop, maintain and enhance Scottish Canals’ engineering cost database and benchmarking information.
• Support lifecycle cost modelling, asset investment planning and long-term funding strategies.
• Contribute to the preparation of business cases, investment appraisals and funding applications.
• Work collaboratively with engineers, project teams and external suppliers to develop accurate and robust cost information.
• Assist in the development of commercial reporting tools and data visualisation solutions, including Power BI.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives relating to estimating processes, cost planning methodologies and commercial controls.
• Ensure all estimating activities are undertaken in accordance with organisational procedures, governance requirements and industry best practice.

About the Reward

Salary £42,709 - £46,668 (Band E).

Starting salary will be determined in accordance with Scottish Canals’ pay arrangements and the successful candidate’s experience.

Scottish Canals offers a generous annual leave entitlement of 224 hours, plus 6 public holidays, alongside enhanced sick pay, discounted shopping vouchers, a health cash plan and a contributory pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution.

About You

Qualifications and Knowledge

• HNC/HND in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying or a related discipline.
• Knowledge of engineering estimating, cost planning and commercial management principles.
• Understanding of procurement and tendering processes within engineering, construction or infrastructure environments.
• Knowledge of NEC3 and/or NEC4 contract frameworks and associated commercial practices.
• Strong understanding of Microsoft Excel and cost modelling techniques.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications and technical documents.
• Degree in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying or equivalent (desirable).
• Membership of ICE, ICES, CIOB or RICS (desirable).
• Knowledge of BCIS, RICS cost planning methodologies or engineering benchmarking approaches (desirable).

Skills and Experience

• Experience preparing engineering cost estimates and cost plans.
• Experience working within civil engineering, infrastructure, construction or asset management environments.
• Experience supporting procurement, tendering and commercial evaluation activities.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills with the ability to interpret and present complex cost information.
• Experience monitoring project costs and supporting budget control processes.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Experience developing or maintaining cost benchmarking databases (desirable).
• Experience supporting lifecycle cost assessments and investment planning activities (desirable).
• Experience using Power BI or similar reporting and business intelligence tools (desirable).
• Experience working within waterways, reservoir infrastructure, flood risk management or related sectors (desirable).

Qualities and Abilities

• Commercially aware with a strong attention to detail.
• Proactive and solution-focused, with the ability to identify risks and opportunities.
• Able to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborative and flexible, with a willingness to work across multidisciplinary teams.
• Organised and methodical, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Committed to delivering accurate, high-quality work and continuous improvement.
• Motivated to contribute to the long-term stewardship and enhancement of Scotland’s canal infrastructure.
• Holds a full UK Driving Licence and is willing to travel to sites and offices as required.

Scottish Canals reserve the right to close this vacancy before the closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received.