Cost Estimator

Overview

CHANCE Recruitment is currently supporting a leading property developer in the Scottish Highlands in the search for an experienced Cost Estimator to join their growing commercial team. This role is critical to the successful planning and delivery of residential and mixed-use developments, requiring a detail-oriented professional who can carry out accurate and comprehensive cost estimating across all project stages. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing detailed cost plans, analysing drawings and specifications, and producing competitive and realistic estimates to support tendering and budgeting processes

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include carrying out detailed take-offs and quantification of materials, labour, and plant requirements across a range of residential developments | preparing elemental cost plans and budget estimates at concept, design, and pre-construction stages | producing and managing tender documentation, including bills of quantities where required | obtaining and analysing subcontractor and supplier quotations to ensure competitiveness and accuracy | identifying cost risks, value engineering opportunities, and potential efficiencies without compromising on quality or design intent | maintaining and updating cost databases in line with market trends, inflation, and regional pricing factors | working closely with internal stakeholders including land, design, and project delivery

Experience

Degree or HND (Most Common Route) | Preferred academic backgrounds include: BSc Quantity Surveying | BSc Construction Management | BSc Commercial Management (Construction) | HND / HNC Construction | HND Quantity Surveying | These are the most relevant because estimators and QS roles overlap heavily