Trainee Estimator

Location: Cumbernauld, Scotland

Sector: Civil Engineering, Rail, Aviation, Power, Environment & Highways

Job Type: Full-time

• Competitive annual salary (negotiable depending on experience)
• Company car or car allowance
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (increasing with service)
• Company contributory pension scheme
• Life insurance
• Westfield Health Cash Plan & Westfield Rewards
• Structured support for personal and professional development, with clear career pathways and progression opportunities
• Internal development programmes dedicated to supporting the development of our colleagues and future business leaders including Purposeful Leadership, Women in leadership and much more.
• Internal development programmes including leadership initiatives and mentoring opportunities
• A safe and inclusive workplace culture
• Employee forums to ensure every voice is heard
• Ongoing learning opportunities and training

As a Trainee Estimator, you will be part of a dynamic estimating team, learning how to prepare accurate, competitive, and commercially viable tenders for civil engineering projects. You will gain hands‑on experience across multiple sectors including rail, aviation, power, utilities, and environmental projects.

This role offers the chance to build a career in a fast‑paced, multi-disciplinary environment, working alongside experienced professionals and contributing to high‑profile infrastructure projects.

• Develop proficiency in Causeway Estimating Software and “first principles” estimating
• Review tender documentation for completeness and highlight potential issues
• Prepare accurate quantity take‑offs using traditional methods or software tools
• Organise and store work in line with company file structures
• Draft subcontractor and material enquiry documentation for formal issue
• Liaise with subcontractors, suppliers, and merchants to obtain quotations
• Analyse quotations and apply standardisation processes to ensure consistency
• Collaborate with planners, bid managers, and delivery teams to align resources and outputs
• Attend bid team meetings and contribute to tender strategies
• Support the preparation of tender programmes and risk assessments
• Assist in producing tender books, pricing documents, and client submissions
• Contribute to post‑tender analysis and handover to commercial teams
• Represent the company professionally when attending university or college (if applicable)

• Strong numerical and analytical skills with attention to detail
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook); familiarity with estimating software is advantageous
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for liaising with colleagues, suppliers, and clients
• Organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
• Team‑oriented mindset with willingness to learn and take initiative
• Understanding of civil engineering principles (academic or practical)
• Previous site‑based or operational experience in construction or engineering (preferred but not essential)
• Studying towards or holding a qualification in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or a related discipline (preferred)

We welcome applications from individuals who are motivated, eager to learn, and committed to developing a career in estimating within civil engineering and construction.

Whether you are a recent graduate or have prior site‑based experience, this role provides a structured pathway to becoming a skilled estimator.

You will be joining a reputable and firmly established, engineering contractor operating nationally in rail, civils and engineering markets. Amco Giffen are renowned in the market as a specialist civil, building, mechanical and electrical renewals and maintenance business with ongoing and successful projects and frameworks across the country, you will become part of our expert outfit.

Amco Giffen has a wealth of experience working on sensitive, live assets in highly regulated environments, we deliver exceptional peace of mind for our customers, creating and maintaining…