C.D.S. (Scotland) Ltd
Graduate / Assistant Quantity Surveyor

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Graduate / Assistant Quantity Surveyor
Bathgate, Scotland | Full-Time | Part-Time Considered for Quantity Surveying Students
C.D.S. (Scotland) Ltd is a family-run specialist contractor based in Bathgate, providing services to the construction and civil engineering industries across Scotland and the wider UK.
We have a team of around 50 experienced operatives working across various locations and carry out a wide range of specialist works including Diamond Drilling, Wire Sawing, Wall and Track Sawing, Hand and Chain Sawing, Hydro Demolition, Controlled Demolition, Internal Strip-Outs, Structural Alterations, Passive Fire Protection and Floor Preparation.
We are looking for a Graduate / Assistant Quantity Surveyor to join our commercial team. The successful candidate will either have completed a Quantity Surveying degree or be currently working towards one.
The position is full-time; however, we would also consider a part-time position for someone who is currently completing a Quantity Surveying degree. Part-time hours can be discussed around university commitments.
This is an opportunity to gain practical experience within a busy specialist contractor and develop your commercial knowledge across a range of live construction projects.
The Role
The role will be based in our Bathgate office, with regular site visits as required.
You will work closely with our Senior Quantity Surveyor, who will provide support and guidance as you develop your knowledge and experience. You will also work alongside our project managers, site teams and operatives, giving you the opportunity to understand both the commercial and practical side of the work we undertake.
You will have the opportunity to work on different types of projects and gain experience across the full commercial process, from estimating and tendering through to measurement, valuations, cost reporting, variations, contractual matters and final accounts.
The role will involve assisting with:
- Measuring works from drawings, specifications and site information
- Preparing and reviewing Bills of Quantities
- Preparing tenders and quotations
- Assisting with monthly applications and valuations
- Preparing and updating cost reports and CVRs (Cost Value Reconciliations)
- Monitoring project costs and budgets
- Pricing and assisting with variations, compensation events and changes to the works
- Maintaining accurate project and commercial records
- Assisting with subcontractor and supplier accounts
- Assisting with final accounts
- Reviewing progress on site and gathering information from site teams
- Carrying out site measurements where required
- General quantity surveying and commercial administration duties
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As you gain experience, you will be given more responsibility and the opportunity to manage parts of projects yourself, with support from the Senior Quantity Surveyor and the wider commercial team.
About You
We are looking for someone who is organised, practical and keen to learn.
You don't need to know everything when you start. We are more interested in finding someone with the right attitude, who is willing to learn, asks questions, takes pride in their work and wants to get involved.
You should have good numerical and analytical skills, pay attention to detail and be comfortable working with figures and spreadsheets. Good communication skills are important as the role will involve dealing with site teams, suppliers, clients and colleagues on a regular basis.
You will need to be able to manage your own workload, meet deadlines and be willing to get involved with different aspects of the business.
Essential
- Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying or currently working towards a Quantity Surveying degree
- Good numerical and analytical skills
- Good attention to detail
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Good IT skills, particularly Microsoft Excel
- Good organisational skills
- Willingness to learn and develop
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Desirable
- Previous construction industry experience
- Construction placement or site experience
- Experience with measurement or Bills of Quantities
- An understanding of NEC, JCT or SBCC contracts
- Experience using estimating, measurement or quantity surveying software
- Previous experience working for a contractor or subcontractor


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Previous experience is not essential. Experience in demolition, concrete drilling and cutting, fire protection or other specialist construction works would be beneficial but is not required.
You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge of our specialist works as you become familiar with the business.
Why Work With CDS?
CDS has a varied workload across a number of different sectors. Our work covers a wide range of specialist construction activities, meaning no two projects are necessarily the same.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to:
- Work directly alongside an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor
- Gain practical experience across a wide range of specialist construction projects
- Get regular exposure to live construction sites
- Develop experience across the full commercial process
- Work alongside experienced project managers, site teams and operatives
- Gain an understanding of both the commercial and practical side of construction
- Take on increasing responsibility as your knowledge and experience develops
- Become involved in different areas of quantity surveying rather than being limited to one type of work
The role will give you the opportunity to develop your commercial experience within a growing, family-run specialist contractor and become part of the CDS commercial team.
If you are currently studying Quantity Surveying or have recently completed your degree and are looking for an opportunity to gain practical experience within a specialist contractor, we would be interested in hearing from you.
Location: Bathgate, West Lothian
Position: Full-Time, with part-time considered for candidates currently completing a Quantity Surveying degree
Role: Graduate / Assistant Quantity Surveyor
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