Craig MacDonald
Larbert
Summary
A dedicated and multitalented professional with a proven track record within construction. Working most recently constructing hyperscale data centres and previously Hotels, Student Accommodations and Housing. I am a critical thinker with excellent written and verbal communication, problem solving and planning skills. Comfortable communicating with all levels of personnel, and have held positions such as Vice Chairman of Visit Falkirk Partnership.
Currently working as Senior Quantity Surveyor on a 150MW data centre in Austria and prior a 65MW data centre in Netherlands as Quantity Surveyor. I hold overall responsibility for managing the financial elements of this project as the most senior commercial employee onsite. Managing procurement, cashflow, client relations, reporting, subcontractor management and ensuring adherence to the project budget. Currently in the final stages of my Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors qualification, this holds me to the highest standards of ethics and integrity.
In my teens I started my first business, which went on to be very successful and was recognised at regional and national awards such as the Visit Scotland Thistle Awards. I operated two busy venues and also a consultation arm which saw me working for clients such as internationally renowned Merlin Entertainments.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Senior Quantity Surveyor
TSL
, Netherlands and Austria
2025.02 - Current
- Analysing the data centre I delivered in Netherlands for future cost improvements which I have implemented in Austria.
- Cost reporting and cashflow management.
- Management of Assistant and Quantity Surveyors within the project team.
- Procurement of key work packages on the project.
- Client relations, payment applications following onsite progress, closely managing financial performance against the baseline programme.
Quantity Surveyor
Ogilvie Construction Ltd
Stirling
2020.09 - 2025.02
- Monitor subcontractor performance, attend progress meetings and (if required) prepare and issue delay notices and other formal documentation to ensure subcontractors are held accountable for their performance.
- Monitor costs and prepare reports for senior management review on a weekly and monthly basis.
- Undertake main contract valuation and liaise with client to agree. Price and claim any relevant variations.
- Monitor the project in general and review main contract documentation for any contractual clauses which may be relevant to scenarios which arise.
- Value subcontractor payment applications, ensuring compliance with contract documents.
- Procurement; chair pre-subcontract meetings, order preparation and issue for all subcontractors and materials required for the project.
Director / Owner
Wee Heroes / Transcend Escape Rooms
Falkirk
2017.08 - 2021.08
- Took a business idea from feasibility through funding, branding, construction of facility to onsite operations. The business became multi award winning including receiving two awards at the prestigious Visit Scotland Thistle Awards.
- Led an award winning team of 25+ staff with operations in the laser tag, escape room, cafe and events fields in a purpose built facility and on a mobile basis.
- Sought out and formed strategic partnerships with other businesses such as global Hotel operator MacDonald Hotels, restaurant chains and even Merlin entertainments; where I designed, installed and managed their escape room at their Edinburgh Dungeon venue.
- Review and adapt the business strategy through the use of KPIs and other data.
- Make investment decisions in line with the business strategy to maximise profit and ensure the business operations are in line with our core values.
- Manage cashflow and accounting.
- Employment and interviewing.
- Introduced and constantly adapted marketing campaigns to meet our target audience.
Vice Chairman
Visit Falkirk Partnership
Falkirk
2018.09 - 2020.09
- Liaise with all partnership stakeholders ranging from high ranking government officials, council directors, other business owners, the public and other organisations such as Scottish Canals.
- Chair meetings and prepare associate and director action lists.
- Became a tourism advisor in the Falkirk Investment Zone Growth deal - which secured £130m funding for the Falkirk area.
- Represent Visit Falkirk to international tour operators and businesses at the Visit Scotland Expo on an annual basis.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Quantity Surveying
Glasgow 2020.09 - 2024.06
MRICS (Ongoing) -
Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors
Stirling 2024.08 -
8 National 5s, 7 Highers and 1 Advanced Higher -
Falkirk High School
2010.07 - 2016.06
Skills
- Stakeholder engagement
- Construction cost estimation and cost planning
- Technical and financial reporting
- Procurement and tendering
- Project management
- Employee management
- Interpretation of various forms of contract
- Business development
- Business planning and forecasting
Accomplishments
Rising Star (Winner) - Visit Scotland Thistle Awards 2019
Best Leisure Business (Winner) - Falkirk Herald Business Excellence Awards 2019
Entrepreneur of the Year (Finalist) - Falkirk Herald Business Excellence Awards 2019
Rising Star (Winner) - Visit Scotland Thistle Awards 2018
Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Winner) - Falkirk Herald Business Excellence Awards 2018
Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Winner) - Falkirk Herald Business Excellence Awards 2017
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Senior Quantity Surveyor
TSL
2025.02 - Current
MRICS (Ongoing) -
Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors
2024.08 -
Quantity Surveyor
Ogilvie Construction Ltd
2020.09 - 2025.02
Bachelor of Science - Quantity Surveying
2020.09 - 2024.06
Vice Chairman
Visit Falkirk Partnership
2018.09 - 2020.09
Director / Owner
Wee Heroes / Transcend Escape Rooms
2017.08 - 2021.08
8 National 5s, 7 Highers and 1 Advanced Higher -
Falkirk High School
2010.07 - 2016.06