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Chief Estimator

Location: Woodbridge, ON
Industry: ICI Construction (Institutional, Commercial, Industrial, Multi-Residential)
Employment Type: Full-Time | On-Site

About the Opportunity

Our client is a well-established and growing construction organization recognized for delivering large-scale institutional, commercial, industrial, and multi-unit residential developments across Canada. With a reputation for high-quality workmanship, collaborative project delivery, and fast-track execution, the company partners with public and private sector clients to deliver complex projects from concept through completion.

The organization operates with a strong team-driven culture, emphasizing safety, accountability, and long-term relationships with clients, subcontractors, and employees. Their projects range from major infrastructure and institutional facilities to complex commercial and multi-residential developments, requiring advanced pre-construction planning and detailed cost management.

As part of continued growth and increasing project volume, the company is seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to lead its pre-construction estimating function and play a key role in securing and successfully delivering major construction projects.

This leadership position will oversee the entire estimating lifecycle, from early project review through tender closing, while guiding the estimating team, supporting business development initiatives, and ensuring accurate cost planning across diverse project types.

Position Overview

The Chief Estimator will provide leadership and strategic oversight for the estimating department, ensuring the preparation of accurate, competitive, and comprehensive cost estimates for complex construction projects.

Reporting to the Director of Pre-Construction and Estimating, this role is responsible for managing estimating operations, leading bid preparation efforts, supporting project pursuit strategies, and ensuring that pricing aligns with both market conditions and project risk factors.

This position requires a professional who combines strong technical estimating expertise with leadership capability, and who understands the financial, operational, and risk management components involved in large construction tenders.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in securing new work, maintaining profitability, and ensuring the organization remains competitive within the construction marketplace.

Key Responsibilities Estimating Leadership & Pre-Construction Strategy

• Lead and manage the estimating team in the preparation of comprehensive cost estimates for large and complex construction projects.

• Oversee the full pre-construction estimating process, from early design review through final tender submission.

• Review project drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, environmental documentation, and other project materials to determine accurate scope and cost projections.

• Identify discrepancies, scope gaps, and potential design issues that may affect project costs or scheduling.

• Develop strategic cost models during early project phases to support design development and project feasibility assessments.

Cost Estimation & Quantity Take-Off

• Prepare and validate detailed quantity take-offs and cost breakdowns for labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and general conditions.

• Perform advanced take-offs related to site development, excavation, structural concrete, and foundation systems.

• Analyze and price scopes including:

  • excavation and grading

  • cut and fill operations

  • backfill and compaction

  • underground servicing

  • structural concrete and formwork

  • foundation systems and site infrastructure

• Apply historical cost data, benchmarking information, and industry trends to support accurate budgeting and competitive pricing.

• Prepare Class A, B, C, and D budgets depending on project stage and design completion.

Tender & Bid Management

• Lead the tender closing process, ensuring all documentation, pricing, and submissions meet deadlines and compliance requirements.

• Coordinate bid preparation activities with project management, business development, and senior leadership teams.

• Evaluate subcontractor proposals, ensuring scope completeness and competitive pricing.

• Establish pricing strategies aligned with company goals and market competitiveness.

• Manage bid documentation including:

  • pre-bid submissions

  • bid summaries

  • bonding and insurance documentation

  • subcontractor scopes

  • pricing recap sheets

Risk Assessment & Cost Control

• Perform detailed risk analysis for each project to identify cost exposure, scheduling challenges, and potential scope gaps.

• Develop contingency strategies and cost mitigation plans.

• Work closely with project teams during the pre-construction phase to ensure pricing reflects realistic construction conditions.

• Support project teams in maintaining cost control throughout the project lifecycle.

Vendor & Subcontractor Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors to ensure competitive pricing and reliable partnerships.

• Evaluate subcontractor capabilities, financial stability, and performance history.

• Ensure subcontractor pricing aligns with project scope requirements and schedule constraints.

Team Leadership & Development

• Supervise and mentor the estimating team, providing guidance on technical estimating practices and project strategy.

• Support professional development and training initiatives for junior estimators.

• Foster a collaborative and performance-driven environment within the pre-construction team.

• Conduct performance reviews and identify opportunities for skill development across the estimating department.

Market & Industry Analysis

• Monitor market conditions, construction cost trends, and industry developments that may impact project pricing.

• Evaluate competitor activity and market positioning to support effective bidding strategies.

• Provide insights to leadership regarding market opportunities and potential project pursuits.

Site Visits & Project Evaluation

• Attend site visits when required to assess project conditions, document existing site constraints, and support accurate cost estimation.

• Review site factors including access, logistics, soil conditions, and existing infrastructure that may affect construction planning and costs.

• Engage with owners, consultants, and project stakeholders during the pre-construction phase when necessary.

Qualifications Education

• Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related technical discipline,
  OR equivalent technical training combined with relevant construction industry experience.

Experience

• Minimum 10+ years of construction estimating experience within the ICI construction sector.

• Proven experience preparing estimates for large-scale institutional, commercial, industrial, or multi-residential projects.

• Demonstrated leadership experience managing estimating teams and overseeing tender submissions.

• Strong understanding of construction methods, project delivery models, and cost control strategies.

• Experience working on complex projects involving structural concrete, site development, and infrastructure components.

Technical Knowledge

• Strong understanding of construction materials, methods, and building systems.

• Experience with quantity take-off, cost planning, and budget development across multiple project phases.

• Knowledge of Canadian construction contract standards (including CCDC contracts).

• Familiarity with estimating procedures related to excavation, concrete structures, and site servicing.

• Ability to interpret geotechnical reports, soil analysis reports, and designated substances documentation.

Software & Tools

• Proficiency in:

  • Microsoft Excel

  • Microsoft Project

  • Construction estimating software

• Familiarity with tools such as Procore, BIM platforms, or digital take-off software is considered an asset.

Certifications (Preferred)

• Gold Seal Certification is considered an asset.

• LEED Accreditation is considered an asset.

Key Competencies

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy

• Ability to perform under pressure and meet tight bid deadlines

• Leadership skills with the ability to mentor and guide teams

• Strategic thinking and commercial awareness

• Strong collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders

Work Environment

• Primary work location within the company's head office.

• Occasional site visits may be required.

• Candidates must have access to a personal vehicle for site inspections and meetings.

Why Join This Opportunity

This role offers the chance to be part of a growing construction organization delivering diverse and technically complex projects across multiple sectors.

The successful candidate will gain exposure to:

• major construction developments

• advanced pre-construction technologies

• collaborative project delivery models

• long-term career growth within a respected construction team