Senior Specialist - Cost Estimating and Business Planning

We are seeking an experienced professional to provide expert input into cost estimating processes and lead the review, scaling, and cross-functional coordination of estimates. This role involves analyzing and comparing cost projections, identifying and explaining variances, and maintaining alignment between long-term planning and current business needs.

About the Opportunity

• Lead the preparation of detailed cost estimates for materials, labor, and equipment for various projects, using bids, drawings, and specifications.

Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders such as engineers, contractors, and project managers to ensure estimates are accurate and reflect project needs.

Conduct feasibility studies and analyze cost implications of potential project changes or scope adjustments.

Manage and document estimating inputs, including labor rates, escalation factors, and work breakdown structures.

Advise management on estimating processes and best practices.

Support the development of the annual business plan and ensure it aligns with long-term strategies.

Benchmark and review estimates to ensure consistency and accuracy.

Prepare and deliver cost estimate reports for both internal and external stakeholders.

Coordinate periodic reviews of cost assumptions and estimate components.

Maintain schedules for estimate development and publication, and support governance processes related to cost planning.

Ensure cost estimates align with broader organizational goals and business plans.

Maintain and support cost tracking structures in financial and project management systems.

Assist in identifying areas for improvement in systems and processes.

Support enterprise risk management and strategic planning activities.

Develop metrics and reports to inform decision-making and performance tracking.

Monitor business unit results and performance against lifecycle plans.

Develop and maintain standards and procedures for cost estimating.

Provide additional analytical and strategic support as needed.

About You

Graduate degree in a related field such as business, finance, engineering, or accounting; a professional designation (e.g., MBA, CPA) is an asset.

Proficiency in cost estimating software and data analysis tools.

Strong technical writing skills for preparing clear and professional reports and documentation.

Ability to conceptualize projects from an early stage and understand related systems and components.

Experience in estimating, project controls, or financial planning in complex project environments.

Understanding of engineering and construction principles and methods.

Proven ability to work cross-functionally and communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders.

Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess complex variables and economic factors.

Solid financial knowledge, including understanding of P&L, balance sheets, and cost structures.

Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Access, and PowerPoint; experience with estimating or ERP tools is a plus.

Prior experience in consulting, infrastructure, or capital project environments is an advantage.

Salary

$135,000 / year

How to Apply

Click the “Apply Now” button and follow the instructions to submit your resume. Please know that we only accept documents in MS Word or Rich Text formats. When referencing this job, quote  #454490.

You must currently reside within the Greater Toronto Area and be permitted to work in Canada to be considered for this opportunity. A recruiter will be in touch with you if your profile meets our client’s requirements for this role.

Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

EEO Notice

Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law.

Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and / or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@vaco.com .

Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal .

By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal.

Privacy Notice

Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” or “Vaco by Highspring”) respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies.

California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here .

Pay Transparency Notice

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to :

With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.