Lead Estimator - Utilities, Civil, Electrical

Position: Lead Estimator

Division: Transportation Construction
Location: Scarborough
Status: Full-time, in-office

Lead the Future of Transportation Construction at Black & McDonald

Black & McDonald is searching for an experienced and dynamic Lead Estimator for our Transportation Estimating team in Southern Ontario. Based in Scarborough, this is an exciting opportunity to take on a leadership role supporting large-scale transit and MTO infrastructure projects.

As a Lead Estimator, you will provide technical leadership, mentor junior estimators, and take full ownership of client-facing estimating activities. You'll play a pivotal role in securing new work and shaping estimate strategies.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and coach junior estimators, supporting their technical growth and ensuring consistent, high-quality output.
• Oversee workload distribution, review estimates, and provide direction on methodologies and best practices.
• Champion a collaborative, supportive team culture grounded in accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Client Engagement & Business Development

• Serve as a client-facing estimating lead for MTO, transit agencies, and major transportation stakeholders.
• Lead client meetings, clarifications, scope discussions, and negotiations to finalize competitive and compelling bids.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with owners, consultants, suppliers, and subcontractors to support future opportunities.
• Support the close-out and award process, ensuring all stakeholder requirements are met.

Estimating Leadership

• Lead the preparation of electrical and civil estimates for transportation and transit projects, including:
• Streetlighting
• Traffic signal intersections
• Intelligent Traffic Systems (ITS)
• Duct banks and utilities
• Oversee the full tendering cycle, including strategy development, risk assessments, bid reviews, and final proposal submissions.
• Ensure accuracy in costing of materials, labour, equipment, and subcontractor pricing based on detailed drawings and specifications.
• Review and enhance cost‑monitoring systems and reporting processes.
• Guide development of tender construction schedules, scope-of-work narratives, and methodologies.
• Maintain and advance the Bid2Win database, ensuring robust cost history and data integrity.
• Identify and propose innovative estimating approaches and alternative solutions in collaboration with engineering and project delivery teams.

Core Competencies

• Strong leadership presence with the ability to mentor and influence team members.
• Exceptional communication skills and a client-first, solutions-driven mindset.
• High attention to detail paired with strategic thinking and problem-solving capability.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead estimates under tight deadlines.

Education & Experience

• Degree or diploma in Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Construction Fundamentals.
• Background in utilities or electrical trades is considered an asset.
• 8+ years of estimating experience, including exposure to transportation or transit projects.
• Previous experience supervising, mentoring, or leading others is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in MS Office and Bid2Win (or equivalent) estimating software.

A Criminal Background Check and Professional Reference Check will be required as part of the screening process. All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.
Black & McDonald welcomes and encourages applications from persons with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.