Chief Estimator
About The Position
We are seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to lead and develop our estimating department while driving continuous improvement in our estimating processes, procedures, and project handoff practices. Reporting directly to the Director of Preconstruction, this role will oversee all estimating operations, mentor and develop estimators, manage bid strategy and tender execution, and ensure estimates are accurate, competitive, and aligned with company profitability objectives. This role is a leadership position focused on building a high-performing estimating team capable of independently managing projects from initial takeoff through final bid submission while strengthening collaboration between estimating and operations.
Requirements
- 10+ years of commercial construction estimating experience.
- 3-5 years of leadership experience managing estimating teams.
- Extensive experience in commercial steel stud framing, drywall, acoustical ceilings, insulation, and related interior systems.
- Strong understanding of construction contracts, specifications, tender documents, and procurement processes.
- Proven experience managing multiple concurrent tenders and bid deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop estimating teams.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and decision-making skills.
Nice To Haves
- Diploma or Degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Building Technology, Engineering, or related field.
- Quantity Surveying designation or education considered a strong asset.
- Experience with On-Screen Takeoff (OST), WinBid, Bluebeam, Procore, and Microsoft Excel.
- Gold Seal Certification considered an asset.
Responsibilities
- Lead, manage, mentor, and develop the estimating team.
- Establish performance expectations, accountability measures, and development plans for estimators.
- Train estimators to manage projects from initial review through complete pricing and tender submission.
- Coach estimators to think beyond material and labour costs by identifying project-specific risks, logistics, access requirements, schedule impacts, and indirect costs.
- Develop estimating capabilities across the team to reduce reliance on senior leadership for final pricing decisions.
- Conduct regular estimate reviews and provide constructive feedback to improve estimating accuracy and confidence.
- Oversee all tender opportunities and coordinate estimating resources.
- Review drawings, specifications, contracts, and tender requirements.
- Lead bid strategy, bid/no-bid decisions, and final estimate reviews.
- Review and challenge estimates during final stages to verify scope coverage, productivity assumptions, risk allocation, and profitability.
- Review and modernize estimating procedures, workflows, and standards.
- Develop scalable estimating systems to support company growth.
- Establish best practices for bid reviews, estimate documentation, risk assessment, and project handoff.
- Standardize estimating templates, labour units, pricing databases, and reporting tools.
- Implement continuous improvement initiatives to increase estimate accuracy, efficiency, and consistency.
- Strengthen collaboration between estimating and operations to ensure seamless project handoffs.
- Participate in project kickoff and turnover meetings as required.
Benefits
- Competitive salary with strong long-term growth potential
- Professional development opportunities with paid tuition
- Collaborative, innovative, fast-paced team environment
- Comprehensive company-paid benefits (extended health, dental & vision)
- Easy Fridays to support balance and productivity
- Frequent team events and office perks
- Opportunity to work on high-profile and complex construction projects
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Associate degree
