Lead Estimator

Durwest•Victoria, BC

2d•CA$120,000 - CA$150,000•Onsite

About The Position

Durwest is hiring a Lead Estimator to own the full-cycle tender process, from take-offs through pricing to bid submission, while helping build a standardized, repeatable estimating function for Durwest. This role is central to maintaining estimating consistency, cost data, and documentation, and supports the Preconstruction Manager on risk review, RFP responses, and business development pursuits as projects require. In this role, you will work closely with trade partners, suppliers, consultants, clients, and the broader project team, acting as a key coordination point that keeps preconstruction moving efficiently from initial pricing through to contract award. Your work will help build the foundation for project success while accelerating your own growth as a construction professional through meaningful ownership of estimates, pricing strategies, and client-facing collaboration. This is an exciting opportunity to step into a preconstruction leadership role anchored in estimating, where your initiative and attention to detail are both visible and valued from day one. If you are a motivated, organized construction professional who thrives in a dynamic, team-oriented environment, this position is the right next step.

Requirements

3+ years of experience in Project Management, Estimation, Preconstruction, or as a Superintendent, preferably on a range of ICI and/or multi-family residential projects.
Proven experience preparing hard-bid estimates and managing the full tendering process.
Proficiency with estimating and take-off software (OST, Procore, Bluebeam or similar), with adaptability to new tools and methods.
Solid understanding of CCDC contracts, public procurement requirements, and bid submission protocols.
Excellent communication, collaboration, and time management skills, with the ability to thrive under deadlines.
Ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical drawings with attention to detail.
Strong knowledge of institutional building systems, assemblies, and the trade market.
A team player who takes ownership, builds strong relationships, and contributes to a fun, collaborative work environment.

Nice To Haves

Degree or diploma in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related discipline.
Experience building or improving estimating templates, tools, and processes for team-wide use.

Responsibilities

Own the full-cycle tender process end-to-end, including scope reviews, leveling, detailed quantity take-offs, pricing strategies, and bid submissions.
Lead and seek to continuously improve Durwest's estimating function, this includes setting the standard for consistent, accurate, and efficient estimates; developing and refining templates, databases, and processes tailored to our project types; contributing to bid/no-bid decisions; and acting as the go-to resource on pricing strategy.
Maintain current cost data, leveraging relationships with trades and suppliers to keep pricing competitive.
Perform detailed quantity take-offs and maintain current cost data, leveraging relationships with trades and suppliers for competitive pricing.
Collaborate with consultants and clients to clarify scope, identify risks, and propose value engineering opportunities.
Review tender documents, supplemental conditions, and contract terms to identify risk and cost exposure, flagging items to the Preconstruction Manager for resolution.
Prepare RFP responses, including design-assist RFPs, and support business development efforts by contributing to proposals and client-facing pursuit materials.
As operationally required, support the Preconstruction PM with stakeholder coordination, schedule and deliverable oversight, constructability reviews, and cost planning (Class D through Class A estimates) to ensure successful project delivery and handoff to construction.
Coordinate with Preconstruction Coordinators on tender submissions and preconstruction deliverables.
Lead the process of notice of awards and contract issuance in collaboration with the operations team.
Build and nurture strong relationships within the Preconstruction team, along with trade partners, consultants, and clients, ensuring early engagement and collaboration.
Identify opportunities to refine and improve estimating and preconstruction workflows, supporting Durwest’s culture of accountability and growth