Job Description

Summary

The Senior Estimator oversees daily operations of the estimating department, identifying and pursuing bidding opportunities, securing competitive subcontractor and supplier pricing, and producing accurate, competitive tenders and proposals. This role also involves mentoring junior staff and supporting business development efforts.
Supervision of Junior Estimators and Intermediate Estimators is required

Key Responsibilities 

• Assist in setting annual tender and profit goals.
• Recommend policy changes on profit margins to support market entry and company objectives.
• Provide technical guidance to clients, project managers, and internal stakeholders.
• Stay current on industry trends, regulations, and market conditions.
• Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and ethical requirements in bidding activities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and consultants.
• Standardize and enforce estimating procedures.
• Promote teamwork, especially during tender closings.
• Identify and qualify high-probability bidding opportunities through online portals, associations, and networking.
• Maintain an up-to-date estimating database for labor, materials, and equipment costs.
• Pre-qualify and maintain a database of subcontractors and suppliers.
• Assist with proposal preparation and keep tender tracking systems current.
• Evaluate tender opportunities for alignment with company capabilities and strategy.
• Post tender documents (with permission) and analyze competitor activity.
• Solicit and negotiate pricing with subcontractors and suppliers.
• Attend mandatory pre-bid meetings and site visits.
• Review tender documents, request clarifications, and identify project risks.
• Prepare budgets, detailed estimates, and preliminary schedules.
• Lead the estimating team during tender closings
• Analyze outcomes of closed tenders and maintain competitor pricing records.
• Conduct project handovers with relevant documentation.
• Participate in subcontractor negotiations and assist with scope preparation.
• Support project teams in preparing change order estimates.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience as an Intermediate or Senior Estimator in construction.
• Experience in project management, construction management, or cost consulting is an asset.
• Diploma or degree in Construction Technology, Engineering, or related field (P.Eng., CET, Quantity Surveyor preferred).
• Gold Seal Certified Estimator designation is an asset.
• Strong ability to interpret drawings/specifications and perform complex calculations.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
• Proficient with estimating software, spreadsheets, and Microsoft Project.