Chief Estimator

Whissell Contracting Ltd.; Calgary; On-site; CAD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Whissell Contracting Ltd. seeks a Chief Estimator to lead the estimating function for civil projects. You will oversee detailed cost estimates, develop budgets and bids, and work with Operations and senior leadership to pursue opportunities.

The role requires a CET designation or Civil Engineering degree, and a track record of 10+ years in heavy civil estimating, with a focus on underground utilities and water/sewer work. Leadership and collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• CET designation or Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (or related field).
• 10+ years estimating experience in heavy civil construction with increasing responsibility.
• Proven success estimating and bidding large-scale heavy civil projects including underground utility, water and sewer work.

Responsibilities

• Lead Whissell’s estimating function and oversee preparation of competitive estimates.
• Develop budgets and bids, review opportunities, and align estimates with operations and leadership.
• Provide leadership and mentoring to estimators; drive bid strategy, risk review, and constructability assessments.

Skills

Read drawings

Bid strategy

Leadership

Communication

Education

CET designation

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

B2W

Bluebeam

Job description

For over 50 years, Whissell has been a trusted name in Alberta’s construction industry—known for our expertise in underground utilities and earthworks, and for the people who make it happen. We’re proud of our strong values, our commitment to safety, and the quality we deliver on every project.

The Chief Estimator is responsible for leading Whissell’s estimating function and overseeing the preparation of competitive, accurate, and comprehensive estimates for civil construction projects. This role provides direction to the estimating team, reviews project opportunities, develops budgets and bids, and works closely with Operations, Project Management, and senior leadership to support successful project pursuits. The Chief Estimator plays a key role in identifying opportunities, managing estimating processes, mentoring estimators, and ensuring estimates align with Whissell’s operational capabilities, risk profile, and business objectives.

This role provides both hands‑on and company‑wide leadership of Whissell’s estimating function, with a focus on winning the right work, improving estimating practices and supporting profitable growth. Working closely with General Managers, estimators, Operations and Business Development, the role leads bid strategy and reviews, evaluates project risks, contractual requirements and constructability, and ensures consistent estimating processes, project handoffs and best practices across the company. The position also supports market and competitor analysis, client and consultant relationships, RFQ/RFP submissions, subcontractor and vendor development, conceptual estimating, and the effective use of estimating technology and systems. In addition, the role provides leadership, training and direction and support to the estimating team and contributes to business planning, opportunity selection, continuous improvement and leadership discussions across Whissell.

Experience/Qualifications:

• CET designation, Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of estimating experience in heavy civil construction, with progressively increasing responsibility.
• Demonstrated success estimating and bidding large-scale, multi-million-dollar heavy civil projects,including complex underground utility, water and sewer work.
• Strong understanding of field operations, construction methods, sequencing, productivity, equipment and constructability.
• Strong ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications and contract documents and develop accurate, competitive cost estimates.
• Proven ability to assess project risk, identify opportunities and develop effective bid strategies.
• Previous leadership or estimating team oversight experience is preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with B2W and Bluebeam is preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with field teams, operations, clients, consultants, subcontractors and senior leadership.