Chief Estimator

ECL Group of Companies; Calgary; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

ECL Group of Companies in Calgary, Alberta is seeking a Chief Estimator to lead the heavy civil estimating function for underground utility projects. The role emphasizes strategic bid direction and cross‑functional collaboration with VP Operations, GMs, and business development to secure major contracts.

Ideal candidates have 10+ years of progressive estimating experience in heavy civil work in Alberta, deep knowledge of water, sanitary, stormwater, and related earthworks, and a post‑secondary

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive estimating experience in heavy civil construction.
• Experience with underground utilities (water, sanitary, stormwater).
• Post-secondary education in Civil Engineering or related field; P.Eng./C.E.T. asset is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating function for major heavy civil opportunities and bid submissions.
• Develop bid strategies balancing competitiveness, risk, and profitability.
• Oversee quantity take-offs, subcontractor pricing, and cost development.
• Collaborate with General Managers, Operations, and Business Development to win bids.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Underground utilities

Bid strategy

Risk management

Team collaboration

Education

Civil Engineering

Construction Management

Tools

Bluebeam

B2W

Job description

Chief Estimator

Type: In-Office | Full-Time Location: Calgary, Alberta

About Our Client

Our client is an established leader in heavy civil construction, with extensive expertise in complex underground utility and infrastructure projects. With a strong presence in the Alberta market, the organization delivers projects across municipal, government, industrial, and private development sectors, working with owners, consultants, contractors, and development partners.

Key Responsibilities

As the Chief Estimator, you will lead the estimating function for major heavy civil opportunities, providing strategic direction while overseeing the preparation of competitive, accurate, and comprehensive estimates. Reporting to the VP of Operations, you will work closely with General Managers, Operations, Business Development, and senior leadership to develop winning bid strategies, manage risk, and support sustainable business growth.

Estimating Leadership & Strategy

Lead the estimating function and establish consistent systems, processes, procedures, and best practices across the organization. Review project opportunities with General Managers and senior leadership to determine which pursuits align with operational capacity, market strategy, risk tolerance, and business objectives. Develop bid strategies that balance competitiveness, project risk, available capacity, and profitability. Lead bid‑day reviews with General Managers and estimators to validate assumptions, pricing, risks, and final submissions. Ensure project risks, contractual requirements, constructability considerations, scope gaps, and commercial issues are identified and communicated to senior leadership. Develop and maintain processes for effective project handoff from estimating to operations.

Heavy Civil Estimating & Preconstruction

Lead complex estimates from initial opportunity assessment through tender submission, including quantity take‑offs, subcontractor and supplier pricing, indirect costs, risk assessment, and final bid review. Apply strong technical knowledge of underground utility construction, including water, sanitary, stormwater, deep utilities, complex excavation, shoring, bypass pumping, trenchless installations, earthworks, and site servicing. Interpret drawings, specifications, geotechnical information, contracts, and tender documents to identify scope gaps, risks, opportunities, and constructability considerations. Support conceptual estimating and develop cost information that enables the team to efficiently and accurately assess early‑stage opportunities. Work with Business Development and external consultants to assess project feasibility, design requirements, timelines, and anticipated costs. Lead RFQ and RFP submissions in collaboration with Business Development and other internal stakeholders.

Market & Business Development

Lead market analysis across key sectors, including industrial, municipal and government, and private development, assessing market size, competitive conditions, and market share. Develop a strong understanding of end‑user clients, including land developers, municipal governments, consultants, and civil general contractors. Build and maintain relationships with key owners, consultants, subcontractors, suppliers, and strategic partners to support future project opportunities. Participate in industry networking events, strategic marketing meetings, and business development initiatives to identify new opportunities and strengthen market relationships. Collaborate with General Managers and Business Development to develop strategies for pursuing and winning strategically important opportunities.

Subcontractor & Supplier Management

Develop and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and vendors to expand coverage across geographic and market areas. Establish prequalification, grading, performance feedback, and relationship‑management processes for subcontractors and suppliers. Improve subcontractor coverage, bid scoping, pricing accuracy, and overall estimate development through consistent processes and best practices. Negotiate and evaluate subcontractor and supplier pricing while ensuring estimates reflect realistic project requirements and market conditions.

Technology, Systems & Continuous Improvement

Lead the implementation, maintenance, and ongoing improvement of estimating and project‑tracking technology, including the B2W software suite in collaboration with IT. Investigate and implement new technologies that can improve estimating efficiency, accuracy, and decision‑making. Develop and maintain conceptual estimating databases to support faster and more accurate preliminary cost estimates. Use historical project performance, actual production data, and lessons learned to continuously improve estimating assumptions, processes, and accuracy. Develop reporting for senior leadership on bidding activity, project opportunities, and competitive market conditions.

Qualifications

To succeed in this role, candidates should demonstrate:

• Education & Experience: 10+ years of progressive estimating experience within heavy civil construction, with significant hands-on experience estimating underground utility projects. Extensive experience with water, sanitary, stormwater, and related underground infrastructure. Proven experience estimating projects involving deep utilities, complex excavation, shoring, bypass pumping, trenchless installations, earthworks, and site servicing. Demonstrated experience leading complex estimates from opportunity assessment through tender submission, including quantity take‑offs, subcontractor and supplier pricing, indirect costs, risk assessment, and final bid review. Experience with multiple procurement and project delivery models, including unit‑price, negotiated, design‑assist, and construction management. Strong knowledge of the Alberta heavy civil construction market, including owners, consultants, subcontractors, suppliers, and competitive conditions. Post‑secondary education in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Engineering Technology, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and extensive industry experience. Professional designation such as P.Eng., C.E.T., GSC, or equivalent is an asset.
• Technical Skills: Strong understanding of construction methods, production rates, equipment utilization, labour requirements, and material costs associated with underground utility construction. Advanced ability to interpret drawings, specifications, geotechnical information, contracts, and tender documents. Experience with estimating software and related technology; Bluebeam and B2W experience is preferred. Strong understanding of project risk, commercial considerations, constructability, and cost development.

We are proud to apply principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all our recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates.

In accordance with Canadian immigration laws, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Learn more: www.cic.gc.ca.