Chief Estimator

Forbes Bros. Group of Companies; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Forbes Bros. Group of Companies in Canada seeks a Chief Estimator to lead the estimating function for utility construction projects, with a primary focus on transmission infrastructure.

You will provide strategic oversight of pricing, governance, and risk evaluation, mentor junior estimators, and collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and executive leadership to reflect market conditions and execution realities in every estimate.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of construction estimating experience in utility projects.
• Direct transmission estimating experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of transmission, linear construction methods and risks.
• Experience with estimation software HeavyBid or InEight and MS Office.
• Ability to explain assumptions, pricing rationale, risks, and strategies.
• Ability to mentor junior estimators.
• Excellent analytical and presentation skills.
• Collaborates with Operations, Engineering, and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating for transmission and related utility projects.
• Provide strategic oversight of estimates, pricing, execution assumptions, and commercial positioning.
• Lead complex pursuits (bid-build, EPC, ECI) and set methodologies.
• Ensure estimate structure and risk integration across proposals.
• Participate in executive bid reviews and post-bid clarifications.
• Support Business Development and preconstruction with market intelligence.
• Mentor intermediate and junior estimators.
• Maintain estimating standards and historical cost data.

Skills

Transmission estimating

Mentoring estimators

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Collaboration across functions

Estimating software (HeavyBid / In8e 8

Pricing strategy

Risk assessment

Leadership

Education

Engineering or related field

Tools

HeavyBid

InEight

Microsoft Office

Job description

Forbes Bros. Group of Companies delivers transmission, distribution, substation, and related power infrastructure projects across Canada and the United States.

Our work spans field construction, project delivery, operations, and corporate support in an environment where safety, execution, and reliability matter.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief Estimator is responsible for leading the estimating function for utility construction projects across the organization, with a primary focus on transmission infrastructure. This role provides strategic oversight of project pursuits, estimating governance, risk evaluation, pricing strategy, and commercial alignment to support profitable project execution and sustainable growth.

The Chief Estimator serves as the senior estimating authority for complex transmission pursuits, including bid-build, EPC, ECI/progressive design-build, and negotiated delivery models. The ideal candidate brings direct transmission estimating experience, a strong understanding of linear construction methods and risks, and the ability to translate operational realities into accurate, competitive, and commercially sound estimates.

This position works closely with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Development, and Executive Leadership to ensure estimates reflect market conditions, construction methodologies, execution realities, client expectations, and organizational risk tolerance.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the estimating function for utility construction pursuits, with primary responsibility for transmission projects, as well as distribution, substations, and related infrastructure.
• Provide strategic oversight and final review of estimates, pricing strategies, execution assumptions, and commercial positioning.
• Lead estimate development for complex pursuits, including bid-build, EPC, ECI/progressive design-build, and negotiated delivery models.
• Establish estimating methodologies, standards, governance processes, and best practices across the organization.
• Ensure estimates accurately reflect transmission construction methods, linear construction challenges, production assumptions, site conditions, and execution risks.
• Drive consistency in estimate structure, cost modeling, risk integration, pricing philosophy, and proposal quality.
• Participate in executive bid reviews and provide recommendations regarding pursuit strategy, pricing, competitiveness, and risk exposure.
• Support Business Development and preconstruction activities by evaluating opportunities, competitive positioning, client requirements, and market intelligence.
• Collaborate with Operations and project leadership to validate constructability, means and methods, production assumptions, resource requirements, and project execution strategies.
• Lead or support the identification, quantification, and documentation of project risks and opportunities within the estimate and risk register.
• Evaluate linear construction and transmission-specific risks, including productivity, access, logistics, material requirements, subcontractor exposure, schedule constraints, environmental considerations, and other execution factors.
• Assist in the development of contingencies, allowances, and pricing strategies appropriate to the project's risk profile and delivery model.
• Participate in internal estimate reviews, pricing validations, and executive approval processes.
• Support post-bid clarifications and negotiations related to scope, pricing, assumptions, exclusions, and execution strategies.
• Provide commercial and estimating insight to support decisions regarding pursuit strategy, project risk, and overall bid positioning.
• Provide technical guidance, review, and mentorship to Intermediate and Junior Estimators.
• Support the consistent application of estimating standards, templates, tools, and governance processes.
• Contribute to the maintenance of historical cost data, benchmarks, productivity information, and lessons learned from executed work.
• Identify opportunities to improve estimating efficiency, accuracy, consistency, and alignment with Operations.
• Promote knowledge sharing between estimating, operations, engineering, and project teams.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Diploma or Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related technical field.
• 8+ years of construction estimating experience, with significant experience in utility construction and a strong preference for direct transmission estimating experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of transmission construction, linear construction methods, execution challenges, and associated project risks.
• Experience estimating transmission, distribution, substations, or related utility infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, unit-based estimating, cost modeling, productivity assumptions, pricing strategy, and risk integration.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and critically review complex estimates and clearly explain assumptions, pricing rationale, risks, and execution strategies.
• Proficiency in estimating software platforms (e.g., HeavyBid, InEight, or similar) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent analytical, mathematical, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to mentor and support the development of estimating staff.
• Ability to work effectively in fast-paced, deadline-driven pursuit environments.
• Strong collaboration skills with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Development, and Executive Leadership.
• Demonstrated commercial judgment and ability to balance competitive pricing with execution risk and organizational risk tolerance.
• Ability to provide senior-level estimating leadership and make recommendations regarding pursuit strategy, pricing, and risk exposure.

Forbes Bros. Group of Companies and its affiliated entities are committed to providing a respectful and accessible recruitment process.

Employment is subject to the requirements of the applicable role, location, project, and employing entity. Depending on the position, this may include verification of work authorization, background screening, driver abstract, drug and alcohol screening, credential verification, client/site access requirements, and other pre-employment conditions permitted by applicable law.

Applicants who require accommodation during the recruitment process are encouraged to contact the recruitment team.

Forbes Bros. Group of Companies is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace.

The information collected through this voluntary self-identification questionnaire helps us better understand the diversity of our workforce, support employment equity initiatives, and identify opportunities to improve representation and inclusion across the organization.

Providing this information is entirely voluntary. Your decision to participate or not participate will not impact your employment, hiring consideration, compensation, or opportunities within the Company.

Information collected will be kept confidential and used only in accordance with applicable privacy and human rights legislation.