Chief Estimator

Confidential; Halifax; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential in Halifax, Nova Scotia seeks a Chief Estimator to lead mechanical estimates for plumbing and heating, guiding the estimating process from pre-construction through execution.

You will own full-cycle estimating and takeoffs, perform labour analysis to refine project allowances, and interpret bid documents to meet project requirements. Collaboration with PMs, suppliers, and subcontractors is essential for multi-project success.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of mechanical estimating experience.
• Focus on plumbing and heating (HVAC experience optional).
• Ability to complete full-cycle estimating and takeoffs independently and in a team.
• Strong labour analysis and cost modelling skills.
• Proficiency with estimating software and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong understanding of construction drawings and industry standards.
• Excellent organization and time management.
• Strong communication and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate and competitive mechanical estimates for plumbing and heating."
• Guide estimating processes from pre-construction through execution.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and labour analysis to develop project allowances.
• Interpret bid documents, drawings and specifications to understand project requirements.
• Lead and support estimating across multiple projects and collaborate with project managers, suppliers and subcontractors.
• Identify risks and opportunities within estimates and support process improvements.

Skills

Labour analysis

Cost modelling

Takeoffs

Estimating software

Microsoft Excel

Communication

Team collaboration

Reading drawings

HVAC experience

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The client is a well-established mechanical contractor specializing in plumbing, heating, ventilation, and control systems for institutional, commercial, and multi-unit residential projects. Partnering with leading developers and general contractors, The client delivers complex projects using a scalable workforce and a culture focused on accountability, quality, and reliable execution. The role is for a Chief Estimator based in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The Chief Estimator will prepare accurate and competitive mechanical estimates and guide estimating processes from pre-construction through execution. Reporting to senior leadership, the role will take a hands-on approach, owning the estimating function end-to-end, including completing mechanical estimates and quantity takeoffs personally. Key responsibilities include producing complete mechanical estimates (with a focus on plumbing and heating), performing detailed quantity takeoffs, conducting labour analysis to develop project allowances, analyzing labour costs, material pricing, and productivity factors, and interpreting bid documents, drawings, and specifications to understand project requirements.

Additional responsibilities include leading and supporting estimating efforts across multiple projects simultaneously, collaborating with project managers, suppliers, and subcontractors to confirm pricing and scope, identifying risks and opportunities within estimates, and supporting continuous improvement of estimating processes, tools, and standards. The ideal candidate will have at least 5+ years of mechanical estimating experience, strong expertise in mechanical estimating with a focus on heating and plumbing (with HVAC experience considered an asset), and the ability to complete full-cycle estimating and takeoffs independently and within a team. Qualifications also include strong labour analysis and cost modelling skills, willingness and ability to personally perform takeoffs, proficiency with estimating software and Microsoft Excel, strong understanding of construction drawings and industry standards, excellent organization and time management, and strong communication and collaboration.