Chief Estimator

Chandos Construction; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing construction firm in Ottawa is seeking a Chief Estimator to lead their estimating functions for mid-to-large commercial projects. This role requires a strategic thinker with over 10 years of experience in commercial estimating and a strong network in the Ottawa industry. You will mentor a high-performing team, develop winning proposals, and ensure accurate bidding processes while contributing to a culture of innovation and collaboration.

Benefits

100% employee-ownership model

Competitive salary + performance bonuses

Employer-paid health, dental, vision & EAP

RRSP matching

Leadership development opportunities

Qualifications

• 10+ years in commercial or industrial construction estimating.
• Proven general contractor background with Ottawa industry contacts.
• Strong technical skills in blueprints and compliance standards.

Responsibilities

• Plan and direct estimating functions to guarantee bid profitability.
• Develop estimates and proposals that align with client targets.
• Mentor and coach the estimating team for their career paths.

Skills

Commercial construction estimating

Client presentations

Negotiation

Team leadership

Strategic thinking

Job description

Overview

Take the reins as Chief Estimator and own our bid strategy for mid-to-large commercial and industrial projects across Ottawa. This is your opportunity to build your career with a company that has experienced massive growth.

You’ll lead a high performing team with strategic acumen, relentless drive and a keen eye on where we can make a difference, crafting winning proposals, mentoring tomorrow’s leaders and ensuring we pursue only the right work to maintain our competitive edge.

What You’ll Own

• Plan, coordinate and direct all estimating functions—guarantee accuracy, completeness and profitability of every bid
• Develop estimates, preliminary schedules and bid proposals that align with client needs and target returns
• Lead subcontractor and major-vendor selection, negotiation and contract finalization
• Participate in pre-bid strategy and presentation meetings to ensure consistency and clarity
• Mentor, coach and develop your estimating team—build their technical skills, confidence and career paths
• Hand over successful tenders to operations with clear risk / opportunity analyses
• Track and report key estimating metrics; continuously refine processes for greater speed and precision

Qualifications

• 10+ years in commercial or industrial construction estimating, with 5+ years on complex, multi-million-dollar bids
• Proven general contractor background (not third-party PM or developer) with established, long-standing network of Ottawa industry contacts—your connections in development, design and trade are key to this role
• You are not an expert in high rise residential - you've honed an expertise in the ICI commercial space
• Strategic thinker and insatiably curious—driven to identify the next big opportunity and grow market share
• Natural leader and mentor—your teams and peers view you as their go-to authority
• Exceptional communicator and negotiator—confident in client presentations and internal stakeholder alignment
• Technically adept—fluent in specs, blueprints, cost-modeling methods and compliance standards
• Entrepreneurial mindset—ambitious, proactive and always seeking smarter, safer, faster ways to win work

What We Offer

• 100% employee-ownership model—share in our success and vote on direction
• Competitive base salary + performance bonuses
• Employer-paid health, dental, vision & EAP; RRSP matching
• Leadership development, educational assistance & annual reviews
• A culture built on courage, inclusion, collaboration and innovation

Let’s build something bold—together. Apply today and bring your voice, leadership, and purpose to a company that belongs to its people.