Chief Estimator

SearchLabs; Southwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 190,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

SearchLabs is seeking a Chief Estimator to lead the estimating department and set strategic direction for bids across commercial, industrial, and institutional projects. You will mentor Senior and Junior Estimators, establish standards, and ensure profitability with rigorous risk management.

The role requires guiding go/no-go decisions, coordinating with Operations and Development, and delivering strong preconstruction input on constructability and value engineering.

Qualifications

• Progressive estimating experience in commercial/industrial/construction.
• Experience leading complex bids and mentoring estimating teams.
• Strong knowledge of contracts and delivery models.

Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating department and bid strategy.
• Mentor Senior/Junior Estimators and ensure best practices.
• Oversee budgets, procurement strategies, and risk management.
• Approve final estimates and ensure profitability targets.
• Direct bid submissions and client communications.
• Collaborate with Operations and Business Development on strategy.

Skills

Leadership

Estimating

Bid management

Negotiation

Presentation

Communication

Education

Construction Management degree

Civil Engineering degree

Architectural Technology degree

Tools

OST

Bluebeam

Procore

Microsoft Office

Job description

Our client is a leading General Contractor recognized for delivering complex commercial, industrial, and institutional projects. They are seeking a Chief Estimator to lead their estimating department, drive bid strategy, and elevate preconstruction excellence across the organization.

This is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing all estimating activities, ensuring accuracy, competitiveness, and profitability while mentoring a high‑performing team and collaborating closely with executive leadership.

What You Will Lead

• Provide strategic leadership to Senior Estimators, Estimators, and Junior Estimators.
• Establish and enforce estimating standards, policies, and best practices.
• Mentor and develop staff, ensuring strong succession planning and future leadership growth.
• Manage departmental workload across multiple tenders and deadlines.
• Lead go/no‑go bid decisions with executive leadership.
• Oversee conceptual budgets, schematic estimates, detailed bids, and procurement strategies.
• Review and approve all final estimates to ensure alignment with profitability and risk frameworks.
• Ensure estimates achieve targeted gross margins by project type.
• Lead bid risk identification and management reviews.
• Direct major tender closings and ensure compliant, accurate, strategic submissions.
• Lead project handoff meetings to Operations, ensuring full transfer of assumptions, risks, and pricing strategies.
• Collaborate with Operations and Business Development to align estimating strategy with company objectives.
• Act as a senior preconstruction contact for clients and consultants.
• Provide executive‑level input on bid strategy, value engineering, constructability, and delivery models.
• Track market trends, subcontractor pricing, and material costs to maintain competitiveness.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, developers, consultants, and trade partners.
• Support contract negotiations through cost breakdowns, scope clarifications, and risk analysis.
• Champion estimating technology, digital workflows, and scalable systems.
• Oversee historical cost data, benchmarking tools, and lessons‑learned integration.
• Monitor KPIs including bid‑win ratios, estimate accuracy, and proposal quality.
• Participate in GC leadership team planning and strategy.

What You Bring

• Diploma or degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architectural Technology, or related field.
• 8–12 years of progressive estimating experience in commercial, industrial, or institutional construction.
• Proven success leading complex bids and mentoring estimating teams.
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, contracts, and delivery models (Lump Sum, CM, Design‑Build).
• Proficiency with estimating software (OST, Bluebeam, Procore, etc.) and Microsoft Office.
• Strong financial, analytical, communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple bids under tight deadlines.
• Established subcontractor and supplier relationships considered an asset.

Compensation: $190,000 – $230,000 + full package

Disclaimers

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is not used to screen, assess, or make hiring decisions for this role. All applications are reviewed and evaluated by our recruitment team.

Vacancy Status

This posting represents a current vacancy.

Additional Notes

Compensation discussions and negotiation guidance will be provided during the hiring process as appropriate.