Chief Estimator

ML6 Search + Talent Advisory; Surrey; On-site; CAD 130,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

ML6 Search + Talent Advisory client seeks a Chief Estimator to lead the estimating team and oversee all pre-construction estimating activities. You will drive estimating excellence, improve processes, and ensure seamless handoffs to operations, reporting to the Director of Preconstruction.

Responsibilities include leading bid strategy, tender submissions, mentoring estimators, validating final estimates, and developing scalable estimating tools to support growth and profitability.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of estimating experience in commercial construction.
• 3–5 years of leadership experience managing estimating teams.
• Strong knowledge of steel stud framing, drywall, acoustical ceilings, insulation, and interior finishing systems.
• Solid understanding of contracts, specifications, tendering, and procurement.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the estimating team with accountability and continuous improvement.
• Guide estimators through full tender process from review to bid submission.
• Oversee tender opportunities and allocate estimating resources effectively.
• Review drawings, specs, contracts, and tender documents.
• Lead bid strategy, bid/no-bid decisions, and final estimate approvals.
• Validate final estimates for complete scope, risk, and profitability.
• Develop scalable estimating systems, templates, and pricing tools.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Bid strategy

Mentoring

Process improvement

Job description

The Opportunity

Our client is seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to lead the estimating team and oversee all aspects of the pre-construction estimating process. Reporting directly to the Director of Preconstruction, the successful candidate will be responsible for driving estimating excellence by improving processes, developing best practices, and ensuring seamless project handoffs to the operations team. This role will lead bid strategy, oversee tender submissions, mentor and develop estimators, and ensure all estimates are accurate, competitive, and aligned with the company's financial and strategic objectives.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead, mentor, and develop the estimating team while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.


• Establish performance expectations and provide coaching to strengthen technical skills, estimating accuracy, and independent decision-making.


• Guide estimators through the full tender process, from project review and takeoffs to pricing, risk assessment, and bid submission.


• Conduct estimate reviews, provide constructive feedback, and support ongoing professional development across the team.


• Oversee tender opportunities and allocate estimating resources effectively.


• Review project drawings, specifications, contracts, and tender documents.


• Lead bid strategy, bid/no-bid decisions, and final estimate approvals.


• Validate final estimates to ensure complete scope of coverage, accurate assumptions, risk management, and profitability.


• Enhance and standardize estimating processes, procedures, and workflows.


• Develop scalable estimating systems, templates, and pricing tools to improve efficiency and support growth.


• Implement best practices for bid reviews, risk assessment, documentation, and project handoffs.


• Partner with operations to ensure seamless project transitions and support project kickoff meetings as required.

What You'll Need to Be Successful

• 10+ years of estimating experience in commercial construction.


• 3–5 years of leadership experience managing and developing estimating teams.


• Extensive knowledge of steel stud framing, drywall, acoustical ceilings, insulation, and interior finishing systems.


• Strong understanding of construction contracts, specifications, tendering, and procurement.


• Proven ability to manage multiple bids, meet deadlines, and deliver accurate, competitive estimates.


• Excellent analytical, organizational, leadership, and decision-making skills.

Compensation Range

$130,000-140,000/annually