Chief Estimator

Chandos Construction; Toronto; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in Toronto is seeking a Chief Estimator to own bid strategies for mid-to-large projects. You will lead a team in crafting proposals, mentoring leaders, and ensuring competitive edge in bidding processes. The ideal candidate has over 20 years in construction estimating with strong contractor background and strategic leadership abilities.

Benefits

Employee-ownership model

Competitive salary + bonus potential

Employer-paid benefits

Educational assistance

Leadership development programs

Qualifications

• 20+ years in commercial or industrial construction estimating.
• 6+ years on complex, multi-million-dollar bids.
• Proven general contractor background with established industry connections.

Responsibilities

• Lead all estimating functions and guarantee bid accuracy.
• Develop estimates and bid proposals aligned with client needs.
• Mentor your estimating team to build technical skills.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Negotiation

Technical knowledge in construction estimating

Job description

Overview

Strategic Recruiter | Talent Acquisition Leader | Proud Metis

We exist to build a better world. Our vision is to emerge as Canada’s premier technical builder, distinguished by our relentless pursuit of innovation, collaboration, and sustainability in all that we do. Our three missions guide our daily work and help us achieve our purpose and vision. And the way we behave as we work towards these ambitious goals is to embrace and champion inclusion, collaboration, innovation, and courage.

We are 100 per cent employee-owned, and our success is driven by our employee owners. We prioritize people, purpose, and performance in all that we do. Every employee has a financial stake in the company’s performance. When the company thrives, you benefit directly. When everyone is invested—literally—it builds a community of accountability, pride and mutual support.

We look for team members who are gritty, accountable, and driven—with a mindset rooted in initiative and purpose, you think like an entrepreneur and build strong, trusting relationships through clear communication and thoughtful dialogue, even in challenging conversations.

What We Offer

• Employee-ownership model—share in our success and vote on our direction
• Competitive salary + bonus potential
• Employer-paid benefits (health, HCSA after one-year, dental, vision, EAP) + RRSP matching
• Educational assistance and leadership development programs
• True safety-first culture and coast-to-coast award-winning projects

Job Description

Take the reins as Chief Estimator and own our bid strategy for mid-to-large commercial and industrial projects across the GTA. 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

Why This Role Matters

Your leadership will directly impact our ability to win strategic projects that shape our growth. By optimizing bid strategy and elevating our estimating team’s performance, you’ll ensure we maintain a sustainable edge in a competitive marketplace.

Who You Are

• 20+ years in commercial or industrial construction estimating, with 6+ years on complex, multi-million-dollar bids
• Proven general contractor background (not third-party PM or developer) with established, long-standing network of GTA industry contacts—your connections in development, design and trade are key to this role
• 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

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

READY TO BUILD WITH US?

Job Details

• Seniority level : Director
• Employment type : Full-time
• Job function : Management and Manufacturing
• Industries : Construction