Chief Estimator

Skyline Recruitment Ltd; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Skyline Recruitment Ltd in British Columbia partners with a leading heavy civil contractor to hire a Chief Estimator. This senior role leads the estimating function, mentors the preconstruction team, and provides strategic oversight on major pursuits across complex infrastructure projects.

You will work closely with the Director of Estimating to develop competitive strategies, review methodologies and cost data, and ensure smooth handover of successful estimates to project delivery teams.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of estimating experience in heavy civil construction, in senior or leadership roles.
• Proven track record leading large, complex civil infrastructure estimates and pursuits.
• Experience mentoring or leading estimating teams.
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, productivity, cost development, contracts, and risk.
• Experience with major earthworks, concrete, industrial civil, power infra, hydroelectric, or substations.
• Experience with lump sum, unit price, design-build, or complex contract models.
• Proven ability to collaborate with operations to develop competitive strategies.
• BS/ Diploma in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or related field preferred.
• Experience with industry estimating software such as HCSS HeavyBid, InEight, B2W, Bluebeam, or similar.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating across large, complex heavy civil and infrastructure projects.
• Mentor and develop Senior Estimators and preconstruction team members.
• Review estimates, methodologies, pricing, schedules, risks, and opportunities before submission.
• Lead major pursuits from opportunity assessment through tender close and handover.
• Collaborate with owners, consultants, designers, partners, subcontractors, and internal operations teams.
• Provide oversight of subcontractor and supplier procurement, scope reviews, and bid evaluations.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and alternative construction methodologies.
• Conduct estimate risk analysis and lead internal bid reviews.
• Help improve estimating processes, systems, historical cost data, and overall estimating capabilities.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Education

Civil Engineering or related degree

Tools

HCSS HeavyBid

InEight

B2W

Bluebeam

Job description

Skyline Recruitment is partnering with a leading heavy civil contractor in British Columbia to hire an experienced Chief Estimator.

Our client is a well-established civil contractor delivering complex infrastructure projects throughout British Columbia. This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced estimating professional to work closely with the Director of Estimating, helping lead the estimating function, develop the existing team, and provide strategic oversight on major pursuits.

The successful candidate will combine strong technical estimating experience with leadership, commercial awareness, and a practical understanding of heavy civil construction.

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Director of Estimating to provide leadership across the estimating and preconstruction function
• Lead and oversee estimates for large, complex heavy civil and infrastructure projects
• Mentor, support, and develop Senior Estimators, Estimators, and other preconstruction team members
• Review estimates, methodologies, pricing strategies, schedules, risks, and opportunities prior to submission
• Lead major pursuits from initial opportunity assessment through tender close and handover
• Analyze RFPs, RFQs, tender documents, specifications, and contractual requirements
• Develop competitive estimating and pursuit strategies alongside operations and senior leadership
• Provide oversight of subcontractor and supplier procurement, scope reviews, and bid evaluations
• Identify value engineering opportunities and alternative construction methodologies
• Conduct estimate risk analysis and lead internal bid reviews
• Collaborate with owners, consultants, designers, partners, subcontractors, and internal operations teams
• Support contract negotiations through detailed cost analysis and commercial review
• Ensure successful estimates are effectively transitioned to project delivery teams
• Help improve estimating processes, systems, historical cost data, and overall estimating capabilities

Requirements:

• 10+ years of estimating experience within heavy civil construction, with significant experience at a senior or leadership level
• Proven experience leading large and complex civil infrastructure estimates and pursues
• Previous experience mentoring, managing, or providing technical leadership to estimating teams
• Strong understanding of construction methodology, productivity, cost development, contracts, and commercial risk
• Experience with major earthworks, complex concrete, industrial civil, power infrastructure, hydroelectric, substations, transmission, or similar infrastructure considered highly valuable
• Experience with lump sum, unit price, design-build, alternative delivery, or other complex contract models
• Ability to work closely with operations teams to develop practical and competitive construction strategies
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
• Diploma or bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or a related discipline preferred
• Experience with industry estimating software such as HCSS HeavyBid, InEight, B2W, Bluebeam, or similar platforms

What's Offered:

• Competitive base salary of $160,000 - $200,000+, depending on experience
• Senior leadership position working directly alongside the Director of Estimating
• Opportunity to influence estimating strategy, processes, and team development
• Involvement in major heavy civil and infrastructure projects throughout British Columbia
• Long‑term opportunity with an established and growing civil contractor

This opportunity would suit an experienced Chief Estimator, Estimating Manager, Lead Estimator, or senior estimating professional who enjoys remaining involved in major pursuits while also mentoring teams and helping shape the wider estimating function.

If you are an experienced heavy civil estimating leader considering your next opportunity in British Columbia, we would welcome a confidential conversation.