Chief Estimator

SSA Recruitment (CA); Vaughan; On-site; CAD 144,000 - 176,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual performance bonus

Health and dental benefits

RRSP matching

Paid vacation

Career growth opportunities

GTA project pipeline

Job summary

SSA Recruitment (CA) is partnering with a growing ICI General Contractor in Concord, Ontario, to hire a Chief Estimator who will lead the estimating department and drive profitable tenders across Industrial, Commercial and Institutional projects in the GTA.

This senior leadership role is in-office five days a week and requires a track record of managing large tenders, leading estimators, and coordinating with operations to ensure smooth project handoffs.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of ICI construction estimating experience with a General Contractor.
• Experience in Senior/Lead/Chief Estimator roles.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, project delivery, and procurement processes.
• Proven ability to manage large and complex tender submissions.
• Experience with ICI construction projects in Ontario.
• Knowledge of contract documents, drawings, specifications, and bid procedures.
• Proficiency with estimating software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, negotiation, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a deadline-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all estimating activities from bid invitation through project award.
• Review drawings, specifications, tender documents, and contract requirements.
• Prepare and oversee accurate quantity takeoffs, cost estimates, and bid submissions.
• Manage multiple bids simultaneously while ensuring deadlines are met.
• Develop and maintain relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, consultants, and clients.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier pricing.
• Identify project risks, opportunities, and value-engineering solutions.
• Review project scopes and participate in bid strategy discussions with senior leadership.
• Mentor and develop junior estimators and estimating staff.
• Monitor market trends, pricing fluctuations, and industry developments.
• Collaborate with operations and project management teams to ensure smooth project handoffs.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Tender management

Leadership

Ontario ICI experience

Bid submissions

Negotiation

Analytical skills

MS Office

Estimating software

Tools

Estimating software

Job description

Chief Estimator

Location: Concord, Ontario

Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Work Arrangement: In-Office (5 Days Per Week)

Salary

Up to $160,000 per year + Bonus + Benefits

Compensation will be based on experience, leadership capabilities, and industry expertise.

About the Opportunity

Our client is a growing and respected ICI General Contractor based in Concord, Ontario, specializing in Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI) projects throughout the Greater Toronto Area.

They are seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to lead their estimating department and play a key role in securing profitable projects. This position is ideal for a senior estimating professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and has a proven track record of managing tenders, leading teams, and driving strategic growth.

This is a full-time, in-office leadership role requiring attendance at the Concord office five days per week.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all estimating activities from bid invitation through project award.
• Review drawings, specifications, tender documents, and contract requirements.
• Prepare and oversee accurate quantity takeoffs, cost estimates, and bid submissions.
• Manage multiple bids simultaneously while ensuring deadlines are met.
• Develop and maintain relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, consultants, and clients.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier pricing.
• Identify project risks, opportunities, and value-engineering solutions.
• Review project scopes and participate in bid strategy discussions with senior leadership.
• Mentor and develop junior estimators and estimating staff.
• Monitor market trends, pricing fluctuations, and industry developments.
• Collaborate with operations and project management teams to ensure smooth project handoffs.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of ICI construction estimating experience with a General Contractor.
• Previous experience in a Senior Estimator, Lead Estimator, or Chief Estimator role.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, project delivery, and procurement processes.
• Proven ability to manage large and complex tender submissions.
• Experience with ICI construction projects in Ontario.
• Strong knowledge of contract documents, drawings, specifications, and bid procedures.
• Proficiency with estimating software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, negotiation, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a deadline-driven environment.

Preferred Experience

• Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI) construction projects.
• Design-build and stipulated sum projects.
• Public and private sector tenders.
• Experience leading an estimating team.
• Gold Seal Certification, CET, PQS, or related industry credentials considered an asset.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary up to $160,000
• Annual performance bonus
• Comprehensive health and dental benefits
• RRSP matching program
• Paid vacation
• Long-term career growth opportunities
• Stable pipeline of projects throughout the GTA