Chief Estimator, Highways | General Contractor | Vancouver | Outpost Recruitment

Outpost Recruitment; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vehicle + gas card

4 weeks' vacation

Fitness membership

Training opportunities

Summer hours

Job summary

A leading general contractor is seeking a Chief Estimator to join their infrastructure team in Vancouver. This full-time permanent role requires 10+ years of experience in Civil & Infrastructure estimating, including management and bid leadership. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, possess strong leadership and communication skills, and have a passion for relationship building. Compensation ranges from $180,000 to $250,000, with additional benefits including a vehicle, 4 weeks' vacation, and training opportunities.

Qualifications

• 10+ years' relevant experience estimating in the Civil & Infrastructure construction industry.
• 5+ years' relevant management experience and leadership.
• Proven experience leading bids up to $50m.

Responsibilities

• Collaboratively complete the full-cycle bid process.
• Lead the overall preconstruction process including bidding and cost estimates.
• Utilize research skills to identify project-specific prices.

Skills

Leadership

Bid management

Communication skills

Relationship building

Education

University Degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Engineering

Tools

Estimation software

Job description

Our client, a leading general contractor has an opening for a Chief Estimator to join their infrastructure team in Vancouver, BC. Salary range $160,000 - $185,000.

Outpost Recruitment is excited to work with our client on this full-time permanent role.

The Chief Estimator:

• Lead the estimation team and deliver winning results. Your successful management, supervision and coordination will navigate the tender process from concept to submission while keeping risk top of mind.
• Chief Estimator will have an appetite for excellence and a winning spirit; you will thrive in a fast‑paced and exciting environment that provides ongoing new and interesting challenges.
• You provide leadership and proven trade‑driven expertise to support business growth and challenge industry standards using quick thinking and relationship‑building skills.
• Focus on developing your team’s opportunities within the estimation field. As a key member of our team, we will rethink construction together, from idea to completion.

Responsibilities of Chief Estimator:

• Collaboratively complete the full‑cycle bid process.
• Chief Estimator will lead the overall preconstruction process including bidding, cost estimates, budget analysis and support proposals.
• Lead and develop a team of dynamic estimators and collaborate closely with other members of the leadership team.
• Support the business development process.
• Lead external and internal presentations of proposals and estimates.
• Utilize your research skills at every stage of the process to identify project‑specific prices related to key items including labour, equipment and materials.
• With an eye for detail, accurately interpret technical specifications for bid documents.
• Review project business plans with internal stakeholders to ensure profitability.
• Actively assist with full quantity take‑offs to ensure accuracy of contract specifications and pricing.
• Keep client pricing requirements top‑of‑mind to ensure accuracy of estimates.
• Grow and maintain strong relationships with trade partners, consultants and clients to achieve the project goals and vision.
• Get creative and think outside the box to come up with innovative solutions and opportunities.
• Actively encourage a learning environment, share your knowledge and be a role model throughout the estimation process with your team.
• Celebrate the successes of your team and be a key member of the project ramp‑up process.

Experience and Requirements of Chief Estimator:

• 10+ years' relevant experience estimating in the Civil & Infrastructure construction industry.
• 5+ years' relevant management experience and leadership.
• Proven experience leading bids up to $50m.
• University Degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Engineering or a combination of education and industry experience.
• A proven track record of estimate / bid management as well as team collaboration and management.
• Solid written and verbal communication skills.
• A passion and drive for building relationships.
• Strong computer skills with estimation software and an enthusiasm for innovation.
• Western Canadian market experience.

Compensation:

Competitive salary: $180,000 - $250,000 depending on experience. Great benefits package, vehicle + gas card, 4 weeks' vacation, fitness membership, training opportunities, summer hours and more.

Ideal Candidate:

Candidates with authorisation to work in Canada are preferred; strong international candidates will be considered. Please clearly highlight relevant work experience, project overviews and project scale ($) in your resume.