Chief Estimator, Paving & Road Construction

Scout Talent; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction company based in Vancouver is seeking a Chief Estimator to lead the preparation of cost estimates for road building and civil projects. The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of relevant experience in the civil construction sector alongside strong estimating skills. Responsibilities include reviewing contracts, preparing detailed bids, and mentoring junior estimators. This role offers a salary range of $150k-$175k per year along with comprehensive benefits and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Comprehensive health care

Life and disability insurance

Employer RRSP contribution

3 weeks of vacation

Vehicle allowance

Employee Assistance Program

Relocation assistance

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7+ years relevant experience in road building or civil construction.
• Ability to travel to client sites around the lower mainland.
• Proven understanding of earthworks and municipal infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of detailed cost estimates for road projects.
• Review tender documents and assess risks.
• Solicit prices and incorporate into competitive bids.
• Provide technical guidance and coaching to estimators.

Skills

Road building experience

Strong estimating skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Associate Degree in Engineering or Construction Management

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

About Mainland Construction Materials

As part of a large multi-national group of companies, the Mainland Construction Materials family has been proudly supplying high-quality construction products and relationship-driven services since 1970. With our head office, manufacturing facilities, and supply points located throughout the Greater Vancouver and Lower Mainland, we’ve played a key role in shaping local communities through road building and material supply for residential, commercial, marine, and environmental projects.

At Mainland, we take pride in living our values, attracting and developing exceptional people, and working collaboratively with our customers to deliver the highest possible value. If you’re seeking a career that offers challenging work, long-term growth, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact—both within the company and the community—join our team. You’ll be part of a group of over 280 driven professionals who bring passion, dedication, and pride to everything they do.

For more information, please visit our website: mainlandcm.com/

About the Opportunity

Mainland Construction Materials is currently looking for a full-time Chief Estimator to join our Winvan Paving team, based in New Westminster, B.C.

This is a senior, hands‑on estimating role responsible for leading bid preparation and producing accurate, competitive cost estimates for road building and civil construction projects. Reporting to the General Manager, the Chief Estimator plays a critical role in winning work, supporting project execution, and strengthening estimating practices by providing mentorship and support to the estimating team.

More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Leading the preparation of detailed cost estimates for road building, asphalt paving, earthworks, and civil infrastructure projects
• Reviewing tender documents, drawings, and specifications to assess scope, risks, and opportunities
• Completing quantity take‑offs and pricing for labour, equipment, materials, and subcontractors
• Soliciting, evaluating, and incorporating supplier and subcontractor pricing into competitive bids
• Developing bid strategies in collaboration with Operations and senior leadership
• Applying construction methods, production rates, and local market knowledge to ensure accurate pricing
• Liaising with Project Management teams to support bid handover and successful execution of awarded work
• Supporting bid reviews and preparing clear documentation for project handoff
• Providing technical guidance, coaching, and knowledge‑sharing to estimators as needed
• Reviewing estimates for accuracy, completeness, and constructability
• Maintaining and improving historical cost data and estimating tools
• Promoting and embedding a safety‑first culture across all estimating and bid activities

More About You

To qualify, you will need demonstrated experience in road building or paving projects and strong estimating or construction cost exposure within the civil construction industry. A minimum of 7+ years of relevant experience in road building, paving, or mixed civil construction environments will be essential, with the ability to apply market knowledge to competitive bids. The ability to travel to client sites around the lower mainland is required.

A combination of skills and experience will be considered, including backgrounds that blend field‑based construction experience with estimating responsibilities.

Additionally, the following skills and background will be highly valued:

• Associate Degree in Engineering or Construction Management
• Direct experience estimating road building or paving projects
• Strong technical understanding of earthworks, asphalt, aggregates, utilities, and municipal infrastructure
• Advanced proficiency with estimating software and Microsoft Excel
• Ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contracts
• Familiarity with Bid2Win or similar estimating platforms
• PMP certification

As our ideal candidate, you will possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, a high level of attention to detail, and a practical, solutions‑oriented mindset. You are confident working in fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environments, comfortable collaborating with field and project teams, and known for your professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment.

This is a hands‑on, senior estimating role suited for a technically strong professional who enjoys being closely involved in bids, site considerations, and real‑world construction challenges.

About the Benefits

In return for your hard work and dedication, your total compensation package will range from $150k-$175k/yr (base + bonus), depending on your skills and experience. You’ll also enjoy an excellent benefits package, along with a range of additional perks, including:

• Comprehensive extended health care, dental, and vision coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• 6% employer RRSP contribution
• 3 weeks of vacation
• Vehicle allowance of $825/month
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Relocation assistance
• Casual dress and on‑site parking
• Opportunities for professional development and growth
• Employee appreciation events such as our yearly Christmas parties, summer BBQs, and golf tournaments

This is a challenging and dynamic role within a team that prides itself on delivering fantastic results. If you believe you have what it takes, apply now!