Civil Estimator

Cain & Associates; Surrey; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Cain & Associates is looking for a Senior Estimator in Lower Mainland, BC. This expert will lead the preparation of competitive estimates for complex civil construction projects, focusing on formwork, bridges, and infrastructure.

The ideal candidate has over 7 years of proven experience in construction estimating and strong leadership and analytical skills. This role requires close collaboration with clients, subcontractors, and project teams to ensure successful project execution.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of construction estimating experience.
• Strong understanding of construction methodologies and cost drivers.
• Experience mentoring junior estimators.

Responsibilities

• Leading preparation of detailed cost estimates for civil projects.
• Evaluating project scope, schedule, and cost drivers.
• Developing competitive bid strategies.

Skills

Civil construction estimating

Project management

Risk management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Post-secondary education in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Estimating software

PlanSwift

Salesforce

Job description

Location: Lower Mainland, BC

Employment Type: Full-time

Salary Range: $100,000 to $140,000 annually

Experience Required: 7+ years of construction estimating experience preferred

Position Overview

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join its civil construction team in the Lower Mainland, BC.

This is a senior-level estimating role focused on complex and high-value civil construction, formwork, bridge, and infrastructure projects. The successful candidate will oversee the preparation of accurate and competitive estimates, support bid strategy, review project risks, mentor estimating team members, and work closely with senior leadership, project management, suppliers, subcontractors, and clients.

This opportunity is well suited to a strong civil construction estimator who has experience leading complex bids, understands construction methodology, and can contribute to estimating process improvement, team development, and profitable project pursuits.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading and supporting the preparation of detailed cost estimates for civil construction, formwork, bridge, and infrastructure projects.
• Reviewing drawings, specifications, contract documents, tender packages, and client requirements.
• Evaluating project scope, schedule, cost drivers, risks, constructability, and potential partnership opportunities.
• Supporting bid/no-bid discussions by providing cost, risk, and project viability analysis.
• Developing competitive bid strategies aligned with project requirements, market conditions, and profitability goals.
• Preparing, reviewing, and overseeing bid proposals to ensure accuracy, completeness, and competitiveness.
• Providing final review and quality control on estimates before submission.
• Leading or supporting pre-bid meetings, post-bid discussions, and bid clarification processes.
• Working with project management and field teams to confirm construction methodology and execution strategy.
• Managing RFQs and reviewing pricing from subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and industry partners.
• Supporting negotiations with clients, subcontractors, and suppliers to secure favourable pricing and terms.
• Leading estimating handover meetings with project management teams.
• Providing estimating support during pre-construction and project execution, including change orders and cost impacts.
• Conducting post-bid reviews and lessons‑learned discussions to improve future estimating strategies.
• Supporting estimating process improvements, tools, reporting, and best practices.
• Using estimating software, Excel, Salesforce, and related tools to track opportunities, pricing, and estimating KPIs.
• Mentoring junior and intermediate estimators and supporting their technical development.
• Assisting with workload planning and assigning bid opportunities based on team capacity and strengths.

Required Qualifications

• Post‑secondary education in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Civil Technology, or a related field.
• 7+ years of construction estimating experience.
• Strong experience estimating civil construction, bridge construction, formwork, concrete, or infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of construction methodologies, cost drivers, risk management, and project execution.
• Ability to review and interpret drawings, specifications, contract documents, and tender requirements.
• Strong knowledge of labour, material, equipment, subcontractor, and supplier costing.
• Experience preparing and reviewing high‑value or complex bid submissions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and estimating software.
• Experience with PlanSwift, Salesforce, or similar platforms is considered an asset.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship‑building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience mentoring, supporting, or leading other estimators.
• Ability to work collaboratively with senior leadership, project management, field teams, suppliers, and subcontractors.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• A senior‑level estimator with strong civil construction knowledge.
• Comfortable leading complex bids from opportunity review through submission.
• Detail‑oriented, analytical, and commercially aware.
• Strong at identifying risks, cost gaps, constructability concerns, and pricing opportunities.
• Able to build trusted relationships with suppliers, subcontractors, clients, and internal teams.
• Confident supporting bid strategy, pricing reviews, and project handovers.
• Comfortable mentoring others and contributing to a stronger estimating function.
• Able to work under pressure while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.
• Interested in contributing to a growing civil construction team with a strong project pipeline.