Commercial Construction Estimator - Woodhouse Contracting

Kibbi; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental benefits

Paid vacation starting at 3 weeks

Company-sponsored training

Long-term career development

Collaborative team environment

Job summary

Woodhouse Contracting Inc. in Kitchener, Ontario, is seeking an experienced Commercial Construction Estimator to join our General Contracting team. You will own commercial/institutional estimates from tender review through quantity take-off, pricing, bid leveling, and handover.

Work closely with leadership and project teams to position projects for successful delivery in the Region of Waterloo. The role offers a full-time, permanent position with a salary range of $85,000–$100,000 per year,

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive construction estimating experience.
• Experience in a General Contractor environment.
• Experience pricing commercial & institutional construction projects.
• Ability to manage multiple tenders and deadlines.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specs, contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead tender management and estimating from review to submission.
• Prepare detailed quantity take-offs and cost estimates.
• Develop pricing for labour, materials, equipment, and subcontracted work.
• Solicit and level subcontractor/supplier quotations and ensure coverage.
• Lead the preparation and submission of complete bids and proposals.
• Support handover of awarded projects with pricing assumptions and risks.

Skills

Construction estimating

Read drawings & specs

Communication

Take-off/detailed pricing

Microsoft Office / Digital tools

Education

Construction Management degree or related

Tools

Bluebeam

BuildingConnected

Premier

Job description

Woodhouse Contracting Inc.

Kitchener, Ontario

Full-time, Permanent

$85,000–$100,000 per year

At Woodhouse Contracting, successful projects begin with accurate pricing, thorough planning, sound judgment, and strong trade relationships.

We are looking for an experienced Commercial Construction Estimator to join our General Contracting team in Kitchener. You will take ownership of commercial and institutional construction estimates from initial tender review through quantity take-off, subcontractor pricing, bid leveling, final submission, and project handover.

This is an opportunity to work closely with construction leadership and project teams while helping secure and position projects for successful delivery throughout the Region of Waterloo.

What We Offer

• Annual salary of $85,000–$100,000, based on experience
• Full-time, permanent employment
• Comprehensive health and dental benefits
• Paid vacation starting at three weeks per year
• Company-sponsored training and professional development
• Varied commercial and institutional construction projects
• A supportive and collaborative team environment
• Long-term career development opportunities
• The opportunity to contribute directly to the growth of an established local contractor

What You’ll Do

Tender Management and Estimating

• Manage multiple commercial and institutional tenders while maintaining accuracy and meeting submission deadlines.
• Review drawings, specifications, contracts, addenda, tender documents, and project requirements.
• Complete detailed quantity take-offs and prepare comprehensive cost estimates.
• Develop pricing for labour, materials, equipment, subcontracted work, overhead, contingencies, and other project costs.
• Solicit, review, compare, and level subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Confirm that trade coverage is complete and competitively priced.
• Prepare clear estimate summaries, pricing breakdowns, assumptions, inclusions, exclusions, allowances, and contingencies.
• Lead the preparation and submission of complete, accurate, and professional bids and proposals.

Risk Evaluation and Pre-Construction Planning

• Attend site visits, pre-bid meetings, and tender meetings as required.
• Identify scope gaps, omissions, discrepancies, constructability concerns, procurement considerations, and project-delivery risks.
• Evaluate factors that could affect cost, schedule, trade coverage, material availability, logistics, or project execution.
• Identify value-engineering opportunities and practical alternative construction approaches.
• Clearly communicate significant risks, assumptions, and recommendations during internal bid reviews.

Project Handover and Relationships

• Maintain complete and organized estimating files, quotations, correspondence, and supporting documentation.
• Support the handover of awarded projects to project teams, including scope, pricing assumptions, exclusions, risks, commitments, and subcontractor information.
• Work collaboratively with construction leadership, project teams, subcontractors, suppliers, consultants, and clients.
• Build and maintain professional trade and supplier relationships.
• Stay informed about market conditions, construction costs, labour rates, material pricing, procurement practices, and subcontractor availability.

What We’re Looking For

Our priority is demonstrated commercial construction estimating experience and the ability to independently manage a busy tender workload with accuracy and sound judgment.

You may be a strong fit if you have:

• At least five years of progressive construction estimating experience
• Experience working in a General Contractor environment
• Strong experience pricing commercial and institutional construction projects
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tenders and competing deadlines
• Experience preparing detailed quantity take-offs, estimates, tenders, and proposals
• Strong ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, scopes of work, and tender documents
• Experience reviewing and leveling subcontractor and supplier quotations
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, labour requirements, subcontractor scopes, and tendering practices
• The ability to identify scope gaps, constructability concerns, project risks, and value-engineering opportunities
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills
• Clear and professional written and verbal communication
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, estimating software, and digital take-off tools
• Experience with Bluebeam, BuildingConnected, Premier, or comparable construction platforms, which is considered an asset

A diploma or degree in Construction Management, Architectural Technology, Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or a related discipline is considered an asset. Equivalent industry experience will also be considered.

Why Woodhouse Contracting?

Woodhouse Contracting is a full-service General Contractor serving clients throughout Southwestern Ontario. We deliver commercial, institutional, restoration, and specialty construction projects with a focus on safety, accountability, collaboration, quality, and customer satisfaction. Our estimators work directly with the teams responsible for planning and delivering the work. Your expertise will influence projects before they reach the field and help support commercially responsible decisions, strong project handovers, and successful construction outcomes. We believe great projects are built by great people. We invest in professional development and provide opportunities for employees to build meaningful, long-term careers.

Hiring and Accessibility Information

This vacancy supports Woodhouse Contracting’s continued growth and organizational development.

Applications may be reviewed using AI-assisted screening tools. All hiring decisions are made by our hiring team based on qualifications, experience, and overall suitability for the position.

Woodhouse Contracting Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace. Accommodations are available upon request throughout all stages of the recruitment process.