Electrical Estimator (Commercial Construction)

Black & McDonald Limited; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Black & McDonald Limited is seeking an Electrical Estimator to analyze costs and prepare take-offs for commercial projects in Alberta. The role supports Operations with detailed estimating, progress tracking, and planning, reporting to the Construction Operations Manager.

The ideal candidate has strong technical and financial acumen, background in contract management, scheduling, and industry tools, and is willing to travel to client sites to ensure project success.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in electrical engineering, construction technology or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience estimating electrical projects within the commercial construction sector, consistently achieving strong profit margins.
• Willingness to travel to client sites within Alberta and related project locations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare estimates for commercial construction projects, including cost of materials, labour and equipment based on contracts, bids and drawings.
• Advise on tendering procedures, examine tenders, recommend awards and participate in negotiations.
• Establish tendering process, cost monitoring systems and reporting procedures.
• Coordinate price packages with suppliers, subcontractors, owners, designers and architects.
• Participate in site reviews, tender hand-offs, project meetings with stakeholders.
• Prepare and maintain a directory of suppliers and subcontractors.
• Liaise with engineers, owners, contractors and subcontractors; study economic feasibility of cost changes.
• Conduct material and equipment purchasing for secured jobs.
• Update and maintain estimating databases.

Skills

Contract management

Construction scheduling

Blueprint reading

Financial statements interpretation

MS Office

JD Edwards

Accubid

Bid2Win

Education

Post-secondary education in electrical engineering or construction technology

Tools

JD Edwards

Accubid

Bid2Win

MS Project

MS Office

Job description

ABOUT THIS CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Black & McDonald’s Alberta Region team is growing! If you are a committed and collaborative professional looking to contribute to a hard-working, innovative team, this opportunity is for you.

Reporting to the Construction Operations Manager, the Electrical Estimator plays a key role in analyzing costs, preparing take‑offs, and developing accurate estimates for electrical projects, primarily within the commercial construction sector. In this role, you will support Operations through detailed estimating work, progress trackin, and planning.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned professional with strong technical and financial acumen who consistently delivers profitable estimates; well‑versed in contract management, scheduling, and industry tools, and is willing to travel to client sites (as required) to support overall project success.

Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Prepare estimates for commercial construction projects, including cost of materials, labour and equipment for projects based on contract bids, quotations, schematic drawings and specifications.
• Advise on tendering procedures, examine and analyze tenders, recommend tender awards and participate in negotiations.
• Establish and maintain tendering process, set up cost monitoring, reporting systems and procedures.
• Coordinate price packages with suppliers, subcontractors, owners, designers and architects regarding tenders.
• Participate in site review, tender review, tender hand-off, project closing and operational/sector meetings with various stakeholders – ie. senior estimator, operational staff, and purchasing – as required.
• Prepare and maintain a directory of suppliers, contractors and subcontractors
• Liaise, consult and communicate with engineers, architects, owners, contractors and subcontractors, and prepare economic feasibility studies on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.
• Conduct material and equipment purchasing for secured jobs.
• Update and maintain estimating database.
• Other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS

• Change Orientation (open to change and the ability to identify where it is needed and how to make it happen)
• Communicates Effectively (verbally and in writing)
• Continuous Learning (ongoing effort to learn and contribute to the learnings of others)
• Customer Focus (understands the needs and perspectives of both internal and external customers)
• Holds Self and Others Accountable (takes personal responsibility to meet commitments)
• Problem Solving and Innovation (ability to approach problems logically and seek innovative solutions)
• Teamwork and Collaboration (works cooperatively and collaboratively with others)
• Values and Respects Others (encourages and supports diversity)

EDUCATION and WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Post-secondary education in electrical engineering, construction technology or a related discipline. Equivalent combinations of education and relevant industry experience will also be considered.
• Over 5 years of experience with a proven track record in accurately estimating electrical projects within the commercial construction sector, consistently achieving strong profit margins and contributing to overall financial success.

SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Knowledgeable in contract management; construction scheduling, planning, and execution; blueprint reading; project structural design interpretation; ability to read and comprehend financial statements.
• Proficient user of MS Office (Word, Excel); MS Project - an asset.
• Experience with JD Edwards, Accubid, Bid2Win - all considered an asset.
• Position is based in Calgary NE office with responsibility for estimating projects across Alberta; travel to various project sites within the province may be required.
• Please note that our Calgary office is scheduled to relocate to Janet, AB by Spring 2027.

Please be advised that a Criminal Background Check and Professional Reference Check will be required as part of our employment screening and selection process. Additionally, all applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

Black & McDonald welcomes and encourages applications from persons with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.

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