Estimating Lead

Aecon Group Inc.; Kawartha Lakes; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Aecon Civil is a leader in the Canadian infrastructure market, delivering roads, bridges, tunnels, and transit projects across Canada and beyond. Reporting to the Estimating Manager, the Estimating Lead will deliver organized estimates, budgets, and schedules, ensuring risk is managed through robust procedures.

The role requires 10+ years of civil estimating experience, strong knowledge of contract types, and proven leadership in bid development.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in civil project estimating.
• Experience on large-scale projects including design‑build.
• Strong knowledge of contract types and bonding requirements.
• Mentorship or leadership experience in estimating teams.
• Ability to defend cost targets and handover to operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of detailed cost estimates for major civil bids using Hard Dollar.
• Collaborate with clients, partners and internal teams throughout the bid lifecycle.
• Prepare procurement packages and evaluate subcontractor submissions.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and clarify project scope.
• Coordinate bid management meetings and review processes.
• Present estimates and defend their constructability to management.

Skills

Civil estimating

Tendering

Bid management

Subcontractor negotiation

Risk assessment

Pricing strategy

Tools

Hard Dollar

Job description

Come Build Your Career at Aecon!

Aecon delivers some of the most complex and impactful infrastructure projects — from transformative transportation networks to critical energy, industrial and nuclear programs. The projects we build connect communities and power future generations. With deep roots in North America and a strong footprint internationally, Aecon brings global expertise and proudly serves public and private sector clients through its Construction and Concessions segment.

Come Build Your Career at Aecon!

Aecon delivers some of the most complex and impactful infrastructure projects — from transformative transportation networks to critical energy, industrial and nuclear programs. The projects we build connect communities and power future generations. With deep roots in North America and a strong footprint internationally, Aecon brings global expertise and proudly serves public and private sector clients through its Construction and Concessions segment.

Safety Always is not only our #1 core value – it is the standard that anchors our culture. We believe the most ambitious projects deserve the most committed people. At Aecon, you won’t just build your career — you’ll help build what matters to enable future generations to thrive.

At Aecon, You Can Count On

• Safety Always. Our number one core value. The safety of our people, projects, partners, and stakeholders is our priority focus – today and always.
• Integrity. We lead by example, with humility and courage.
• Accountability. We’re passionate about delivering on our commitments.
• Inclusion. We provide opportunities where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute fully.

We deliver infrastructure with purpose, and our people are at the heart of everything we do. Aecon employees are incredibly proud to build some of the most impactful infrastructure of this generation – we call it Aecon Proud.

At Aecon We

• Ensure you and your family receive the services and benefits needed to support your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
• Are intentional when it comes to investing in your development. We help you build your career and advance your skills through our Aecon University, tuition reimbursement, and Leadership Programs.
• Are committed to creating work environments focused on mutual respect, teamwork, collaboration, and new ideas, through meaningful initiatives, training, partnerships with Veteran groups, our Aecon Women in Trades and diversity programs, as well as our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), to ensure we are building with top talent and harnessing our collective strengths within every aspect of our culture.
• Operate responsibly by managing risk, safety, and environmental considerations across all our projects and surrounding communities.

Our success is built on the passion, expertise, and dedication of our people. Together, we embrace strong execution, innovation, and continuous improvement — values that come to life through the unique talents and collaborative spirit of every team member. If you’re inspired to make a difference through future-building projects, join our best-in-class team.

What is the Opportunity?

Aecon Civil is a recognized leader in the market, backed by strong self‑perform capabilities and deep local expertise. We play a key role in building and enhancing infrastructure across Canada, the U.S., and an expanding international footprint improving everyday life through the roads, bridges, tunnels, and transit systems that connect communities. With more than a century of experience and a full suite of integrated services, Aecon is a trusted partner for delivering complex civil projects, including tunnels, transit expansions, airports, ports, highways, and large‑scale site development.

Reporting to the Estimating Manager, the Estimating Lead will be responsible for the delivery of organized estimates, budgets, and schedules and ensure the necessary systems and procedures are implemented to manage Aecon’s risk.

What You’ll Do Here

• Lead the development of detailed cost estimates for major civil infrastructure bids, inclusive of building accurate, well-structured estimates using the Hard Dollar estimating platform.
• Collaborate directly with clients, partners, and internal stakeholders throughout the bid lifecycle, including participation in client meetings as required.
• Prepare and manage procurement packages, evaluate subcontractor and supplier submissions, and incorporate pricing into competitive estimates.
• Complete quantity take‑offs from bid drawings and review specifications to clearly define project scope.
• Work closely with operations, procurement, finance, and fellow estimators across the Aecon Group to ensure aligned, high‑quality submissions.
• Engage with subcontractors and suppliers to gather pricing, validate scope, and build strong working relationships.
• Support proposal development by reviewing tender and proposal documents to ensure estimates are complete, accurate, and competitive.
• Coordinate bonding and insurance requirements to support compliant and timely bid submissions.
• Contribute to risk identification, assessment, and mitigation strategies during the estimating process
• Assist proposals managers with collection and presentation of documents and reports for review and close‑out process.
• Participate in bid management meetings and estimate reviews.
• Present the essence/strategy of a completed estimate to management, defend its constructability, and defend calculated cost targets at a detailed level.
• Prepare well‑crafted written requests for client clarifications that consistently protect and advance Aecon’s position, ensuring our bid advantage is never compromised.
• Administration of document management for bids.
• Other duties as required.

What You Bring To The Team

• 10+ years’ experience in civil project estimating within the construction industry.
• Experience working on large scale projects, including design‑build.
• Strong knowledge of various civil construction contract types (e.g. Lump Sum, Cost Reimbursable, Unit Price, Target, Guaranteed Maximum Price, etc.)
• Working knowledge of industry standards, specifications, contract language/terms, and conditions/bonding.
• Previous experience performing tender investigations and accurate documentation of site conditions impacting bid costs.
• Previous mentorship/leadership experience.
• Strong negotiation experience with vendors for project purchasing needs.
• Strong understanding of balanced/un‑balanced bids and forecasting margins at the tender stage.
• An expert in the job handover process (from estimating to operations).
• Background checks required.
• Valid Driver’s license.

Reason for Vacancy: Evergreen

The expected pay range for this role is $110,000 - $150,000 per year

Individual pay is determined based on several factors, including work location, education, experience, unique skills and job conditions. Other considerations may include certifications, specialized training, and the complexity or scope of the role.

Aecon fosters diversity, inclusion and belonging within and across our organization. We welcome all to apply including, women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity.

We are committed to adhering to the objectives and requirements outlined in the Accessible Canada Act (ACA), and to meeting the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner. Through the implementation of the requirements of the ACA and its applicable regulations, appropriate accommodations will be provided upon request throughout the interview and hiring process.

As part of our commitment to fair and transparent hiring practices, Aecon may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in screening and reviewing candidates. These tools are applied responsibly and in accordance with applicable privacy laws and Aecon’s AI Usage Policy. All final decisions are made by qualified Aecon team members.