Estimator

Chandos Construction; Calgary; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Benefits program

RRSP matching

Educational assistance

Recognition program

Leadership conferences

Engagement opportunities

Employee ownership

Job summary

Chandos Construction is seeking an Estimator to join our collaborative delivery team. You will be at the heart of multi-stakeholder projects, delivering cost certainty and value from concept through to construction start on site.

Join a company pioneering Integrative Project Delivery (IPD) in Canada, driving collaboration and innovation in construction. You will lead estimating workshops, perform detailed take-offs, and coordinate with operations on procurement, schedule and logistics.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years estimating experience for ICI projects.
• Experience leading complete building estimates from concept through submission.
• Strong understanding of building systems and construction scopes.
• Proficient in Excel and estimating software.
• Able to present complex cost information clearly to stakeholders.
• Collaborative with diverse project teams.

Responsibilities

• Determine bid strategies to position Chandos for success.
• Prepare and coordinate full-cost estimates for all project phases, concept to tender.
• Lead estimating workshops to align costs with project goals.
• Perform detailed take-offs of materials, labour, equipment and subs.
• Establish unit costs, labour rates, escalation and contingencies.
• Solicit bids, negotiate with subcontractors, and conduct value engineering.
• Provide constructability input during pre-construction with procurement and schedule teams.
• Track estimates vs actuals; report variances and capture lessons learned.
• Build strong relationships with subtrades, consultants, suppliers and clients.

Skills

Estimating

Cost control

Excel

Communication

Collaboration

Take-offs

Education

Post-secondary degree in Construction Management or Engineering

CIQS designation (required)

PQS designation preferred

Tools

Estimating software

Job description

Company Description

We are Chandos.

We exist to build a better world.

Our vision is to emerge as Canada’s premier technical builder, distinguished by our relentless pursuit of innovation, collaboration, and sustainability in all that we do.

We are 100 per cent employee-owned, and our success is driven by our employee owners. We prioritize people, purpose, and performance in all that we do. When the company thrives, you benefit directly. When everyone is invested - literally - it builds a community of accountability, pride and mutual support.

We look for team members who are gritty, accountable, and driven - with a mindset rooted in initiative and purpose, you think like an entrepreneur and build strong, trusting relationships through clear communication and thoughtful dialogue, even in challenging conversations.

Job Description

We are seeking an Estimator with a passion for collaborative delivery models to join our team. You’ll be at the heart of collaborative, multi-stakeholder projects, delivering cost certainty and value from project conception through to construction start on site.

You’ll join a company that’s pioneering the collaborative superstar: Integrative Project Delivery (IPD) in Canada, with projects that truly move the needle on collaboration and innovation in construction.

• Effectively determine the bid strategies required for Chandos to be successful
• Prepare and coordinate full-cost estimates for full scope of work, for all project phases, concept to tender, with a focus on collaborative methodology
• Lead estimating workshops to align costs with project goals and foster transparent decision-making
• Perform detailed material, labour, equipment, and subcontractor take‑offs
• Establish and maintain unit costs, labour rates, escalation, and contingency allowances
• Solicit competitive bids, negotiate with subcontractors/suppliers, and conduct value‑engineering reviews
• Provide constructability advice during pre‑construction, coordinating with operations teams on procurement, schedule, and logistics
• Track estimated vs. actual costs, report variances, and support lessons learned for continuous improvement
• Build and maintain exceptionally strong relationships with subtrades, consultants, suppliers, and all of our valued clients

Qualifications

Minimum requirements

• Minimum 5+ years of estimating experience with a commercial general contractor (not a self-performing contractor or developer).
• Proven experience leading complete building estimates from concept through submission for ICI projects.
• Experience estimating complex commercial, institutional, healthcare, residential, recreational, or mixed-use developments.
• Strong understanding of all major building systems and construction scopes, including site works, structural, architectural, mechanical, and electrical.
• Able to clearly present complex cost information and influence project and business decisions.
• Post‑secondary degree or diploma in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• CEC (CIQS) designation required; PQS designation preferred.
• Strong organizational, prioritization, and process discipline with advanced proficiency in Excel and estimating software.
• Able to thrive under tight deadlines while managing multiple pursuits simultaneously.
• Proficient in interpreting drawings, specifications, construction methodologies, and cost models.
• Collaborative approach with the ability to build consensus among diverse project stakeholders.
• Confident communicator who can present and defend estimates, assumptions, and recommendations.
• Strong understanding of market conditions, subcontractor markets, procurement strategies, and construction cost drivers.

Additional Information

Chandos is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture and this includes our recruitment and hiring process.

We recognize that our differences are our greatest strengths. We uncover talent. We nurture talent. And then we give people the tools they need to use their talent to create a positive impact.

• We are 100% employee owned. Every person who works for Chandos can become an owner. There is only one class of units at Chandos, because we believe everyone should be treated equal. We talk about being an entrepreneurial-minded organization and you can be sure we mean it!
• Competitive wages
• Well rounded employer paid benefits program including health, dental, vision care and employee assistance program
• RRSP matching program to aid and prepare employees for long-term financial security
• Educational assistance for employees who wish to pursue job-performance enhancing education
• Recognition and annual salary reviews program
• Leadership conferences that allow employees to connect and collaborate
• Regular company-wide engagement opportunities

Vacancy Status

We are actively recruiting for this position.

AI Disclosure Statement

Chandos is committed to transparent recruitment. Our internal team does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants, although we do use AI tools for administrative interview transcription and AI tools may be integrated or embedded in third-party platforms and software. Some of Chandos' external staffing partners may use AI to screen, assess, or select candidates during their initial workflows. All final hiring decisions at Chandos are made personally by our hiring team.

Compensation Transparency

This position also includes a competitive bonus program. Throughout the interview process, we’ll discuss your background to determine the best alignment for your experience level.

The base salary range for this role is listed above and may vary based on your experience.