Estimator - Buildings

Aplin; Oakville; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental benefits

In-office role (Oakville, ON)

Job summary

Aplin in Oakville, Ontario is seeking an Estimator II / Estimator III to join their Buildings team. This full-time, permanent role focuses on detailed cost estimating, quantity take-offs, and subcontractor procurement for a diverse portfolio including high-rise condominiums, commercial, and institutional developments.

The successful candidate will review drawings, prepare bids, analyze subcontractor quotes, identify risks and value engineering opportunities, and mentor junior team members.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education or equivalent construction experience required.
• 3+ years of progressive construction cost estimating experience.
• Experience estimating building construction projects (residential, high-rise, mixed-use, commercial, healthcare) preferred.
• Experience with competitive hard-bid tenders and detailed quantity take-offs.
• Strong understanding of drawings, specs, subcontractor procurement, and bid preparation.
• Familiarity with hard bid, GMP, unit price, design-build, target price, and cost-reimbursable pricing.
• Experience coordinating subcontractor and supplier pricing for complete, competitive estimates.
• Proficiency with estimating software and Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tender deadlines.
• Experience leading estimates for projects up to ~$25M or more is an asset.
• Mentoring junior team members or coordinating estimating activities is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings, specifications, and tender documents to prepare accurate cost estimates.
• Perform detailed quantity take-offs for labour, materials, and equipment.
• Prepare and coordinate tender packages and bid documentation.
• Solicit and analyze subcontractor and supplier quotations for competitive pricing.
• Identify scope gaps and opportunities for value engineering.
• Lead estimates for small- to medium-sized projects or assist larger pursuits.
• Monitor market conditions and costs to support accurate estimating.
• Coordinate bid schedules, tender submissions, and bid-day activities.
• Maintain estimating records and bid documentation.
• Support junior team members and knowledge sharing.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication

Negotiation

Problem-solving

Education

Post-secondary education in construction management/engineering/quantity surveying

Equivalent construction industry experience

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Our client, a leading construction organization, is seeking an Estimator II / Estimator III to join their Buildings team in Oakville, Ontario.

This is a full-time, permanent opportunity for a construction estimating professional with experience in building construction, detailed cost estimating, quantity take-offs, and subcontractor procurement. The successful candidate will contribute to competitive bids and preconstruction activities across a diverse portfolio of projects, including high-rise condominiums, residential, mixed-use, commercial, and institutional developments.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive base salary ranging from $85,000–$135,000, based on experience and qualifications
• Please note, this role will be fully in-office at the client’s Oakville, Ontariooffice
• Permanent Opportunity + Health and Dental Benefits

Responsibilities

• Review and interpret construction drawings, specifications, contract documents, and tender requirements to prepare accurate cost estimates
• Perform detailed quantity take-offs for labour, materials, equipment, and other project requirements
• Prepare and coordinate tender packages, bid forms, requests for information (RFIs), and supporting bid documentation
• Solicit, review, and analyze subcontractor and supplier quotations to ensure competitive and complete pricing
• Develop and review scopes of work to identify scope gaps, overlaps, exclusions, and discrepancies
• Lead estimates for small- to medium-sized projects or support larger and more complex pursuits, depending on experience
• Identify project risks, cost-saving opportunities, and value engineering alternatives
• Monitor market conditions, labour rates, material costs, and industry trends to support accurate estimating
• Coordinate bid schedules, tender submissions, and bid-day activities to ensure deadlines are met
• Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, consultants, and internal stakeholders
• Collaborate with project managers, construction teams, and senior estimating professionals throughout the preconstruction and bidding process
• Maintain organized estimating records, historical cost information, and bid documentation
• Support junior team members and contribute to knowledge sharing, as required

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in construction management, engineering, quantity surveying, or a related discipline; equivalent construction industry experience will also be considered
• At least 3 years of progressive construction cost estimating experience, preferably within the building construction sector
• Experience estimating building construction projects, including residential, high-rise condominiums, mixed-use, commercial, or healthcare developments, is preferred
• Experience with competitive hard-bid tenders and detailed quantity take-offs is required
• Strong understanding of construction drawings, specifications, subcontractor procurement, cost estimating principles, and bid preparation
• Familiarity with various project delivery and pricing methods, including hard bid, guaranteed maximum price (GMP), unit price, design-build, target price, and cost-reimbursable arrangements
• Experience coordinating subcontractor and supplier pricing and developing complete, competitive estimates
• Proficiency with estimating software and Microsoft Office applications
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet strict tender deadlines, and collaborate effectively with project stakeholders
• Experience independently leading estimates for projects valued up to approximately $25 million or more is an asset
• Previous experience mentoring junior team members or coordinating estimating activities is an asset

At Aplin — together with our brands CompuStaff, Impact Recruitment, and Vantix Systems — we connect great people with great organizations across North America.

We believe diverse teams build stronger companies, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

We use AI tools to assist in a fair and efficient matching process, helping our recruiters connect the right people with the right opportunities.

To be considered, applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada, including holding any required permits.

Our recruitment services are always free for job seekers.

Accommodation is available upon request throughout all stages of the recruitment process.