Lead Estimator

WSN Construction; Delta; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Three weeks vacation

Benefits after probation

Job summary

W.S. Nicholls Western Construction Ltd. (WSN) is seeking a Lead Estimator for its Delta, BC location to own the estimating function on heavy industrial projects, with emphasis on self-performed piping work and related scopes.

The role reports to the President and requires 10-15+ years in estimating, a BCIT diploma in Mechanical or Civil Engineering Technology (or equivalent), and strong leadership to guide junior estimators; in-office position with travel across Canada.

Qualifications

• 10-15+ years estimating experience with heavy emphasis on self-performed industrial piping projects as a General Contractor.
• Diploma from BCIT or similar in Mechanical or Civil Engineering Technology, or equivalent experience.
• Must work well under pressure and meet deadlines with strong organizational skills.
• Fluent English communication and valid BC driver's license with clean abstract.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of complete project cost estimates for self-performed heavy industrial work (piping, civil, structural, earthworks).
• Conceptualize and estimate Design-Build projects with accurate budgets.
• Prepare and review bid analyses for materials, equipment, and subcontractor quotations.
• Develop preliminary project schedules to support estimate development and bid strategy.
• Review drawings, specifications, and contract documents to ensure complete scope capture.
• Mentor junior estimators and review their take-offs and pricing for accuracy.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Time management

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Education

Diploma BCIT or equivalent in Mechanical or Civil Engineering Technology

Tools

MS Office

Microsoft Project

Job description

W.S. Nicholls Western Construction Ltd. (WSN) is an established, growing Heavy Industrial General Contractor with operations throughout Canada; we self-perform our work as a Building Trades employer. We are currently seeking to hire a Lead Estimator to join our team at our Delta, BC location. In this position you will report to the President and take ownership of the estimating function on heavy industrial construction projects, with a focus on self-performed piping work and, to a lesser extent, industrial civil, structural, and earthworks scopes.

MAIN FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the preparation of complete project cost estimates, including detailed quantity take-offs, for all scopes of self-performed heavy industrial work (piping, civil, structural, and earthworks).
• Conceptualize and estimate Design-Build projects, developing accurate budgets based on conceptual design documents.
• Prepare and review bid analyses for materials, equipment, and subcontractor/supplier quotations.
• Develop preliminary project schedules to support estimate development and overall bid strategy.
• Review and interpret industrial construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents to ensure complete and accurate scope capture.
• Mentor and provide direction to junior and intermediate estimators, reviewing their take-offs and pricing for accuracy and completeness.
• Represent the Company with clients, suppliers, and subcontractors to ensure satisfaction throughout the bid process.
• Participate in project hand-off meetings with the operations team to ensure a smooth transition from estimating to project execution.

PERIODIC SUPPORT FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with project coordination and expediting of material and equipment deliveries as required.
• Support change order pricing and estimating for projects already underway.
• Provide input on estimating procedures, tools, and best practices to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Assist with market and vendor pricing research to keep unit cost data current.
• Provide periodic support to project cost accounting and reporting functions as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• 10-15+ years of estimating experience with heavy emphasis on self-performed industrial piping projects as a General Contractor.
• Must have proven longevity on your resume.
• Must have extensive knowledge of industrial construction drawings and specifications and be able to interpret them correctly.
• Must have a Diploma from BCIT or similar in Mechanical or Civil Engineering Technology, or equivalent experience.
• Must possess strong organizational and time management skills and be able to effectively prioritize workload, multi-task, organize, and work both independently and as a Team player to achieve goals in a high-pressure environment.
• Must be self-motivated and take exceptional attention to detail.
• Must be adept at problem solving and dedicated to achieving goals.
• Must work well under pressure and must always meet deadlines as project demands increase.
• Must be proficient in common PC software, including MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Project, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Strong communication skills, confident interacting with key contacts in verbal, written, and electronic form.
• Excellent interpersonal skills are a requirement.
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment with a variety of assignments, taking initiative and effectively managing interruptions and shifting priorities throughout the day.
• Motivated by measurable goals, structured processes, and the opportunity to develop systems, with a strong drive for accuracy and dependable, detail-oriented work.
• Comfortable providing guidance to others while completing personal estimating tasks, and motivated by involvement in decision-making and coordinating the efforts of a team.
• This is an in-office position.
• Must be willing to occasionally travel throughout Canada.
• Valid BC Class 5 driver's license with a clean Driver's Abstract.
• Read, write, and speak fluent English.
• Current, clean RCMP Criminal Record Check.

There is a strong compensation package available (commensurate with experience), plus three-weeks paid vacation and benefits after the employee completes the probationary period.

While we thank you in advance for your interest and application, please be advised that we will only be responding to candidates selected for further consideration.