Mechanical Estimating Manager

Harbinger Network Inc.; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Harbinger Network Inc. is seeking an Estimating Manager to lead a team of estimators in overseeing a broad range of mechanical contracting projects in Hamilton, Ontario.

Reporting to the Chief Estimator, you will drive accurate, competitive estimates and mentor senior staff to raise departmental performance. You will guide bids across Design-Build, Lump Sum, and other delivery models, ensuring aligned risk, cost control, and value engineering.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Engineering, Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or related discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive estimating experience within mechanical contracting, with exposure to plumbing, piping, HVAC, industrial mechanical systems or related projects.
• 3–5 years of leadership or supervisory experience, with ability to mentor others and build a high-performing estimating team.
• Advanced experience with estimating software (Accubid Enterprise, Autobid) and strong understanding of tendering, contracts, project risk and cost management.
• Strong commercial and analytical mindset, able to evaluate opportunities, identify risk, and develop competitive estimates.
• Excellent communication, organization, leadership and problem-solving skills, able to collaborate with senior leadership, operations, clients, consultants, subcontractors and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the estimating team by providing direction and mentorship to Estimators and Senior Estimators.
• Manage workloads, priorities, resources, and staffing needs in partnership with the Chief Estimator.
• Build a high-performing team through regular feedback, performance reviews, and professional development.
• Lead the development of accurate, competitive estimates, budgets, tenders, proposals, and quotations for a diverse range of projects.
• Guide preparation, review and submission of estimates across Design-Build, Lump Sum, Time & Material, Cost-Plus, Budgetary, and negotiated opportunities.
• Provide technical and operational guidance throughout the estimating process to maintain best-in-class practices.
• Partner with Chief Estimator on departmental objectives, estimating strategies, and major project pursuits.
• Identify opportunities to improve estimating processes, systems, and reporting; promote estimating technology and project data.
• Monitor estimating performance and develop improvements to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
• Identify and communicate estimating risks and opportunities; build relationships with operations, procurement, clients and subcontractors to support pursuits and execution.

Skills

Lead Estimators

Estimating

Tendering

Project risk

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Engineering degree or diploma

Tools

Accubid Enterprise

Autobid

Job description

Reporting directly to the Chief Estimator, the Estimating Manager plays a key leadership role within the Estimating Department, overseeing a team of Estimators and Senior Estimators. This position brings leadership, structure, and direction to the department while helping ensure the team delivers accurate, competitive, and high-quality estimates.

The Estimating Manager is responsible for managing workloads, developing and mentoring the estimating team, improving processes, and driving overall departmental performance. Working closely with the Chief Estimator, this is an opportunity for an experienced estimating professional to make a meaningful impact on the team, the estimating process, and the company’s continued growth.

Skills & Qualifications:

• A degree or diploma in Engineering, Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive estimating experience within mechanical contracting, with strong exposure to plumbing, piping, HVAC, industrial mechanical systems, or related projects.
• 3–5 years of leadership or supervisory experience, with the ability to mentor others, provide direction, and help build a high-performing estimating team.
• Advanced experience with Accubid Enterprise, Autobid, or comparable estimating software, along with a strong understanding of tendering, contracts, project risk, and cost management.
• A strong commercial and analytical mindset, with the ability to evaluate opportunities, identify risk, make sound decisions, and develop competitive and well-informed estimates.
• Excellent communication, organization, leadership, and problem‑solving skills, with the confidence to work collaboratively with senior leadership, operations, clients, consultants, subcontractors, and other key stakeholders.
• A proactive, team-oriented approach and the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment where accuracy, accountability, and winning the right work are equally important.

Key Responsibilities:

Department Leadership & Team Development

• -Lead and develop the estimating team by providing direction, mentorship, and support to Estimators and Senior Estimators, helping them grow their skills and succeed.
• -Drive an organized and effective estimating operation by managing workloads, priorities, resources, and staffing needs in partnership with the Chief Estimator.
• -Build a strong, high-performing team through regular feedback, performance reviews, professional development, succession planning, recruitment, and fostering a collaborative and accountable team environment.

Estimating Leadership & Project Pursuits:

• -Lead the development of accurate, competitive, and timely estimates, budgets, tenders, proposals, and quotations for a diverse range of projects.
• -Guide the preparation, review, and submission of estimates across multiple contract delivery models, including Design-Build, Lump Sum, Time & Material (T&M), Cost-Plus, Budgetary, and negotiated opportunities.
• -Take a hands‑on leadership role in reviewing complex, high-value, and strategic estimates, working closely with the Chief Estimator to ensure strong, well-informed submissions.
• -Provide technical and operational guidance throughout the estimating process, helping the team maintain consistent, effective, and industry‑leading estimating practices.

Strategic Support & Continuous Improvement:

• -Partner with the Chief Estimator on departmental objectives, estimating strategies, design‑build opportunities, and major project pursuits.
• -Help mobilize and coordinate estimating resources for strategic bids and key business development opportunities.
• -Identify opportunities to improve estimating processes, systems, and reporting while promoting the effective use of estimating technology and project data.
• -Monitor estimating performance and help develop practical improvements that enhance accuracy, efficiency, and overall team performance.

Risk Management & Collaboration:

• -Bring a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to estimating by considering labour, material, equipment, subcontractor, schedule, health and safety, commercial, and project‑specific risks.
• -Identify and communicate significant estimating risks and opportunities, working with the Chief Estimator and leadership team to develop appropriate strategies.
• -Build strong working relationships with Operations, Project Management, Procurement, Business Development, clients, consultants, general contractors, suppliers, and subcontractors to strengthen project pursuits and support a smooth transition from estimating to project execution.
• -Serve as a key connection between Estimating and the broader organization, helping bring together the right people, information, and expertise to win and successfully deliver projects.

Disclosure:

This posting represents an active and genuine vacancy with one of Harbinger Network’s clients and is not for speculative or pipeline recruitment. Harbinger Network and/or our Clients may use AI‑assisted tools to support the screening and evaluation of applications; however, these tools are not intended to replace the Hiring Manager’s judgement or decision‑making in the hiring process.