The role
Rightway Recruitment has partnered with Vaughan Ventures and is on the lookout for an experienced Mechanical Estimator to join their team in Delta, BC.
Key responsibilities
- Estimating and tender execution
- Review drawings, specifications, addenda and tender requirements.
- Complete detailed quantity takeoffs for plumbing, HVAC and complete mechanical packages.
- Estimate new construction, upgrades, renovations and tenant improvements across a broad range of project sizes.
- Obtain, organize and evaluate supplier and subcontractor pricing.
- Prepare complete estimates, tender forms, scope letters, clarifications, exclusions and bid submissions.
- Identify scope gaps, constructability concerns, risks and pricing opportunities.
- Manage changing tender priorities and communicate capacity constraints early.
- Maintain visibility into active opportunities, deadlines and estimate status.
Estimating systems and continuous improvement
- Use Trimble AutoBid Mechanical as the company’s primary estimating platform.
- Maintain and improve assemblies, labour units, material pricing, subcontractor pricing and historical cost information.
- Develop estimating templates, checklists, workflows and quality-control practices.
- Document estimating processes and procedures.
- Track bid results and identify ways to improve estimate accuracy, consistency and competitiveness.
- Compare estimated costs with actual project results and incorporate lessons learned into future estimates.
- Evaluate supporting tools, including Bluebeam, when they would provide a practical benefit.
Collaboration and project handover
- Work closely with the Operations Manager, Project Managers, field personnel, suppliers and subcontractors.
- Set tender priorities collaboratively with Operations, Project Managers and company leadership.
- Make bid/no-bid decisions and approve final pricing jointly with management.
- Involve the assigned Project Manager before bid submission to review scope, execution approach, schedule, risks and major assumptions.
- Following award, lead a structured handover jointly with the Project Manager.
- Transfer estimate details, assumptions, exclusions, quotations, labour allowances, risks and opportunities.
- Remain available after handover to clarify the estimate as required.
- Support awarded projects by working with Project Managers to prepare change order pricing, scope revisions and other project-related estimates as required.
Required qualifications
- A recognized plumbing trade qualification.
- Practical mechanical field experience and a strong understanding of mechanical systems, materials, labour requirements and installation methods.
- Approximately 3–5 years of mechanical estimating experience in British Columbia.
- Demonstrated ability to prepare plumbing, HVAC and complete mechanical estimates for commercial and institutional projects.
- Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, addenda and tender documents accurately.
- Working knowledge of mechanical estimating software.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Clear communication and consistent follow-through.
- Ability to take ownership, work collaboratively and adapt when priorities change.
- Valid driver’s licence.
Preferred assets
- Direct experience using Trimble AutoBid Mechanical.
- Familiarity with Bluebeam or similar digital takeoff and document-review tools.
- Established relationships with mechanical suppliers and subcontractors in British Columbia.
- Experience estimating both new construction and occupied-building renovations.
Work environment and travel
- Primarily office-based at Vaughan Ventures’ Delta office, with reasonable flexibility based on workload and business needs.
- Site walkthroughs, reviews and project meetings as required.
- Travel within the Lower Mainland when project opportunities require it.
- A company vehicle will be available when work-related travel is necessary.
Compensation and benefits
- Salary of $100,000–$140,000, depending on experience.
- Employer-paid comprehensive medical and dental benefits.
- Group RRSP matching.
- Vacation in accordance with company policy.
- Training and professional-development opportunities.
- Company events and team-building activities.
- Company-provided work cellphone.