Senior Cost Estimator

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Toronto; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Toronto is looking for a Senior Cost Estimator to prepare cost estimations and manage project costs. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering and over 10 years of experience. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential. This full-time role offers a collaborative work environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

Health and safety commitment

Inclusive environment

Employee ownership culture

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in cost estimating related to construction.
• Expertise in construction estimating concepts and scheduling.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments concurrently.

Responsibilities

• Prepare quantity take-offs and cost estimates for various projects.
• Review contract specifications and drawings for accuracy.
• Coordinate with project management teams for cost analyses.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field

Tools

On-Screen Takeoff

RIB CostX

Microsoft Project

Primavera

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

In the role of Senior Cost Estimator, we'll count on you to:

• Prepare detailed quantity take-offs and cost estimates from the early design development stages to tender and construction-ready architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and civil works drawings and specifications.
• Prepare and interpret design documents including concept and schematic design stages, tender documents, specifications, general conditions, other parts, and forms of contracts.
• Performing detailed review of contract specifications and drawings to identify errors, discrepancies and/or ambiguities which may impact estimate accuracy.
• Lead the development of capital, operation and maintenance, lifecycle, and other cost estimates for the proposed infrastructure improvements consistent with an Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE).
• Prepare a quantity variance report at various stages of cost planning and for bid analysis when required.
• Assist in value engineering assignments.
• Complete peer reviews of external estimates and budgets and making recommendations as to format and accuracy.
• Support commercial and project management teams with cost analysis for delay claims and Change Order Requests.
• Maintain current construction cost information using a combination of historical costs, market research, and construction cost indices and references.
• Work as an integral member of project teams, and coordinate several projects concurrently as needed
• Perform other duties as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Quantity Surveyor (PQS) from Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyor.
• Membership from Association for Advancement of Cost Engineering International (AACEi) is an asset.
• Computer literate and be comfortable with electronic measurement and estimate preparation using applications such as On-Screen Takeoff, RIB CostX, or equal.
• Experienced with calculation and application of General Conditions and General Requirements allowances, contingency, and escalation within cost plans and estimates.
• Good organizational and communication (written and verbal) skills.
• Have the ability to handle multiple, diverse assignments.
• Familiarity with Metrolinx Estimating Guide for External Consultants and Metrolinx cost estimate templates is an asset.
• Familiarity with the extraction of quantities from BIM models is an asset.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Project and Primavera is an asset.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or Construction Science Engineering or equivalent experience
• A minimum of 10 years' related experience
• Advanced understanding of Microsoft Office software
• Advanced understanding of construction estimating concepts, construction scheduling and elements associated with Risk
• Able to lead small project estimates
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

At HDR, the health and safety of our employees is of the upmost importance. In accordance with local safety, health, and environmental legislation, HDR is committed to developing, maintaining, and enforcing proactive safe work policies, procedures, and standards.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and other applicable legislation, we are committed to meeting the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities. Candidates with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment and selection process by contacting our Human Resources team.

HDR is a certified Living Wage Employer in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta.

Primary Location

Industry

: Transit

Schedule

Schedule

: Full-time

Employee Status

Employee Status

: Regular

Job Posting

Job Posting

: Aug 26, 2025

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employe r.

We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

Ready to learn more? Let's work together to make great thingspossible.

We design solutions to the world's greatest challenges. We'realways looking for great talent to join our global teams.