Senior Estimator

NES Fircroft; Calgary; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

NES Fircroft is seeking a senior cost estimator to lead development and governance of capital cost estimates for a major project portfolio. You will drive accuracy, benchmark performance, and ensure risk-informed decision-making with cross-functional teams.

The role requires extensive experience in energy-sector estimating, a proactive approach to continuous improvement, and the ability to communicate findings to senior leadership.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of project estimating experience.
• 5+ years leading estimates for major capital projects.
• Experience supporting projects from early development through execution.
• Background in energy, midstream, oil & gas, utilities, or petrochemical projects.
• Strong expertise in cost estimating, benchmarking, estimate validation, and risk analysis.
• Experience developing Class VI to Class III estimates.
• AACE CCP or CEP certification considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and validation of capital cost estimates across the project lifecycle.
• Prepare and review conceptual, screening, and detailed cost estimates for major projects.
• Develop estimating strategies, methodologies, assumptions, and estimate basis documents.
• Perform cost benchmarking, market analysis, and estimate assurance reviews.
• Lead risk assessments, contingency development, and cost optimization initiatives.
• Review contractor and vendor estimates, quotations, and bid submissions.
• Support business cases, AFEs, capital approvals, and stage-gate reviews.
• Collaborate with Project Management, Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Finance teams.
• Provide estimate updates, forecasting support, and presentations to senior leadership.
• Drive estimating standards, continuous improvement, and best practices across the organization.

Skills

Cost estimating

Benchmarking

Risk analysis

Estimate validation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

AACE CCP/CEP certification (asset)

Job description

The Role

Lead the development, governance, and continuous improvement of project cost estimates for a major capital project portfolio. Working closely with cross-functional teams, you will provide cost intelligence, benchmarking, risk analysis, and estimate validation to support investment decisions and successful project execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and validation of capital cost estimates across the project lifecycle
• Prepare and review conceptual, screening, and detailed cost estimates for major projects
• Develop estimating strategies, methodologies, assumptions, and estimate basis documents
• Perform cost benchmarking, market analysis, and estimate assurance reviews
• Lead risk assessments, contingency development, and cost optimization initiatives
• Review contractor and vendor estimates, quotations, and bid submissions
• Support business cases, AFEs, capital approvals, and stage-gate reviews
• Collaborate with Project Management, Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Finance teams
• Provide estimate updates, forecasting support, and presentations to senior leadership
• Drive estimating standards, continuous improvement, and best practices across the organization

Key Requirements

• 10+ years of project estimating experience
• 5+ years leading estimates for major capital projects
• Experience supporting projects from early development through execution
• Background in energy, midstream, oil & gas, utilities, or petrochemical projects
• Strong expertise in cost estimating, benchmarking, estimate validation, and risk analysis
• Experience developing Class VI to Class III estimates
• AACE CCP or CEP certification considered an asset