Senior Estimator

RecruitPod Canada Inc.; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

RecruitPod Canada Inc. is seeking a seasoned Senior Construction Estimator with a track record in General Contractors.

You will lead preconstruction from design review to final bid, assess complex renovations, and manage bid risk in occupied buildings using the latest estimating software and AI tools. The role emphasizes bid packages, subcontractor quotes, and post-bid clarifications, with a focus on accuracy, cost databases, and value engineering to support fast, reliable handoffs to

Qualifications

• 7+ years of direct estimating experience working for a General Contractor.
• Strong background pricing institutional renovations (government, education, healthcare) and/or light industrial retrofits.
• Deep knowledge of occupied facilities, phasing and sequencing challenges.
• Hands-on experience with estimating software and MS Excel.

Responsibilities

• Lead quantity takeoffs, line-item pricing, and scope assembly for bids, design-build, and renovations.
• Analyze drawings/specifications to identify gaps, risks, and phasing constraints.
• Conduct site visits and pre-bid walk-throughs to evaluate conditions and impacts.
• Prepare bid packages, inclusions/exclusions, RFIs, and value-engineering recommendations.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor quotes to ensure full coverage without overlaps.
• Lead post-bid clarifications and negotiate trade contracts before handoff.
• Utilize 2D/3D takeoff and estimating software; integrate AI tools to accelerate data referencing.

Skills

GC Experience

Preconstruction leadership

Bid management

Communication

Education

Degree/Diploma in Construction Management or related

PMP or Gold Seal asset

Tools

On-Screen Takeoff

Bluebeam Revu

CostX

ProEst

Sage

MS Excel

Job description

Location: Edmonton, Alberta

Job Type: Full Time

Job Description:

We are seeking a seasoned Senior Construction Estimator with a proven track record working directly for General Contractors. In this role, you will lead preconstruction efforts from initial design review through to final bid submission and trade handoff. You will evaluate complex renovation scope, manage bid risks in active/occupied buildings, and utilize the latest estimating software and AI tools to drive efficiency and accuracy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead quantity takeoffs, line-item pricing, and scope assembly for competitive bids, design-build, and negotiated renovation projects.
• Analyze architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical drawings/specifications to identify scope gaps, risk items, and phasing constraints.
• Conduct detailed site visits and pre-bid walk-throughs to evaluate existing conditions, operational impacts, and structural/MEP tie-in challenges.
• Prepare comprehensive bid packages, inclusions/exclusions, RFI submissions, and value-engineering recommendations.
• Solicit, evaluate, and scope-check subcontractor and vendor quotes to ensure total coverage without overlap.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with specialized trades (MEP, structural steel, envelope, abatement/hazmat).
• Lead post-bid clarifications and negotiate favorable trade contracts prior to handoff.
• Utilize 2D/3D digital takeoff and estimating software to perform rapid, high-accuracy quantity counts and cost assembly.
• Integrate AI tools into daily workflows to analyze bid documents, extract scope summaries, draft RFIs, compare sub-trade proposals, and accelerate historical data referencing.
• Maintain and optimize internal cost databases, historical unit pricing, and standard productivity models.

4. Operational Handoff & Project Support

• Lead formal transition meetings with Project Managers and Superintendents upon contract award.
• Assist in pricing complex contract change orders, scope variations, and site contingency items during active construction.

Qualifications & Requirements

• GC Experience:
• 7+ years of direct estimating experience working for a General Contractor (Required).
• Sector Focus:
• Strong background pricing institutional renovations (government, education, healthcare) and/or light industrial retrofits (warehouses, maintenance bays, mechanical/electrical upgrades).
• Deep knowledge of existing structure challenges, phasing/sequencing in occupied facilities, specialized scaffolding/access, and mechanical/electrical tie-ins.
• Software Proficiency:Hands-on experience with estimating software (e.g., On-Screen Takeoff, Bluebeam Revu, CostX, ProEst, Sage, or similar) and advanced MS Excel.
• Tech-Forward Mindset:
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for adopting AI tools (e.g., LLMs, automated takeoff tools, smart bid-management platforms) to optimize estimating speed and accuracy.

Education:

• Degree/Diploma in Construction Management, Civil/Structural Engineering, Architectural Technology, or equivalent trade experience + credentials (PMP, Gold Seal, or similar considered an asset).