Senior Estimator

Strabag; Mississauga; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

STRABAG SE seeks a Senior Estimator in Mississauga, Ontario, to lead cost estimation for construction projects. This role is essential in winning new business through accurate bidding and project management from solicitation to handover.

The successful candidate will have 10–15 years of estimating experience in civil and infrastructure projects, with proficiency in various estimating and scheduling software. The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $120,000 to $150,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 10–15 years of construction estimating experience.
• Experience estimating large-scale civil or ICI projects.
• Knowledge of Design-Build and P3 projects is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of cost estimates for projects.
• Analyze project risks and develop contingency plans.
• Manage subcontractor relationships and quotes.
• Mentor junior estimators and support improvement initiatives.
• Assist with project turnover meetings and client management.

Skills

Advanced proficiency with estimating software

Advanced Microsoft Excel skills

Understanding of construction contracts

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline

Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) or equivalent certification

Tools

HCSS

CostX

On-Screen Takeoff (OST)

Primavera P6

Job description

Pay range for this role is between $120,000– $150,000 annually, with final compensation determined by skills, experience, and role requirements.

Position Summary

The Senior Estimator is responsible for leading the preparation of accurate, competitive, and comprehensive cost estimates for construction projects throughout Ontario. This role plays a critical part in securing new business opportunities by managing the full tendering and estimating process, from bid solicitation through proposal submission and project handover. The Senior Estimator provides leadership to estimating teams, develops pricing strategies, manages subcontractor and supplier relationships, identifies project risks and opportunities, and supports business development initiatives. The successful candidate will possess extensive experience in civil, infrastructure, industrial, commercial, institutional (ICI), transportation, water/wastewater, or heavy civil construction projects, with a strong understanding of Ontario market conditions, labour productivity, procurement practices, and construction methodologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Estimating & Tendering: Lead the preparation of detailed conceptual, budgetary, and tender estimates for construction projects ranging from $500,000 to $50+ million. Review and interpret drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, schedules, contracts, and tender documents. Perform quantity take-offs and establish labour, equipment, material, subcontractor, and indirect cost estimates. Develop bid strategies and pricing models to maximize competitiveness while maintaining profitability. Prepare detailed estimate summaries, bid forms, clarifications, and proposal submissions. Coordinate and participate in pre-bid meetings, site investigations, and client presentations. Conduct estimate reviews with senior management prior to bid submission. Support design‑build, P3, construction management, and lump‑sum procurement pursuits.
• Cost Analysis & Risk Management: Analyze project risks, opportunities, and constructability considerations. Develop contingency allowances and risk mitigation strategies. Monitor market trends, labour rates, material pricing, subcontractor availability, and industry developments. Maintain historical cost databases and benchmarking information. Identify value engineering opportunities and cost optimization solutions for clients and project teams.
• Subcontractor & Supplier Management: Develop and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, consultants, and industry partners. Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate subcontractor and supplier quotations. Ensure compliance of submitted quotations with project requirements and specifications. Expand and maintain a qualified subcontractor and supplier network across Ontario.
• Leadership & Team Development: Mentor, coach, and provide technical guidance to Estimators, Junior Estimators, and Coordinators. Lead estimate review meetings and support continuous improvement initiatives. Establish estimating best practices, procedures, and quality standards. Assist in resource planning and workload management within the estimating department. Support recruitment, training, and professional development of estimating staff.
• Project Handover & Business Development: Participate in successful project turnover meetings with operations teams. Assist Project Managers with procurement strategies and budget validation. Support business development activities and client relationship management. Contribute to prequalification submissions, Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), and Requests for Proposals (RFPs). Represent the company professionally at industry events and client meetings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering Technology, or a related discipline.
• Professional Engineer (P.Eng.), Gold Seal Certification (GSC), Certified Construction Estimator (CCE/CEC), or Professional Quantity Surveyor (PQS) designation is considered an asset.

Experience

• Minimum 10–15 years of construction estimating experience with a subcontractors, general contractor, EPC contractor, or construction management firm.
• Proven experience estimating large‑scale civil, infrastructure, industrial, water/wastewater, transportation, or ICI projects.
• Demonstrated success leading complex competitive bids and negotiated proposals.
• Experience with Design‑Build, Construction Management, Progressive Design‑Build, Alliance, and Public‑Private Partnership (P3) projects is considered an asset.

Knowledge & Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency with estimating software such as HCSS, CostX, On‑Screen Takeoff (OST), PlanSwift, Bid2Win.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills including complex cost models and database development.
• Working knowledge of scheduling software including Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project.
• Strong understanding of construction contracts including CCDC, OPSS, OPSD, MTO, municipal, and infrastructure specifications.

STRABAG Inc. is an equal‑opportunity employer.