Senior Estimator

ECL Group of Companies; Toronto; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Our client, a respected heavy civil contractor, seeks an experienced estimator to lead the bidding for major infrastructure projects in Calgary. You will own the tender process from opportunity to submission, guide a team of estimators, and influence which projects the company pursues and how it wins them.

Reporting to the Pre-Construction Manager, you will develop comprehensive estimates, review drawings and specs, price labour, equipment, and materials, and ensure complete, compliant bid

Qualifications

• 10+ years of construction estimating experience, preferably in heavy civil or infrastructure.
• Solid understanding of public and private sector procurement and competitive tendering.
• Experience mentoring estimators or leading an estimating team.
• Proficiency with heavy civil estimating tools and software.

Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating function and bid submissions for multiple pursuits.
• Develop comprehensive cost estimates for heavy civil and infrastructure projects.
• Review drawings and contract docs to define scope and requirements.
• Coach junior estimators and build a high-performance team.
• Present estimates and bid strategy to senior leadership.

Skills

Analytical ability

Leadership

Team mentoring

Education

Post-secondary education in Civil Engineering or Construction Management

Tools

HeavyBid

HeavyJob

Job description

Job published:

Job published: 2026-10-30

Job ID:

Job ID: 88843

Job Description

About Our Client

Our client is a respected heavy civil contractor with deep roots in the Calgary market, building roads, infrastructure, and site works for municipal, provincial, and private sector owners throughout Southern Alberta.This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced estimator who wants to lead. You will own the tender process from opportunity to submission, guide and develop a team of estimators, and directly influence which projects the company pursues and how it wins them.

What You’ll Be Doing

Reporting to the Pre-Construction Manager, you will lead the estimating function, pursuing new opportunities, building competitive pricing, and making sure every bid is accurate, well-reasoned, and submitted on time. You will also act as the link between pre-construction and operations, setting projects up for success from the moment they are awarded.

Building the Estimate

• Develop comprehensive, accurate cost estimates for heavy civil and infrastructure projects.
• Review drawings, specifications, and contract documents to define scope and uncover project requirements.
• Complete quantity takeoffs and price labour, equipment, materials, trade partners, and indirect costs.
• Assess project risk across schedule, utilities, geotechnical conditions, environmental factors, and procurement, and price contingency and escalation accordingly.
• Bring forward alternative approaches and value engineering ideas that strengthen pricing without sacrificing quality.
• Use HeavyBid and related tools to produce estimates efficiently and consistently.

Running the Tender

• Interpret tender packages and contract terms to identify obligations, risks, and opportunities.
• Solicit and evaluate quotes from subcontractors and suppliers, building a dependable network of trade partners.
• Assemble complete, compliant bid submissions and deliver them on schedule.
• Present estimates and bid strategy to senior leadership for review and approval.
• Support RFP and proposal responses with technical and pricing input.
• Track upcoming opportunities and market conditions using HCSS Pre-Construction and internal tracking tools.
• Keep cost databases, production rates, and historical records current and reliable.

Leading the Team

• Plan and assign estimating work across the team to keep multiple pursuits on track.
• Coach and develop junior estimators, reviewing their work for accuracy and consistency.
• Build a team culture grounded in open communication, collaboration, and ownership.
• Partner with contract administration to keep the bid schedule and estimate log up to date.
• Work with operations and project leaders to pressure-test assumptions, methods, and savings opportunities before bids go out.
• Lead turnover meetings with project managers and superintendents so awarded work starts with a clear plan.
• Close the loop after projects wrap up, comparing estimated and actual performance to sharpen future pricing.

Building Relationships

• Strengthen relationships with owners, consultants, trade partners, suppliers, and industry contacts.
• Represent the company at pre-bid meetings, site walks, and industry events.

Safety & Integrity

• Champion a safety-first culture and support incident-free operations, including proactive reporting of hazards, near misses, and quality concerns.
• Conduct all work in line with the company’s ethics standards and policies.

What You Bring

The ideal candidate will offer:

Education & Experience

• Post-secondary education in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of construction estimating experience, preferably in heavy civil, roadwork, or infrastructure.
• A solid understanding of public and private sector procurement and competitive tendering.
• Experience mentoring other estimators or leading an estimating team.

Technical Skills

• In-depth knowledge of heavy civil construction methods, materials, and production.
• Strong command of estimating software; hands-on experience with HeavyBid, HeavyJob, or other HCSS products is a definite asset.
• Excellent numerical and analytical ability, with a sound approach to risk.
• A detail-oriented mindset and comfort working through large, complex tender packages.

Working Conditions

• Occasional travel and overtime as project needs require.
• Must comply with company policies, including drug and alcohol testing requirements.