Senior Estimator

ecl.vincere.io; Toronto; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Standard General Calgary is seeking a Senior Estimator to coordinate all estimating activities, researching opportunities to bid competitively and ensure successful project outcomes.

You will lead cost estimating for construction projects, analyze drawings, prepare bid packages, mentor junior estimators, and collaborate with stakeholders to manage risk and identify cost-saving opportunities.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of estimating experience.
• Experience with Heavy Bid, Heavy Job and HCSS is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of accurate and detailed cost estimates for construction projects.
• Analyze project specifications, drawings, and documents to understand requirements.
• Determine contingency, escalation, and risk pricing based on project conditions.
• Coordinate estimating activities and ensure deadlines are met.
• Collaborate with subcontractors and suppliers for competitive pricing.
• Present bids to management for approval and track turnover.
• Mentor junior estimators and drive continuous improvement in pricing accuracy.

Skills

Construction methods

Tendering knowledge

Estimating software

Cost calculations

Attention to detail

Communication & negotiation

Leadership & mentoring

Multi-project management

Professional demeanor

Education

Civil Engineering or related field

Tools

Heavy Bid

Heavy Job

HCSS

Job description

Senior Estimator

• Department: Estimating
• Reports to: Pre-Construction Manager
• Supervisory Responsibility: No

Job Summary

The Senior Estimator is responsible for coordinating all estimating activities; including researching potential opportunities to ensure that Standard General Calgary can bid competitively and successfully on all projects.

Key Responsibilities

1. Estimate Preparation:
   • · Lead the preparation of accurate and detailed cost estimates for construction projects.
   • · Analyze project specifications, drawings, and other relevant documents to understand project requirements.
   • · Determine contingency, escalation, and risk pricing based on project specific conditions.
   • · Assist in downloading estimate files to the shared drive.
   • · Participate in providing information for RFPs.
   • · Conduct quantity takeoffs and material cost assessments.
   • · Utilize Heavy Bid and tools to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
   • · Analyze and evaluate project costs (i.e. materials, labor, equipment, and overhead expenses).
   • · Identify key construction, schedule, utility, geotechnical, environmental, and procurement risks.
   • · Provide recommendations to optimize project budgets while maintaining quality standards.
   • · Identify potential cost-saving opportunities and value engineering options.
2. Team Leadership and Collaboration:
   • · Foster a collaborative environment to encourage teamwork and effective communication.
   • · Mentor junior estimators on the team including conducting periodic reviews of estimates to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with project requirements.
   • · Coordinate estimating activities, assign tasks, and ensure deadlines are met.
   • · Coordinate with Contract Administrator on updating the estimate list in a timely manner.
   • · Participate in bid review and executive approval meetings.
   • · Collaborate with the Operations and Projects team to assess the feasibility and impact of the proposed bidding assumptions and any cost‑saving measures.
3. Bid Management:
   • · Use HCSS Precon and other internal systems for tracking and monitoring market conditions, trends, and stay informed of new developments and upcoming projects in the market.
   • · Maintain and improve estimating databases, production rates, and historical cost records.
   • · Review and interpret bidding documents, including contracts, specifications, and drawings.
   • · Prepare bid packages, ensuring all required documents are included.
   • · Collaborate with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain competitive pricing and develop strong working relationships.
   • · Present bids to management for approval and submit completed bids on time.
   • · Conduct post-award estimate turnover meetings and post-project estimate reviews to continually improve pricing accuracy, productivity assumptions, and risk assessments.
4. Relationship Management:
   • · Develop and maintain relationships with clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and other key industry stakeholders.
   • · Attend pre-bid meetings, site visits, and industry events to enhance networking opportunities.
   • · Collaborate with project managers and construction superintendents and other stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition from estimating to project execution.
5. Compliance:
   • · Ensure a solid understanding of, and comply with, the principles of the company’s Code of Ethics
   • · Promote and actively support SGC’s Goal Zero safety culture and commitment to incident free operations including reporting near miss, good catches as well as incidents or quality issues.

Qualifications

• Education, Training, Diplomas and Certifications
  • · Degree or diploma in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Engineering, or related field.
• Work Experience
  • · Minimum 10 years of estimating experience.
  • · Experience with Heavy Bid, Heavy Job and HCSS are an asset.
• Technical Skills
  • · Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, and industry practices.
  • · Demonstrated knowledge of public and private-sector tendering requirements and competitive bidding practices.
  • · Proficiency in using construction estimating software and tools.
  • · Excellent analytical and mathematical skills for accurate cost calculations.
  • · Strong attention to detail and the ability to work with complex documents.
  • · Exceptional communication and negotiation skills.
  • · Demonstrated leadership abilities and the capacity to mentor and guide a team.
  • · Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively.
  • · Professional demeanor and customer-oriented approach.

Working Conditions

• · Travel and Overtime as required.
• · Compliance with the Company’s drug and alcohol policy, including testing requirements.
• · Compliance with all Company policies.

Created/Revised September 2026