Senior Estimator

Buttcon Ltd.; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Buttcon Limited in Vancouver, BC, is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead the estimating process, develop and negotiate cost estimates, and manage tender closings for projects in our portfolio.

Reporting to the Director of Pre-Construction & Estimating, the role involves reviewing plans, preparing budgets, coordinating with PMs, clients, and consultants, and identifying cost-saving opportunities to ensure competitive bids.

Qualifications

• Engineering or Construction Management degree or equivalent.
• Minimum of 10 years in the ICI construction industry or equivalent.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel and MS Project.
• Gold Seal Certification and LEED accreditation are assets.
• Procore and BIM software knowledge is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating process and tender closings.
• Review plans and specifications to understand design and discrepancies.
• Prepare budgets and costings for various trade scopes.
• Coordinate with PMs, clients and consultants to support bid closings.
• Identify cost savings and risk opportunities during budgeting.

Skills

Estimating & budgeting

Pre-construction planning

Client & consultant liaison

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Team leadership / training

Education

Engineering degree or CM degree

Technical college diploma

Tools

Procore

BIM software

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Project

Job description

Buttcon is a 100% Canadian, employee-owned General Contractor known for delivering high-quality work, innovative solutions, and fast-tracked projects that exceed expectations. We specialize in institutional, commercial, industrial, and multi-unit residential construction, leveraging modern technologies and progressive practices to deliver exceptional results—safely and efficiently.

We believe in the power of teamwork, taking action, building for the long term, and sharing in our collective success. We care deeply about the work we do, the people we work with, and the positive impact our projects have on communities. Guided by our core values of Safety, Accountability, and being People-Focused, we are committed to creating an environment where employees feel supported, empowered, and encouraged to grow. Our success is driven by the knowledge, dedication, and passion of our people—and we invest in their development every step of the way.

About the Role

Reporting to the Director of Pre-Construction & Estimating, the Senior Estimator plays a crucial role in calculating major construction cost estimates, and planning, developing, negotiating, and performing contract execution for a project. This role is based in Vancouver, BC. The Senior Estimator is responsible to lead the estimating process and tender closings.

Responsibilities

• Review plans and specifications to fully understand design and document discrepancies.
• Read & understand project contract fundamentals and requirements.
• The ability to complete Class D, C, B and A budgets in divisional or elemental format. Be able to present and interact with clients and consultants without support.
• Organize plans and specifications for subtrade distribution & posting on building connected.
• Prepare front end specification in conjunction with project manager (CM).
• Confirm / organize if there is a site visit and arrange attendance (LS/CM).
• Complete pre-bid form and set up summary sheet (LS).
• Establish trade budgets from elemental budgets & prepare post bid closing summary (CM).
• Fill out bonding and insurance requests and submission (LS).
• Prepare budgets depending on the level of design provided (Class D-A).
• Solicit bidders, prepare a sub-trade request list for distribution. Complete follow-up calls & conversations as required to ensure positive closing results.
• Identify cost savings during budgeting & tendering as required (LS/CM).
• Deal with tender RFI’s internally and from sub trades and log, submit to consultant for clarification.
• Take off general subtrade scopes. Prepare detailed costing of BWL self-perform scopes (CM).
• Participate in project team meetings & workshops (CM).
• Establish/maintain strong trade relationships which can support in budgeting / tender results.
• Work collaboratively with BWL team, clients & consultants to fulfill preconstruction commitments.
• Ability to review and consider costs in relation to project schedule (seasonality etc).
• Preparation of the closing sheet & required breakdowns / separate pricing (LS).
• Ability to identify risk, or opportunity avenues.
• Prepare / complete bid leveling for each scope of work to ensure all work is accounted for prior to bid recommendation to client. Clarify any client-related questions as required (CM).
• Lead subtrade review meetings & scope clarification with PM/Superintendent involvement (CM).
• Ensure RFP fee strategy is adopted and maintained (CM).
• Complete post project review & cost analysis.

What You’ll Bring to the Team

• Thorough knowledge of all aspects of construction (technology, equipment, methods), industry practices, estimating/ budgeting, scheduling, and safety requirements.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proven ability to diagnose, analyze and develop solutions to complex issues
• Analytical and strong problem-solving ability
• Ability to train junior staff
• Self-starter with an excellent attitude and initiative

Qualification Requirements

• Engineering degree or Construction Management degree, Technical College diploma, or equivalent combination of technical training and/ or related experience.
• Minimum of 10 years in the ICI construction industry or equivalent.
• Computer literate, including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Project.
• Proven ability to successfully manage a tender closing.
• Gold Seal Certified is an asset.
• LEED Accredited is an asset.
• Procore and BIM software knowledge is an asset.

This recruitment process does not involve the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants. All hiring selections and decisions are made by human reviewers.

This posting is for a new position within our organization.

While we thank all applicants, only those under consideration for the position will be contacted. Buttcon Limited is an equal-opportunity employer that proudly recognizes the value of a diverse workforce. Accommodations are available on request for applicants with disabilities taking part in the recruitment and selection process. Any information obtained during the course of recruitment will be used for employment purposes only and not for any other purpose.