Senior Estimator, Building Construction

Ledcor Group; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Ledcor in Ottawa is seeking a seasoned Estimator with 6+ years of experience across commercial, institutional, industrial and residential construction. You will develop hard bid, CM and design-build estimates, lead take-offs, analyze drawings and specifications, and manage bid submissions with a focus on accuracy and competitiveness.

You will lead subcontractor and supplier solicitations, perform detailed quantity take-offs, support proposal presentations, and identify value engineering

Qualifications

• 6+ years of estimating experience in ICI and residential sectors.
• Degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Estimating, or Engineering.
• Proficient with OST, Microsoft Office, and estimating software; BIM is a plus.
• Strong ability to read drawings and related documentation, with budgeting and scheduling knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead subcontractor and supplier solicitations and evaluate quotations.
• Perform quantity take‑offs across project scopes and handover to project teams.
• Analyze drawings, specs, proposals to develop estimates and project planning.
• Review RFIs, drawings, specifications, RFPs, and contracts for bid accuracy.
• Develop project execution plans (logistics & schedule) with project teams and trade partners.
• Support the preparation and presentation of estimate proposals to stakeholders.
• Prepare conceptual and detailed estimates using QS methods and data, itemized by divisions.

Skills

Communication skills

Bid team experience

Negotiation

Attention to detail

Education

Construction Management / QS / Estimating or Engineering degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

On-Screen Takeoff (OST)

Estimating software

BIM modeling

Job description

Over the last 30 years in Ontario, Ledcor has continued to grow and evolve and is now a leading provider of construction services across the province. The Ottawa office is growing and includes recent work in the institutional and residential sectors. We have always been driven by our commitment to safety, quality, integrity, sustainability, and success.

Ledcor is hiring a seasoned Estimator with over 6 years of expertise in multi‑disciplinary commercial, institutional, industrial, and residential construction projects. You excel in conceptual estimating, quantity take‑off, cost analysis, subcontractor engagement, competitive bid preparation, and document control. You will play a pivotal role in developing hard bid, construction management, and design‑build estimates for a diverse range of projects.

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead subcontractor and supplier solicitation efforts, review and analyze quotations, and provide recommendations to support subcontractor selection.
• Perform detailed quantity take‑off across all project scopes, including conceptual quantities, ensuring accurate documentation and seamless handover to project teams in accordance with company policies.
• Analyze drawings, specifications, proposals, and related project documentation to develop comprehensive estimates and project planning.
• Review RFIs, drawings, specifications, RFP, and contract to ensure complete and accurate bid submissions.
• Develop project execution plans (logistics & schedule) based on project requirements, collaborating with project teams and key trade partners.
• Support the preparation and presentation of estimate proposals to internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepare conceptual and detailed estimates using quantity survey, historical cost data, market intelligence, and benchmarking information, itemized by both divisional and elemental format.
• Participate in major trade pre‑award meetings and contribute to subcontractor selection and procurement planning.
• Identify value engineering opportunities during conceptual, schematic, design development phases and bid phases.
• Source cost‑effective materials and systems while evaluating lead times, lifecycle costs, risks, and potential scope conflicts before bid submission.
• Collaborate with subcontractors and suppliers to optimize budgets, negotiate scope allocations, and maintain competitive pricing strategies.
• Lead pre‑bid meetings to address scope gaps, manage supplier and subcontractor RFPs, and develop clear, comprehensive scopes of work in collaboration with project team.
• Plan utility approvals, temporary and permanent service connections, and regulatory inspections, to align with client expectations.
• Integrate with design‑build team on design‑build contracts to facilitate design and estimate progression through various design phases and classes of estimate.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of estimating experience, preferably within the ICI construction and residential sector.
• Previous project management or field experience is considered an asset.
• Post‑secondary diploma or degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Estimating, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, On‑Screen Takeoff (OST), and other estimating software; experience with BIM modeling is an asset.
• Strong ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and related documentation, with a keen eye for completeness and accuracy.
• Solid understanding of construction costing, budgeting, procurement, and project schedule development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage stakeholders and team members.
• Knowledge of structural, envelope, mechanical (HVAC, plumbing, fire protection) and electrical systems (power distribution, lighting and low‑voltage systems) in ICI and high‑rise construction projects.
• Proven success working as a member of a bid team, ensuring estimate accuracy, risk identification, and effective subcontractor selection.
• Previous field experience as a Project Coordinator or in a similar construction role, with demonstrated experience supporting design‑assist and preconstruction collaboration.
• Strong negotiation and relationship management skills, including subcontractor prequalification, scope clarification, and pricing negotiations.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and validate construction drawings, specifications, and BIM models to support accurate quantity take‑offs and scope reviews.
• LEED®, sustainable construction, or net‑zero energy project experience is considered an asset.

Work Conditions

Office based position with limited travel required within the Greater Ottawa Area #LI‑NC1

Compensation $119,700.00 - $159,600.00 This is the expected base pay range for this role. Individual base pay will be determined based on a variety of factors including experience, knowledge, skills, education and location.

Our competitive total rewards package provides compensation and benefits that support your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. We offer exciting, challenging work with opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge.

Additional Information Ledcor Building offers full‑service construction for commercial, residential, institutional, and light industrial projects, along with expertise in green building. Our depth of knowledge and expertise come from building hundreds of projects – of all sizes – across North America each year. Our workplace culture has been recognized as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures, and a Top 100 Inspiring Workplace in North America.

Employment Equity At Ledcor we believe diversity, equity, and inclusion should be part of everything we do.

We are proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer.

All qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, Veteran status or any other identifying characteristic are encouraged to apply.

Our True Blue team consists of individuals from all backgrounds who contribute diverse perspectives and experiences to Ledcor.

We are committed to continuing to build on our culture of empowerment, inclusion and belonging.

Adjustments will be provided in all parts of our hiring process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance by submitting a request via email.

For more information about Ledcor’s Inclusion and Diversity initiatives, please visit our I&D page.

We're a diversified construction company, made up of teams of people who are proven in their industries. All working to design, build, transport, operate, and maintain projects all over North America. But we believe that projects are about more than concrete and steel. They're about people and the power of partnerships. Partnerships with our employees, our communities, our contractors and clients. We believe in building trust in the places where we do business—whether that’s by engaging honestly, by giving back, by putting safety first, or by looking for smarter, more sustainable ways to get the job done right.