Senior Estimator, Building Construction

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

Job summary

Ledcor is seeking a seasoned Estimator with 6+ years of experience to develop and manage estimates for multi-disciplinary commercial and residential construction in the Ottawa region.

You will lead subcontractor solicitations, perform quantity take-offs, analyze drawings, and prepare bids across design-build and CM delivery methods. Office-based with limited travel in the Greater Ottawa Area.

Qualifications

• 6+ years estimating experience in ICI residential and institutional sectors.
• Post-secondary diploma or degree in CM, QS, Estimating, Eng, or related.
• Proficiency with OST and estimating software; BIM asset.
• Strong reading of drawings and specs for accurate take-offs.
• Knowledge of LEED or net-zero is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead subcontractor and supplier solicitation and evaluate quotations.
• Perform quantity take-off across all project scopes for accurate estimates.
• Analyze drawings and specs to develop detailed estimates.
• Review RFIs and contracts to ensure complete bid submissions.
• Develop execution plans and support proposal presentations.
• Prepare and present estimates using historical data and market intel.
• Support pre-bid meetings and subcontractor procurement planning.
• Identify value engineering opportunities across design phases.

Skills

Estimating experience

Subcontractor engagement

Quantity take-off

Bid submissions

Cost analysis

Design-build

Education

Construction Management degree

Tools

OST (On-Screen Takeoff)

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

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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.