Senior Estimator - Mechanical

Ainsworth Inc; Mississauga; Hybrid; CAD 125,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Hybrid work model

Incentives / short-term incentives

RRSP matching

Job summary

GDI Ainsworth is seeking a Senior Mechanical/HVAC Estimator in Mississauga to lead the estimating function for mechanical construction and service opportunities across the GTA and surrounding markets. The role requires guiding a team of estimators and ensuring bid accuracy and profitability.

You will collaborate with Sales, Operations and Leadership to drive competitive strategies, manage risk, and deliver cost-effective solutions for clients, while supporting growth and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of mechanical estimating experience across HVACR, plumbing, hydronic, steam, refrigeration and sheet metal.
• 3–5 years of leadership or supervisory experience mentoring estimators.
• Proven track record managing large commercial, institutional, and industrial projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of estimators, providing technical guidance and performance support.
• Oversee workload distribution, bid assignments and estimating priorities.
• Review major project estimates for accuracy, completeness, and profitability.
• Establish standards, procedures and best practices for estimating.
• Participate in bid reviews, risk assessment, and strategic go/no-go decisions.
• Foster relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors and equipment suppliers.
• Drive value engineering to improve margins and project competitiveness.
• Support succession planning and training for junior estimators.
• Collaborate with operations to review outcomes and improve estimating accuracy.
• Monitor market conditions, labor trends and material pricing.

Skills

Estimating leadership

HVACR systems

Hydronic systems

Budgeting & cost control

Client relations

Digital takeoff tools

Education

Post-secondary in Mechanical Engineering / Construction Management

CET / P.Eng. / Red Seal asset

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Office

Job description

If you thrive in a team-oriented workplace that challenges your skills, to drive your career development, embraces diversity and rewards innovation, with competitive pay and great employee programs, join the GDI Ainsworth team today!

Job Summary:

The Senior Mechanical/HVAC Estimator leads the estimating function for strategic mechanical construction and service opportunities across the GTA and surrounding markets. This role is responsible for overseeing complex HVAC, refrigeration, hydronic, plumbing, piping, and sheet metal estimates while providing leadership, mentorship, and technical guidance to a team of estimators. The successful candidate combines advanced mechanical systems expertise with strong leadership skills to drive estimating accuracy, profitability, operational excellence, and business growth.

The Senior Estimator collaborates closely with Sales, Operations, Project Management, and Executive Leadership to develop competitive project strategies, manage risk, and deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions for clients.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of estimators, providing technical guidance, coaching, and performance support.
• Oversee workload distribution, bid assignments, and estimating priorities across the estimating department.
• Review and approve major project estimates before submission to ensure accuracy, completeness, and profitability.
• Establish and maintain estimating standards, procedures, productivity factors, and best practices.
• Participate in strategic bid reviews, go/no-go decisions, and risk assessment meetings.
• Foster relationships with key clients, consultants, subcontractors, and equipment manufacturers.
• Drive value engineering initiatives and identify opportunities to improve project competitiveness and margins.
• Support succession planning and training programs for junior and intermediate estimators.
• Collaborate with operations teams to review project outcomes and continuously improve estimating accuracy.
• Monitor market conditions, labor trends, material pricing, and industry developments impacting project costs.

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of mechanical estimating experience with extensive knowledge of HVACR, plumbing, hydronic, steam, refrigeration, and sheet metal systems.
• 3 to 5 years of leadership or supervisory experience, including mentoring and developing estimating teams.
• Proven track record managing large, complex commercial, institutional, and industrial mechanical projects.
• Strong business acumen with demonstrated ability to manage risk and improve bid success rates.
• Advanced proficiency with estimating software, Microsoft Office, and digital takeoff platforms.
• Post-secondary education in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, HVAC Technology, or related discipline.
• CET, P.Eng., Red Seal Trade Certification, or equivalent industry designation considered a strong asset.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Strong understanding of Ontario Building Code, CSA standards, TSSA requirements, and industry best practices

The salary range is $125,000 - $145,000 per year. Actual salaries will vary based on factors such as education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as alignment with market data. The base salary is just one component of Ainsworth’s total compensation package, which also includes additional rewards and benefits such as short-term incentives and health insurance, among others.

Why work at GDI Ainsworth?

GDI Ainsworth is growing at an unprecedented rate and to help attract and retain top talent, we provide benefits on your first day with us. We offer a wide variety of benefits including the following:

• Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental and medical benefits, including wellness supports, RSP matching and generous vacation
• Rewards: Service milestones and peer recognition plus Employee Discounts and Incentives
• Flexibility: Hybrid working models, where applicable
• Diversity: An inclusive organization that embraces diversity and belonging; work in a great team atmosphere with future potential for promotion within company

While we appreciate all applications we receive, we advise that only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

GDI Ainsworth is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. Qualified designated group members are encouraged to apply as any reasonable accommodation of qualifications will be considered as per our Accommodation Policy, available upon request.

GDI Ainsworth is an integrated multi-trade company, offering end-to-end services and solutions for all asset maintenance and refurbishment requirements of our customers. We are continually striving to create better and more advanced products as well as provide the highest quality service. We are rapidly growing and need talented professionals to help drive our vision at becoming the best multi-trade company in the country!