Senior ICI Estimator

David Aplin Recruiting; Calgary; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

David Aplin Recruiting is assisting a Calgary-based contractor in finding a Senior ICI Estimator to lead full-cycle estimating across commercial and institutional projects. The role demands ownership of budgets, value engineering input, and collaboration with operations, consultants, and owners from concept through tender.

The ideal candidate will have 10+ years in construction estimating, 5+ years with a General Contractor, and strong Excel/estimating software skills.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of construction estimating experience.
• Minimum 5 years estimating experience with a General Contractor.
• Proven ability to independently prepare and manage complete project estimates.
• Experience estimating commercial and institutional (ICI) construction projects.
• Experience with both new construction and renovation projects.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, labour productivity, cost drivers, and market conditions.
• Advanced proficiency with Excel and construction estimating software.
• Strong ability to interpret drawings, specifications, and construction documentation.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Post-secondary education in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Construction Technology, or a related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Lead complete estimating assignments from conceptual budgeting through final tender submission.
• Review drawings, specifications, and bid documents to determine project scope and pricing requirements.
• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs for labour, materials, equipment, and subcontracted scopes.
• Develop project cost estimates, budgets, contingencies, escalations, and risk assessments.
• Solicit, analyze, level, and negotiate subcontractor and supplier pricing.
• Participate in bid strategy development and pursuit planning.
• Support preconstruction planning activities and design development reviews.
• Provide value engineering recommendations and constructability input.
• Collaborate with project managers, operations teams, consultants, and owners throughout project development.
• Present and defend cost estimates to internal stakeholders and clients.
• Track and analyze estimated versus actual project costs to support continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Estimating

Communication

Stakeholder management

Preconstruction collaboration

Education

Construction Management / Engineering / Architecture / Construction Technology

Tools

Excel

Estimating software

Job description

Aplin is recruiting on behalf of a well-established, employee-owned general contractor with a strong reputation for collaborative project delivery and innovation within the Canadian construction industry.

Due to continued growth and a strong pipeline of upcoming work, our client is seeking an experiencedSenior ICI Estimatorto join their Calgary team. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned construction professional who enjoys taking ownership of projects, influencing project strategy during preconstruction, and working closely with operations, consultants, and clients to deliver successful outcomes.

Position Overview

The Senior Estimator will be responsible for leading full-cycle estimating activities across commercial and institutional construction projects from concept through tender. The successful candidate will provide cost planning, budgeting, value engineering, constructability input, and bid leadership while collaborating closely with project teams throughout the preconstruction phase.

This role offers exposure to a variety of delivery methods includingLump Sum, Construction Management (CM), and Progressive Design-Build projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead complete estimating assignments from conceptual budgeting through final tender submission
• Review drawings, specifications, and bid documents to determine project scope and pricing requirements
• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs for labour, materials, equipment, and subcontracted scopes
• Develop project cost estimates, budgets, contingencies, escalations, and risk assessments
• Solicit, analyze, level, and negotiate subcontractor and supplier pricing
• Participate in bid strategy development and pursuit planning
• Support preconstruction planning activities and design development reviews
• Provide value engineering recommendations and constructability input
• Collaborate with project managers, operations teams, consultants, and owners throughout project development
• Present and defend cost estimates to internal stakeholders and clients
• Track and analyze estimated versus actual project costs to support continuous improvement initiatives

Qualifications

Required

• 10+ years of construction estimating experience
• Minimum 5 years of estimating experience with a General Contractor
• Proven ability to independently prepare and manage complete project estimates
• Experience estimating commercial and institutional (ICI) construction projects
• Experience with both new construction and renovation projects
• Strong understanding of construction methods, labour productivity, cost drivers, and market conditions
• Advanced proficiency with Excel and construction estimating software
• Strong ability to interpret drawings, specifications, and construction documentation
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills
• Post-secondary education in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Construction Technology, or a related discipline

Preferred

• CIQS Certified Estimating Certificate (CEC)
• Professional Quantity Surveyor (PQS) designation
• Experience with Construction Management and/or Progressive Design-Build projects
• Exposure to Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) environments
• Healthcare, long-term care, recreation, residential, or institutional project experience
• Experience facilitating cost planning workshops and collaborating directly with owners and consultants

Ideal Candidate Profile

We are looking for a truefull-cycle estimatorwho can independently own the estimating process and contribute strategic insight throughout preconstruction.

Successful candidates will typically have experience:

• Working for commercial General Contractors
• Managing complete project estimates rather than individual divisions or scopes
• Collaborating in multidisciplinary project teams
• Participating in preconstruction planning and cost management initiatives
• Presenting estimates to clients, consultants, and senior leadership
• Contributing to value engineering and constructability reviews

Project Portfolio

Projects include a mix of:

• Commercial buildings
• Institutional facilities
• Healthcare and long-term care developments
• Recreation facilities
• Tenant improvements and renovations
• New-build construction projects

What You’ll Receive

• Employee ownership opportunities
• RRSP matching program
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Educational assistance and professional development support
• Annual performance and compensation reviews
• Opportunity to collaborate on innovative and complex projects
• Exposure to a variety of project delivery methods and preconstruction initiatives

At Aplin — together with our brands CompuStaff, Impact Recruitment, and Vantix Systems — we connect great people with great organizations across North America.

We believe diverse teams build stronger companies, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

We use AI tools to assist in a fair and efficient matching process, helping our recruiters connect the right people with the right opportunities. To be considered, applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada, including holding any required permits. Our recruitment services are always free for job seekers.

Accommodation is available upon request throughout all stages of the recruitment process.