Pre-Construction Lead

Imagine working for a company where creativity is genuinely valued—where new ideas are encouraged, contributions are noticed, and problem-solving is a team sport. At QIS, we believe innovation drives performance, and we surround ourselves with people who think critically, communicate clearly, and take ownership. If you want a role where your input matters and your work directly shapes how we execute complex infrastructure projects, this is it.

QIS is expanding quickly across Western Canada and the USA. We rehabilitate culverts, penstocks, industrial assets, and large-diameter pipelines using structural linings, engineered coatings, trenchless technologies, and smart civil solutions. We are building an organization focused on quality, integrity, creativity, and disciplined execution—and we are looking for a highly capable Pre-Construction Lead / Estimator to help drive the front end of our business.

The Role

- You will manage the full pre-construction lifecycle, from identifying opportunities to assembling complete, accurate, and competitive tender submissions. This role requires clear thinking, technical competence, and the ability to translate engineering documents into realistic, executable cost models. You will work closely with the Director, collaborate with engineers and clients, and provide Operations with clean, well-organized handoff packages. Your work will directly influence which projects we pursue and how well we perform once awarded.

- Support the Project Manager throughout the tender phase by producing accurate, timely, and well-structured estimates, bid documents, construction management packages, design-build pricing, and control budgets.

- Apply your technical expertise to interpret drawings, specifications, and contract documents. Coordinate the full tender process while maintaining strong working relationships with clients, subcontractors, consultants, suppliers, and end users. Prepare and issue quotes and proposal submissions.

- Review bid requirements, attend site walkthroughs and pre-bid meetings, verify geotechnical conditions, prepare risk matrices, and complete detailed quantity take-offs. Assist in developing preliminary budgets for awarded projects and support change order pricing.

- Contribute to the management of major infrastructure projects from pre-construction through execution, ensuring continuity between estimating, planning, and delivery teams.

- Carry out additional duties as required to support the success of the pre-construction and project delivery teams.

Requirements

- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent technical/trade experience.
- Minimum 10 years of construction cost estimating and relevant field experience.
- A strong competitive drive and a clear desire to win work.
- Experience working with a large General Contractor or similar high-volume environment.
- Demonstrated success leading pursuits ranging from $1M to $10M.
- Solid understanding of self-perform productivity and estimating methodologies.
- Knowledge of construction methods, sequencing, planning, and scheduling.
- Strong competency in bid preparation, quantity take-offs, trade procurement, pricing, and bid closing procedures.
- Ability to interpret contract terms, identify risks, and recognize opportunities.
- Familiarity with various contract delivery methods and bid processes.
- Proven ability to lead teams effectively and collaborate across departments.
- Strong organizational discipline, initiative, and self-motivation.
- Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with owners, peers, subcontractors, and industry partners.
- Experience estimating water/wastewater, civil, tunnel, or large-diameter infrastructure projects.
- Proficiency with Heavy Bid or similar estimating software.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Prior supervisory experience is an asset.

Language Requirements

Must be able to communicate clearly and professionally in English, both verbally and in writing (digital and handwritten).

What You’ll Do

You will pursue RFPs, RFQs, tenders, and direct-award opportunities, ensuring our pipeline remains active and properly prioritized. You will review drawings, specifications, attend site meetings and walkthroughs, and issue RFIs to clarify scope details. You will prepare detailed estimates across multiple disciplines including Robotically applied Structural Linings, Thermoform PVC, penstock coatings, abrasive blasting, industrial coating systems, scaffolding/temporary access structures, and general civil work associated with infrastructure rehabilitation.

You will build cost models that reflect real production rates, accurate material usage, and practical sequencing. You will prepare full tender submissions—methodology, pricing forms, assumptions, schedules, and supporting documents—and ensure we submit clean, complete, and defensible bids. Once awarded, you will assist in preparing preliminary budgets and participate in internal project handoff meetings.

What You Bring

You have 10 years of experience in estimating, engineering, or construction management, ideally within civil, industrial coatings, mechanical, or trenchless environments. You can read drawings, interpret specifications, and understand constructability. You know how to build a cost model and you price work based on logic and evidence—not guesswork.

Experience with penstocks, tunnels, or large-diameter structures is a significant advantage. You communicate well, you stay organized under deadlines, and you are comfortable managing several bids at once. You take ownership of your work, you bring forward ideas, and you thrive in an environment that rewards initiative.

Compensation

Salary Range: $95,000 – $125,000 CAD, depending on experience and capability.

This role includes performance-based bonuses, extended health and dental benefits, paid time off, travel opportunities within BC, Alberta, and the USA, and relocation support for qualified candidates.

Why QIS

You’ll join a team that values quality, and celebrates creative thinking. You’ll be part of a growing organization with genuine leadership opportunities as we expand across provinces and states. Your work won’t get lost. Your perspective won’t be ignored. And your impact will be visible across our projects and operations.

How to Apply

Submit your résumé and a brief introduction explaining why you’re a strong fit for this role:

resumes@qisbc.ca

- Subject: Pre-Construction Lead – Application