Chief Estimator

Chief Estimator - Institutional & ICI Construction

Location: Edmonton, AB (Relocation assistance provided)

A well-established Canadian construction company with a strong Western Canada presence is seeking a Chief Estimator to lead preconstruction and estimating activities for a portfolio of institutional, ICI, and complex commercial projects.

The Opportunity

The Chief Estimator will provide strategic leadership across all estimating and preconstruction functions, from early concept through tender and contract award. The role is responsible for setting estimating strategy, managing risk, and directing the estimating team in support of long-term business growth.

The organization maintains a diverse mix of public-sector and institutional work, complemented by mid-sized commercial projects. This position is designed for a senior leader who wants influence beyond individual bids and is motivated by team leadership, process improvement, and consistent delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Preconstruction & Estimating Leadership
- Lead estimating strategy to support performance, schedule, and profitability objectives
- Direct and coordinate the estimating team across multiple concurrent pursuits
- Oversee development of budgets, cost plans, and bid submissions
- Assign workloads, review estimates, and ensure quality and consistency across deliverables
- Drive estimating efforts across CM, Design-Build, Fixed Price, P3, and IPD delivery models
- Build and maintain relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers
- Support procurement planning, constructability reviews, and risk assessments

Construction & Financial Oversight
- Monitor and track forecasted labour, material, and equipment costs
- Participate in monthly WIP reviews and financial reporting
- Support project teams with cost data, forecasting, and early issue resolution

Post-Construction
- Participate in closeout reviews, reconciliations, and lessons learned
- Analyze estimate accuracy and productivity to inform future pursuits

People & Team Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of estimators
- Support recruitment, onboarding, and succession planning
- Provide ongoing coaching, performance feedback, and technical guidance
- Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performance estimating culture

What We’re Looking For
- Degree in quantity surveying, engineering, construction management, or a related discipline
- PQS, CET, or P.Eng designation (achieved or eligible) considered an asset
- 15+ years of estimating experience on large institutional, commercial, ICI, or high-rise projects, typically $50M+
- Demonstrated success leading estimating teams on complex bids
- Experience across multiple delivery models
- Proficiency with modern estimating software (InEight, On-Screen Takeoff, or similar)
- Strong leadership, communication, and commercial judgment
- Qualified Senior Estimators will be considered

Why Consider This Role
- Senior leadership role with responsibility for leading an established estimating team
- Exposure to complex, large-scale institutional and ICI projects
- Stable, long-term workload supported by repeat public-sector clients
- Opportunity to shape estimating strategy, people, and processes
- Edmonton-based position with relocation assistance available

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $160,000.00-$190,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Extended health care

Work Location: In person