Chief Estimator/manager of Estimating

**Chief Estimator/Manager of Estimating**

Awarded one of Canada’s Best Managed companies, **The Forest Group** is a vertically integrated diversified group of companies offering exterior construction material supply and services within the Greater Toronto Area. Focused on asphalt paving, concrete, landscape construction and other exterior construction, Forest has provided quality solutions for over 20 years.

We are currently looking for a full time **Chief Estimator/Manager of Estimating **to join our growing team

Our ideal hire would have an in-depth understanding of construction management procedures and experience in planning, scheduling, and assessing project specific needs such as materials, licenses, permits, and equipment. We are looking for a motivated self starter to lead our estimation team.
- **As the Chief Estimator/Manager of Estimating, you will be responsible for**:_
- Leading the estimating department in all its functions.
- Performing quantitative evaluations of materials and manpower required for the work and verify the quantities given by other estimators.
- Preparing summaries of quantities according to project specifications and by sorting them according to the standardized sections and functions of involved trades.
- Reviewing drawings and specifications and identifying the divisions of work.
- Managing all estimating and cost planning activities including presenting the final cost plan/estimate to the client team.
- Considering lead times and ensuring procurement of materials and labour do not conflict with major project scheduling.
- Identifying project-specific prices related to key items including labour, equipment and materials.
- Reading and understanding soil and designated substance reports.
- Studying project plans and specifications and clarifying location and/or document discrepancies.
- Standardizing estimating procedures for the estimation department.
- Assisting the sales team in searching for project bidding opportunities.
- Reading and interpreting contract specifications.
- Awarding subcontracts and approving procurement of subcontractors.
- Ensuring subcontractors are involved in project planning/scheduling where required.
- Ensuring all necessary documentation are provided to subcontractors pertaining to the work involved.
- Attending construction site visits and assessing site specific considerations that may affect estimate accuracy.
- Growing and maintaining strong relationships with trade partners, consultants and clients to achieve project goals.
- Verifying content of all amounts received from suppliers and subcontractors as well as their compliance with bid documents upon compilation.
- Taking part in and/or coordinating the various parties involved in the project estimation.
- Assisting the estimators in searching for new contacts, subcontractors, suppliers, and work providers.
- Suggesting and pricing alternatives to bid documents for the purpose of reducing construction costs of bid projects.
- Actively educating and providing expertise to our growing estimation team.
- Recruitment - inclusion in selection and recruitment process, including interviews.
- Carrying out research related to construction market conditions throughout Canada, including analysis of official published data as well as engaging with the market to obtain up to date rates for all construction products.
- Motivating and empowering the team to manage their continued professional growth.
- Ensuring that the estimation team have all the necessary tools and training required.
- Managing, directing and monitoring the overall performance of the tender process to ensure efficiency, quality, service and profitability for the organization.
- 8+ years relevant experience in estimating in the construction industry preferably in Road projects and infrastructure projects.
- A University Degree or College Diploma in Engineering or Construction Management or a combination of education and industry experience
- Experience using Bid2Win (B2W) estimation software is considered an asset
- Knowledge of and experience using CostX is considered an asset
- Proficiency with HeavyBid software is considered an asset
- Previous experience with quantity takeoff and estimating experience using HeavyBid, Timberline, Chief Estimator or MC2 Software, Hard Bid, AutoCAD, MicroStation.
- Experience in P3 procurement processes is an asset
- Experience with Microsoft Project
- Strong computer skills and an enthusiasm for innovation
- A proven track record of project coordination and team collaboration
- Ability to adapt to changing market conditions
- Effective communication skills
- Excellent analytical and planning skills
- Excellent time management skills
- Effective problem-solving skills
- Strong organisational skills and high attention to detail
- Ability to multitask and prioritise various tasks with conflict deadlines.
- **Why join The Forest Group?**_
- We offer a competitive salary with the potential for a p