Senior Estimator

Company Description

Zgemi Inc. is a construction management and full-service general contractor. We provide design, development, renovation, restoration, and remodeling for hospitality, residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. At Zgemi, every project step will be handled by our experienced Project Managers and construction team to ensure successful completion on budget, on time, and beyond expectations. Through a close working relationship with contractors, designers, architects, and engineers, we offer innovative solutions for projects. We constantly strive to provide on-site performance, prioritizing safety, optimum planning, and coordination.

Job Purpose

The Senior Construction Estimator plays a critical role in Zgemi's pre-construction and bidding process. This position is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive, and comprehensive cost estimates by analyzing drawings, specifications, and contract requirements.

Working closely with senior management, project managers, clients, consultants, and trade partners, the Senior Estimator supports strategic decision-making, budget development, and bid execution. The role involves identifying risks and opportunities, proposing value engineering solutions, and ensuring pricing accuracy across all project phases. Leadership responsibilities include mentoring junior estimators and continuously improving estimating processes in line with industry best practices.

Duties & Responsibilities

· Lead the preparation of detailed cost estimates for hard-bid/lump sum, construction management, and design-build projects

· Review and analyze contract documents, drawings (architectural, structural, MEP), specifications, addenda, and tender requirements

· Perform and oversee quantity take-offs and scope analysis across multiple trades

· Manage the entire bid and proposal process, including bid strategy, tender submissions, pre-qualification packages, and closing procedures

· Review bid invitations, RFQs, and RFPs from public and private clients and clearly present recommendations to senior management for go/no-go decisions

· Develop trade buy-out strategies, general conditions pricing, and project-specific cost assumptions

· Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate subcontractor and supplier pricing, ensuring scope coverage, competitiveness, and compliance

· Identify risks, gaps, exclusions, and assumptions, and collaborate with senior management to mitigate exposure

· Support value engineering initiatives and alternative pricing strategies to improve project feasibility and profitability

· Assist in presenting estimates and proposals to clients, ensuring clear communication of scope, pricing, and assumptions

· Maintain accurate and organized estimating documentation, including take-offs, pricing logs, revisions, and bid records

· Research and track labour rates, material pricing, market trends, and construction methodologies

· Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, consultants, and industry partners

· Mentor and guide junior estimating staff, promoting knowledge sharing and professional development

· Continuously evaluate and improve estimating workflows, tools, and processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy

Working Conditions

· Office-based with regular site visits and walkthroughs

· Fast-paced environment with tight deadlines and multiple concurrent bids

· Ability to work under pressure during bid closings and proposal deadlines

· Required to follow all health and safety regulations, including use of PPE during site visits

· Professional representation of Zgemi when interacting with clients, consultants, and trade partners

Qualifications & Skills Required

· Bachelor's degree in construction management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Project Management, or a related field preferred

· 5+ years of progressive construction estimating experience with a general contractor

· Proven experience leading bids valued between $10M–$50M+ across hard-bid, lump sum, construction management, and design-build delivery models

· Strong understanding of construction methods, sequencing, scheduling, and productivity

· Expertise in quantity take-offs, trade procurement, bid closing, and contract review

· Solid understanding of contract terms, risk allocation, and pricing implications

· Experience with self-perform estimating and productivity analysis is an asset

· Proficiency with estimating software and tools (e.g., PlanSwift, Excel, MS Office; scheduling tools are an asset)

· Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills

· Ability to build and maintain strong professional relationships across all levels

· Valid Ontario driver's license with a clean driving record

Benefits:

· Company events

· Dental care

· Extended health care

· Paid time off

· Vision care

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• Company events
• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Tuition reimbursement