Senior Estimator

Coldbox specializes in the Plan. Design. Build. of environmentally controlled manufacturing and logistics facilities for the global food and pharmaceutical industries. Our engineering and construction teams work as a single source to create practical construction solutions that meet regulatory requirements, maximize energy and production efficiencies, and deliver on clients' expectations.

We are currently seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join our rapidly growing company in Burlington, Ontario.

Key Purpose

The Senior Estimator is responsible for the accurate, timely preparation of multiple construction estimates and budgets of varying complexity and size for our clients. This position plays a key role in helping the team maintain its leading reputation in the industry and in continuing its rapid growth. The Senior Estimator estimates conceptual design-build, cost plus, lump sum and construction management projects, as well as works with the project team through to project design, tendering and vendor procurement.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• This is a full-time on-site position in our Burlington, Ontario offices.
• Responsible for preparing Budgets & Estimates for Design-Build and for CM projects. This will include all 'soft' budget elements including commentary, assumptions lists, presentation materials etc., as required.
• Lead CM and Design-Build pursuits including reviewing RFP documents, assisting in proposal documents, preparing presentation material, presenting to potential clients, managing Design team, and negotiating contracts.
• Manage the procurement process for subcontracts and consultants including developing and vetting subtrade prequalification lists, developing, and issuing tender packages, receiving and analyzing tender results, preparing award recommendations and negotiating subtrade contracts.
• Developing detailed subcontractor scope of work and bid documents. 
• Oversee the coordination of project requirements with design team, architect or design of record, construction team and other consultants.
• Conduct site visits, review and approve the preparation of drawings, specifications and other design documents and ensure integration between all disciplines.
• Communicating with vendors to obtain bids for materials and services needed for construction projects.
• Pre-qualifies new vendors for potential use.
• Creates and issues tenders for sub-contracting pricing.
• Reviewing bids from vendors to ensure compliance with contract requirements.
• Maintains a costing database for future budgeting and estimates.
• Participates in the identification of project risks, mitigating company exposure to them effectively.
• Develop and consider the project schedule as well as construction challenges in all estimates.
• Proactively follows up on tenders and RFIs and maintains information. 
• Participates post project reviews to compare thoroughness and accuracy of construction budget vs. actual cost.

Key Knowledge and Skills

• A min of 5 years of experience in the role of Construction Estimator within a General Contracting (GC) and/or Design-Build GC firm having been the sole or lead Estimator with a clear track record of successfully won projects.
• Working knowledge of Site Development, Building Envelope and M&E Systems for ICI facilities.
• Proficiency in the use of estimating software such as PlanSwift, ProCore, as well as Microsoft Excel
• Ability to breakdown a project to elemental scopes of work with both complete sets of project documentation as well as from preliminary conceptual designs. Ability to provide confident and personable service to clients and sub-contractors.
• Ability to manage design-build RFP process, including management of consultants.
• Ability to work on multiple estimates of varying size and complexity at the same time.
• Ability to estimate high level budgets as well as detailed line-item estimates.
• Ability to effectively communicate with Project Managers and Site Superintendents to verify scope capture and project plan of the estimate.
• Ability to effectively communicate with engineers and architects to ensure all scopes of work are considered.
• Has successfully estimated completed projects ranging in cost from $250,000 to $100 million.
  • Depth of experience with ICI type facilities ground up including site development.
  • Cold storage and food processing experience is an asset.
  • Simultaneous management of multiple estimates of varying size and complexity.
  • Able to estimate high-level budgets as well as detailed line-item estimates.
  • Able to instigate action from Sub-Trades and Vendors/Suppliers
  • Highly competent and effective negotiator.
  • Proven track record for successful project procurement to ensure follow through of original project cost plan.
  • Ability to effectively communicate with Project Managers and Site Superintendents to verify scope capture and project plan of the estimate.
  • Able to effectively communicate with engineers and architects to ensure all scopes of work are considered.
• Possesses effective writing and oral communication skills.
• Ability to successfully maintain and nurture client and vendor relationships.
• Diploma or Degree in Engineering, Architecture or Construction Management
• Previous experience supporting projects using Construction Management, Cost Plus, Stipulated Sum, and Design-Build delivery methods.
• PQS / CEC designation, or working towards it, is considered an asset. 
• Gold Seal Certification is desirable but not required.

If you have the qualifications as outlined above and are interested in playing a pivotal role in a growing and dynamic company, please submit your resume. 

Based in beautiful Burlington, Ontario, Coldbox offers:

• Competitive Salary
• Benefit Program / RRSP Matching
• Discretionary Bonus Program
• Highly collaborative work environment
• Training and development opportunities

Coldbox is committed to maintaining and supporting a safe work environment for all employees, sub-contractors, suppliers, or clients and other site visitors.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome a diversity of applicants. We offer a friendly, culturally diverse and energetic work environment, competitive compensation and benefits, social activities, team-building events, and career development opportunities.

We thank you in advance for your interest; however, only applicants selected for further consideration will be contacted directly.