Senior Estimator

Location: Calgary, AB

Overview:

A growing, well-established civil contracting company based in Western Canada is looking for a Senior Estimator to oversee all estimating work and partner closely with senior leadership to identify the right opportunities and manage proposal development. This role calls for someone with an entrepreneurial mindset, sharp attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a collaborative team environment.

We offer a highly collaborative workplace with real opportunities for growth and leadership, a strong team culture, and a competitive total compensation package.

About the Role

The Senior Estimator leads the Estimating Team — monitoring bid sites, chasing down leads, evaluating tender specifications and drawings, and making sure operations has a clear understanding of project scope, risks, and requirements.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with senior leadership to develop and execute bidding strategy, progress, and reviews
• Lead and manage the estimating team to deliver accurate, timely estimates, tenders, and bids
• Oversee preparation of detailed cost estimates, including labor, materials, and overheads
• Collaborate with senior management and clients to align on project scope, budget, and timelines
• Assess tenders for acceptable quality and risk profile before committing to bid
• Develop and implement estimating processes and standards to improve efficiency and accuracy
• Analyze market trends and vendor pricing to keep estimates competitive and realistic
• Pursue new opportunities through business connections, industry tenders, and business development
• Complete full quantity take-offs of equipment and materials per contract specifications
• Review scope of work before issuing to subcontractors, including gap/overlap analysis
• Provide scope and requirements direction to suppliers and subcontractors per tender specifications
• Review subcontractor pricing, inclusions, exclusions, and qualifications for selection and evaluation
• Oversee technical writing of scopes, working with subject matter experts on value-added proposal content
• Coordinate with stakeholders on proposal packages, managing timelines, clarifications, and site visits
• Identify pricing risks, develop proposal terms and conditions, and mitigate risk
• Estimate project costs across contract types — unit price, lump sum, T&M, quantity-based, and conceptual
• Prepare final cost estimates and tender submissions for materials, labor, sub-trades, and equipment
• Conduct bid reviews and capture lessons learned after bid close
• Prepare turnover packages for the construction team on awarded work
• Participate in project kick-off meetings
• Assist with other ad hoc projects as needed

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years of experience managing an estimating team for civil scopes
• Experience estimating underground utility scopes preferred
• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills
• Skilled negotiator
• Experience managing the process from RFQ through project award
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (especially Excel), MS Project, and Adobe
• Excellent attention to detail
• Strong ability to read plans and specifications
• Highly organized and collaborative
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to delegate and give clear, detailed instructions
• Proven leadership ability, with experience mentoring direct reports for career advancement
• Valid driver's license