Chief Estimator

Chief Estimator

Type:
In-Office | Full-Time

Location:

Calgary, Alberta

Our client is an established leader in heavy civil construction, with extensive expertise in complex underground utility and infrastructure projects. With a strong presence in the Alberta market, the organization delivers projects across municipal, government, industrial, and private development sectors, working with owners, consultants, contractors, and development partners.

As the Chief Estimator, you will lead the estimating function for major heavy civil opportunities, providing strategic direction while overseeing the preparation of competitive, accurate, and comprehensive estimates. Reporting to the VP of Operations, you will work closely with General Managers, Operations, Business Development, and senior leadership to develop winning bid strategies, manage risk, and support sustainable business growth.

Lead the estimating function and establish consistent systems, processes, procedures, and best practices across the organization. Review project opportunities with General Managers and senior leadership to determine which pursuits align with operational capacity, market strategy, risk tolerance, and business objectives. Develop bid strategies that balance competitiveness, project risk, available capacity, and profitability. Lead bid‑day reviews with General Managers and estimators to validate assumptions, pricing, risks, and final submissions.

Ensure project risks, contractual requirements, constructability considerations, scope gaps, and commercial issues are identified and communicated to senior leadership. Develop and maintain processes for effective project handoff from estimating to operations.

Lead complex estimates from initial opportunity assessment through tender submission, including quantity take‑offs, subcontractor and supplier pricing, indirect costs, risk assessment, and final bid review. Apply strong technical knowledge of underground utility construction, including water, sanitary, stormwater, deep utilities, complex excavation, shoring, bypass pumping, trenchless installations, earthworks, and site servicing. Interpret drawings, specifications, geotechnical information, contracts, and tender documents to identify scope gaps, risks, opportunities, and constructability considerations.

Support conceptual estimating and develop cost information that enables the team to efficiently and accurately assess early‑stage opportunities. Work with Business Development and external consultants to assess project feasibility, design requirements, timelines, and anticipated costs. Lead RFQ and RFP submissions in collaboration with Business Development and other internal stakeholders.

Lead market analysis across key sectors, including industrial, municipal and government, and private development, assessing market size, competitive conditions, and market share. Develop a strong understanding of end‑user clients, including land developers, municipal governments, consultants, and civil general contractors. Build and maintain relationships with key owners, consultants, subcontractors, suppliers, and strategic partners to support future project opportunities. Participate in industry networking events, strategic marketing meetings, and business development initiatives to identify new opportunities and strengthen market relationships.

Collaborate with General Managers and Business Development to develop strategies for pursuing and winning strategically important opportunities.

Develop and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and vendors to…