Senior Estimator

Company Description

We are Chandos. We exist to build a better world.

Our vision is to emerge as Canada’s premier technical builder, distinguished by our relentless pursuit of innovation
, collaboration
, and sustainability in all that we do.

We are 100 per cent employee-owned
, and our success is driven by our employee owners. We prioritize people, purpose, and performance in all that we do. When the company thrives, you benefit directly. When everyone is invested - literally - it builds a community of accountability, pride and mutual support.

We look for team members who are gritty
, accountable
, and driven - with a mindset rooted in initiative and purpose
, you think like an entrepreneur and build strong, trusting relationships through clear communication and thoughtful dialogue, even in challenging conversations.

Job Description

We are seeking an Senior Estimator who has independently carried responsibility for complete building estimates. Candidates must have been the lead or sole estimator responsible for full project estimates from concept through submission, with accountability for all scopes, trade pricing, bid strategy, risk review, and final submission. Experience focused primarily on a single trade, discipline, quantity takeoffs, or estimating support functions is not sufficient.

You’ll join a company that’s pioneering the collaborative superstar:
Integrative Project Delivery (IPD) in Canada, with projects that truly move the needle on collaboration and innovation in construction.

Project sectors:
Commercial, institutional, residential, recreation centres, and healthcare, long‑term care.

• Effectively determine the bid strategies required for Chandos to be successful
• Prepare and coordinate full‑cost estimates for all project phases, concept to tender, with a focus on collaborative methodology
• Lead estimating workshops to align costs with project goals and foster transparent decision‑making
• Perform detailed material, labour, equipment, and subcontractor take‑offs
• Establish and maintain unit costs, labour rates, escalation, and contingency allowances
• Solicit competitive bids, negotiate with subcontractors/suppliers, and conduct value‑engineering reviews
• Provide constructability advice during pre‑construction, coordinating with operations teams on procurement, schedule, and logistics
• Track estimated vs. actual costs, report variances, and support lessons learned for continuous improvement
• Build and maintain exceptionally strong relationships with subtrades, consultants, suppliers, and all of our valued clients

Qualifications Minimum requirements

• Ten or more years of experience in commercial construction estimating
• Minimum of 5 years of experience estimating for a general contractor not self performing developer
• Proven experience leading complete building estimates from concept through submission for complex commercial, institutional, healthcare, residential, recreational, or mixed‑use developments.
• Able to clearly present complex cost data and influence decisions
• Post‑secondary degree or diploma in construction/engineering or an appropriate field
• CEC designation (CIQS);
  Preferred: PQS designation
• Strong organizational, prioritization, and process discipline; advanced Excel and cost‑estimating software proficiency
• Organized & Detail‑Oriented: thrives under tight deadlines, balancing multiple priorities
• Analytical & Technically Strong: proficient in reading drawings/specs and in cost modelling
• Collaborative: excels in consensus‑building within diverse project teams
• Communicative: confident in presenting and defending cost recommendations
• Industry‑Savvy: understands market conditions, supply chains, and sector‑specific complexities

Additional Information Vacancy Status

We are actively recruiting for this…