Chief Estimator

Position Description

Join the Award‑Winning Team at Priestly Demolition. We don’t just tear things down; we clear the way for what’s next. At Priestly Demolition, we’re proud to lead the industry with award‑winning projects, cutting‑edge equipment and a team‑first mindset. From major infrastructure removals to complex, high‑risk takedowns, our work has earned us global recognition, including multiple World Demolition Awards and repeat spots on Canada’s Best Managed Companies List.

We take safety seriously. It’s at the core of everything we do. With an in‑house safety team, engineering department, extensive training programs, and a culture of accountability, we make sure every member of our crew gets home safe.

We’re also proud to lead the charge in environmental stewardship, recycling materials on‑site and using sustainable practices that protect the communities we serve. And when it comes to people, inclusivity isn’t just a value, it’s a promise. We believe great work comes from diverse voices, strong teamwork and a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

Our core values are extremely important to us. Are they aligned with yours?

We believe in protecting generations. We recognize the impact of our actions and take responsibility for protecting our people, communities, and the environment.

We believe we’re stronger together. We are family who builds communities on a firm foundation of trust and respect.

We believe in doing what’s right. We build long‑term partnerships through integrity, generosity, and the highest accountability to each other and our clients.

We believe demolition drives progress. We create opportunities by challenging ourselves and intentionally pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

The Chief Estimator is responsible for providing strategic leadership and oversight of all estimating activities across the organization. This role leads the development of competitive, accurate, and profitable bids while ensuring consistency, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the estimating function.

Working closely with executive leadership, operations, business development, and project teams, the Chief Estimator will help identify opportunities, evaluate risk, improve bid performance, and support long‑term revenue growth. This position plays a critical role in maintaining PDI’s reputation as a trusted leader in the demolition industry.

• Lead all estimating operations across demolition, decommissioning, environmental remediation, and industrial projects.
• Oversee the preparation, review, and submission of accurate and competitive estimates ranging from $1M to $50M+.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to estimating team members while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Monitor estimating performance, forecasting accuracy, win rates, and margin achievement, providing regular reporting to executive leadership.
• Support business development initiatives by participating in client meetings, proposal presentations, and strategic growth opportunities across Canada.
• Develop detailed cost models, pricing strategies, and financial analyses to support profitable project pursuits.
• Review drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, environmental assessments, and tender documentation to identify project risks, opportunities, and cost drivers.
• Evaluate demolition methodologies, project sequencing, labour requirements, equipment utilization, subcontractor strategies, and execution risks during the estimating process.
• Ensure all estimates appropriately account for hazardous material abatement, waste classification, disposal requirements, environmental regulations, and site‑specific conditions.
• Collaborate with operations teams to align estimate assumptions with project execution plans and field realities.
• Lead bid strategy discussions, bid/no‑bid evaluations, and risk assessments to support informed decision‑making.
• Review and validate subcontractor and supplier pricing while maintaining strong industry relationships.
• Identify opportunities for material recovery, recycling, salvage, and…