Chief Estimator

Role Overview

This opportunity is for a Chief Estimator who will lead preconstruction estimating activities, guide a team of five estimators, and support the company’s continued growth. The role reports to the Director of Preconstruction and Estimating and plays a key part in improving pricing accuracy, margin performance, and proposal win rates.

Compensation

The base salary is $175,000 to $185,000+, with variable/bonus earnings of $25,000 to $30,000+. Total on-target earnings are $200,000 to $215,000+.

Key Performance Indicators

• Improving productivity through more quotes, stronger proposals, and better close rates
• Supporting financial outcomes such as P&L performance, margins, and cost control
• Managing project and bid risk through forecasting and contingency planning
• Enhancing customer satisfaction
• Building productive vendor relationships and achieving stronger negotiations
• Communicating clearly and concisely across stakeholders

Core Responsibilities

The Chief Estimator will mentor and develop a team of five estimators while ensuring estimates are competitive, accurate, and aligned to business goals. The role requires ongoing awareness of market conditions, including material pricing and labor rates, to support effective pricing strategy.

The position includes estimating duties across lump sum, construction management, and design-build work. In some cases, takeoffs may also be required. The role involves maintaining detailed records of estimates, proposals, and client/vendor communications, as well as building and updating cost databases and cost structures to improve estimating efficiency.

The successful candidate will review project specifications and drawings to produce complete cost estimates and will present findings to senior leadership with clear rationale, risk commentary, and decision support.

Desired Profile

The organization is looking for a candidate who brings strong character, relevant experience, intelligence, and a coachable mindset. Important traits include desire, self-awareness, accountability, and integrity.

Substantial experience in large capital project estimating is essential, with a strong preference for ICI background. Experience with residential, civil, or infrastructure work is considered less relevant. A track record on projects of $50M+ is important, and CET experience is viewed favorably.

The role also requires the ability to understand and communicate effectively with customers, engineers, architects, and trade partners. Strong negotiation skills, clear communication, and the ability to work across multiple business lines are important. The right candidate should be able to share examples showing margin improvement, risk mitigation, high close ratios, productivity gains, rapid proposal delivery, and successful ICI project wins. Leadership potential and a willingness to continue learning are also important.

Work Arrangement

This position is based in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada, with an in-office schedule of three days per week and work from home for two days per week.

Business Context

This hiring need is tied to growth and an internal promotion. The organization’s long-term plan is to reach $1B in scale.

Additional Notes

The role is focused on grooming and developing talent within the estimating function while strengthening the company’s preconstruction capabilities.