Senior Estimator

Location:

Coquitlam, BC

Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000

We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join our client's commercial construction team. In this role, you will lead the preparation of detailed project estimates from concept through tender, analyze drawings and specifications, develop pricing and bid strategies, and support contract negotiations. You will collaborate closely with project managers, clients, suppliers, and subcontractors to ensure accurate, competitive estimates and help the company win and deliver successful projects.

Job Responsibilities:

• Prepare or coordinate comprehensive cost estimates for conceptual, design-build, and tendered projects.
• Develop detailed material, labour, and equipment cost estimates in line with project proposals, drawings, specifications, and schedules.
• Create and maintain up-to-date lists of suppliers, contractors, and subcontractors.
• Advise project teams on appropriate proposal and bidding procedures.
• Review, analyze, and assess incoming proposals.
• Recommend acceptance or rejection of proposals and negotiate contract terms.
• Set unit prices, labour rates, productivity assumptions, and location factors.
• Identify and recommend allowances for indirect costs, design uncertainties, escalation, and contingencies.
• Present cost estimates and lead review meetings with clients.
• Participate in and coordinate risk and opportunity assessments with clients.
• Examine specifications and drawings to define scope and determine estimating requirements.
• Prepare estimates by performing complete quantity takeoffs for the scope of work.
• Maintain organized backup files for all estimate figures, including current supplier pricing obtained through direct contact, literature, and price lists.
• Provide support to other departments, including preparing estimates for other disciplines when needed.
• Evaluate design alternatives and recommend optimal solutions considering cost, engineering performance, and material availability.
• Develop effective bid strategies to enhance the company’s success rate.
• Assist senior management and project teams in deciding which projects to pursue.
• Review final estimate packages for accuracy and completeness before formal quotations are issued.
• Take part in presentations to management and clients, and potentially lead efforts to close deals.
• Offer technical support during contract negotiations, change orders, and related matters.
• Contribute to studies and reports on construction methods, materials, recommendations, and associated cost estimates as required.

Knowledge & Skills Required

• 4+ years of experience in a cost estimating role.
• Preference for candidates with commercial construction experience.
• A post-secondary diploma in a related discipline is considered an asset.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to read and interpret specifications, blueprints, and as-built drawings.
• Solid mathematical and analytical abilities to prepare material and labour estimates and interpret cost reports.
• Proficiency with cost-estimating software to generate quotes and bids.
• Proven capability to train, coach, motivate, evaluate, and enhance the performance of others.
• Ability to build and maintain productive, long-term relationships with colleagues, clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors.
• Results-oriented mindset with the ability to manage multiple, competing priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrated initiative and strong attention to accuracy in all transmitted and received information.
• Highly developed negotiation, diplomacy, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Strong facilitation skills for meetings, feedback sessions, and briefings to achieve stakeholder alignment.
• Solid working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Project.
• Proven ability to show initiative and consistently demonstrate respect for diversity.