Senior Estimator - Mechanical

Job summary

The Senior Estimator leads the estimating function for strategic mechanical construction projects while providing technical guidance and mentorship to a team of estimators. They are responsible for overseeing complex project estimates, managing risk, and collaborating with operations and sales to ensure profitability and operational excellence.

Job details

If you thrive in a team-oriented workplace that challenges your skills, to drive your career development, embraces diversity and rewards innovation, with competitive pay and great employee programs, join the GDI Ainsworth team today! Job Summary: The Senior Mechanical/HVAC Estimator leads the estimating function for strategic mechanical construction and service opportunities across the GTA and surrounding markets. This role is responsible for overseeing complex HVAC, refrigeration, hydronic, plumbing, piping, and sheet metal estimates while providing leadership, mentorship, and technical guidance to a team of estimators. The successful candidate combines advanced mechanical systems expertise with strong leadership skills to drive estimating accuracy, profitability, operational excellence, and business growth. The Senior Estimator collaborates closely with Sales, Operations, Project Management, and Executive Leadership to develop competitive project strategies, manage risk, and deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions for clients. Key Responsibilities: * Lead, mentor, and develop a team of estimators, providing technical guidance, coaching, and performance support. * Oversee workload distribution, bid assignments, and estimating priorities across the estimating department. * Review and approve major project estimates before submission to ensure accuracy, completeness, and profitability. * Establish and maintain estimating standards, procedures, productivity factors, and best practices. * Participate in strategic bid reviews, go/no-go decisions, and risk assessment meetings. * Foster relationships with key clients, consultants, subcontractors, and equipment manufacturers. * Drive value engineering initiatives and identify opportunities to improve project competitiveness and margins. * Support succession planning and training programs for junior and intermediate estimators. * Collaborate with operations teams to review project outcomes and continuously improve estimating accuracy. * Monitor market conditions, labor trends, material pricing, and industry developments impacting project costs. Qualifications: * 10+ years of mechanical estimating experience with extensive knowledge of HVACR, plumbing, hydronic, steam, refrigeration, and sheet metal systems. * 3 to 5 years of leadership or supervisory experience, including mentoring and developing estimating teams. * Proven track record managing large, complex commercial, institutional, and industrial mechanical projects. * Strong business acumen with demonstrated ability to manage risk and improve bid success rates. * Advanced proficiency with estimating software, Microsoft Office, and digital takeoff platforms. * Post-secondary education in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, HVAC Technology, or related discipline. * CET, P.Eng., Red Seal Trade Certification, or equivalent industry designation considered a strong asset. * Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and presentation skills. * Strong understanding of Ontario Building Code, CSA standards, TSSA requirements, and industry best practices The salary range is $125,000 - $145,000 per year. Actual salaries will vary based on factors such as education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as alignment with market data. The base salary is just one component of Ainsworth’s total compensation package, which also includes additional rewards and benefits such as short-term incentives and health insurance, among others. This posting is for an active and current vacancy; interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Why work at GDI Ainsworth? GDI Ainsworth is growing at an unprecedented rate and to help attract and retain top talent, we provide benefits on your first day with us. We offer a wide variety of benefits including the following: Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental and medical benefits, including wellness supports, RSP matching and generous vacation Rewards: Service milestones and peer recognition plus Employee Discounts and Incentives Flexibility: Hybrid working models, where applicable Diversity: An inclusive organization that embraces diversity and belonging; work in a great team atmosphere with future potential for promotion within company While we appreciate all applications we receive, we advise that only candidates under consideration will be contacted. GDI Ainsworth is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. Qualified designated group members are encouraged to apply as any reasonable accommodation of qualifications will be considered as per our Accommodation Policy, available upon request. GDI Ainsworth is an integrated multi-trade company, offering end-to-end services and solutions for all asset maintenance and refurbishment requirements of our customers. We are continually striving to create better and more advanced products as well as provide the highest quality service. We are rapidly growing and need talented professionals to help drive our vision at becoming the best multi-trade company in the country! Join us…. Make a difference.

What you’ll do

The Senior Estimator leads the estimating function for strategic mechanical construction projects while providing technical guidance and mentorship to a team of estimators. They are responsible for overseeing complex project estimates, managing risk, and collaborating with operations and sales to ensure profitability and operational excellence.

Requirements

Candidates must have 10+ years of mechanical estimating experience and 3 to 5 years of leadership experience in the construction industry. A post-secondary education in a relevant field such as Mechanical Engineering or Construction Management is required, along with proficiency in estimating software.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health benefits
• Dental benefits
• Medical benefits
• Wellness supports
• RSP matching
• Generous vacation
• Service milestones
• Peer recognition
• Employee discounts
• Incentives

Listed skills

• Mentorship · Preferred
• Leadership · Preferred
• Risk Management · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Mechanical estimating
• HVACR
• Plumbing
• Hydronic systems
• Steam systems
• Refrigeration
• Sheet metal
• Leadership
• Mentorship
• Risk management
• Value engineering
• Project strategy
• Estimating software
• Digital takeoff
• Ontario Building Code
• CSA standards
• HVAC Estimating
• Workplace Inclusivity
• Supervision
• HVAC
• Building Codes
• Construction
• Business Acumen
• Communication
• Construction Management
• Health Insurance
• Hydronics
• Innovation
• Mechanical Engineering
• Project Management
• Mechanical Systems
• Sheet Metal
• Microsoft Office
• Negotiation
• Operational Excellence
• Operations
• Presentations
• Coaching
• Risk Analysis
• Sales Operations
• Subcontracting
• Succession Planning
• Value Engineering
• Team Oriented
• Project Estimation

Job areas

• Construction
• Engineering
• Management & Leadership
• Trades
• Mechanical Estimator
• Estimator
• Valuers and Loss Assessors
• Cost Estimators

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