Senior Cost Consultant (Estimator/Quantity Surveyor)

Ottawa, ON
On-site
Posted Oct 17, 2026
1 position

$80,000–$110,000 / year

Opens an external site

Employment type: Full-time
Experience level: Senior · 5+ years
Minimum education: Professional degree
Posting language: English
Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job summary

The Senior Cost Consultant will prepare detailed pre-contract cost plans and estimates for various building projects while providing proactive construction cost advice to stakeholders. They will also conduct QA/QC reviews, manage change orders, and provide technical guidance to junior team members.

Job details

BTY is an award-winning professional consulting firm that provides comprehensive solutions for real estate and infrastructure planning, development, operations, and transactions. With a project portfolio valued at over $100 billion, our experience spans all industries and continents. We remain committed to creating and maintaining an environment that is as meaningful as it is inspiring, fostering alliances, collaboration, and determination. Here, everyone has the opportunity to express their ideas, play a role in an inclusive team, and receive support for their well-being and professional development. Work on engaging, high-impact projects that promote the health of the communities in which we work, live, and play. Our Cost Management team delivers expert cost planning, estimating, and change management across the full development cycle for residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and infrastructure projects. We provide clear, data-driven insights at every design stage, advising on constructability, escalation, contingency, cash flow, and life-cycle costs to reduce risk and maximize value. Powered by a robust database of material and labour costs, our accredited professionals benchmark and market-test every estimate, ensuring accuracy across regions, asset classes, and changing market conditions. Our Cost Management team is looking for a Senior Cost Consultant to join our Ottawa team. What You Get to Do * Prepare detailed pre-contract cost plans and estimates from early conceptual design through to pre-tender stages (Class D through Class A) for vertical building projects. * Undertake detailed measurement and quantification of materials using BTY’s measurement software, preparing estimates in accordance with CIQS Rules of Measurement and in elemental format and, where required, divisional trade format. * Develop and apply unit rates using current labour and material pricing, historical project data, benchmarking and market intelligence. * Prepare cost estimates and reports based on schematic and detailed design drawings, specifications, quotations and other project documentation. * Provide proactive construction cost advice to clients, architects, engineers and other project stakeholders throughout the design process. * Assess and explain cost variances between estimate stages and identify key cost risks, opportunities and potential value engineering measures. * Conduct QA/QC reviews of Cost Management reports and estimates to ensure accuracy and consistency. * Prepare change order reviews, lifecycle cost estimates and other cost analyses as required. * Attend client and project meetings and periodic site inspections, including assessments of cost-to-complete and work-in-place where required. * Support the preparation of technical and fee components of proposals. * Provide coaching, technical guidance and support to junior Cost Management team members. * Build and maintain client relationships and participate in networking and business development activities. What You'll Bring * 5–10+ years of relevant Cost Management, Quantity Surveying or construction estimating experience, with demonstrated hands-on pre-contract cost planning and estimating experience. * Demonstrated experience preparing estimates from conceptual/Class D through Class A/pre-tender stages, ideally across multiple project types. * Experience preparing whole-building estimates and cost plans for commercial and institutional projects. * Strong knowledge of measurement, quantity take-offs, unit rates, construction pricing, cost benchmarking and estimate preparation. * Experience working with elemental cost plans and/or divisional trade estimates. * A university degree or equivalent in Quantity Surveying, Construction, Architectural/Building Technology, Construction Engineering, Estimating or a related discipline. * A professional designation such as PQS or MRICS, or actively working toward one, is preferred. * Experience with CostX, PlanSwift or similar estimating/measurement software, together with proficiency in Microsoft Office. * Strong understanding of construction methods, design development and how design decisions impact construction costs. * Experience supporting or mentoring junior team members. * Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify cost risks, analyze variances and provide practical cost advice. * Strong client-facing communication, organization and report-writing skills. * Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining a high standard of accuracy and attention to detail. * Eligible to work in Canada or pursuing authorization to work in Canada. Why Join Our Team? * Make an impact: Work on meaningful projects that positively shape communities around the world. * Flexibility that fits your life: Enjoy the freedom of a flexible environment that supports work-life balance. * Competitive rewards: Benefit from a comprehensive compensation package including health and dental coverage, above-average vacation, parental top up, RRSP matching, bonuses, sick days, and more. * Grow your career: Take advantage of continuous learning opportunities and professional development support designed to help you advance. * Well-being matters: Access health and wellness resources through our Employee Assistance Program. * Belong to great culture: Be part of a collaborative, supportive team that values connection, community involvement, and has been recognized as a Best Place to Work for 7 consecutive years by our employees and Great Place to Work®. The typical hiring range for this Ottawa role is $80,000-$110,000 CAD per year. This represents base salary only, not total compensation, and BTY Group may offer more or less depending on a candidate's experience and qualifications. Compensation takes into account education, training, experience, location, market factors, and internal alignment. In line with Ontario Pay Transparency rules, a candidate's past salary will not be considered in determining pay. We may use automated or AI-based tools to support screening, assessment, or selection. Candidates will be assessed based on relevant education, professional qualifications, technical skills and experience applicable to the role. At BTY Group, we are committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all backgrounds, including groups currently underrepresented in construction such Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, women, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. Visit our website to learn more about our services, markets and the people behind our success. Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bty-group/posts/?feedView=all] to stay connected. On this occasion, we request no outside solicitation from recruitment agencies. BTY Group does not accept speculative or unsolicited resumes from agencies outside our approved network. Any such submissions will be considered direct applications.

What you’ll do

Requirements

Candidates must have 5-10+ years of relevant experience in cost management or quantity surveying with proficiency in estimating software. A university degree in a related field and a professional designation such as PQS or MRICS are preferred.