Senior Estimator (Municipal Infrastructure)

Job summary

The Senior Estimator will lead the preparation of full-cost estimates for municipal infrastructure projects from conception through to construction. They are responsible for coordinating bid strategies, conducting value-engineering reviews, and fostering collaborative workshops with multi-stakeholder teams.

Job details

Company Description We are Chandos. We exist to build a better world. Our vision is to emerge as Canada’s premier technical builder, distinguished by our relentless pursuit of innovation, collaboration, and sustainability in all that we do. We are 100 per cent employee-owned, and our success is driven by our employee owners. We prioritize people, purpose, and performance in all that we do. When the company thrives, you benefit directly. When everyone is invested - literally - it builds a community of accountability, pride and mutual support. We look for team members who are gritty, accountable, and driven - with a mindset rooted in initiative and purpose, you think like an entrepreneur and build strong, trusting relationships through clear communication and thoughtful dialogue, even in challenging conversations. Job Description We are seeking an Senior Estimator with a passion for collaborative delivery models to join our Civil team. You’ll be at the heart of collaborative, multi‑stakeholder projects, delivering cost certainty and value from project conception through to construction start on site. Project sectors: Municipal Infrastructure (Water, Wastewater, Bridges, etc.) Effectively determine the bid strategies required for Chandos to be successful Prepare and coordinate full‑cost estimates for all project phases, concept to tender, with a focus on collaborative methodology Lead estimating workshops to align costs with project goals and foster transparent decision‑making Perform detailed material, labour, equipment, and subcontractor take‑offs Establish and maintain unit costs, labour rates, escalation, and contingency allowances Solicit competitive bids, negotiate with subcontractors/suppliers, and conduct value‑engineering reviews Provide constructability advice during pre‑construction, coordinating with operations teams on procurement, schedule, and logistics Track estimated vs. actual costs, report variances, and support lessons learned for continuous improvement Build and maintain exceptionally strong relationships with subtrades, consultants, suppliers, and all of our valued clients Hear from Ryan, a Civil Estimator at Chandos, as he shares how a referral led to a growth‑filled career supported by an open, collaborative culture. Qualifications Minimum requirements: 15 or more years of experience in commercial construction estimating Minimum of 5 years of experience estimating for a general contractor not self performing developer ICI, residential, recreational, healthcare experience Able to clearly present complex cost data and influence decisions Post-secondary degree or diploma in construction/engineering or an appropriate field Strong organizational, prioritization, and process discipline; advanced Excel and cost-estimating software proficiency Organized & Detail-Oriented: thrives under tight deadlines, balancing multiple priorities Analytical & Technically Strong: proficient in reading drawings/specs and in cost modelling Collaborative: excels in consensus-building within diverse project teams Communicative: confident in presenting and defending cost recommendations Industry‑Savvy: understands market conditions, supply chains, and sector‑specific complexities Additional Information Chandos is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture and this includes our recruitment and hiring process. We recognize that our differences are our greatest strengths. We uncover talent. We nurture talent. And then we give people the tools they need to use their talent to create a positive impact. We are 100% employee owned. Every person who works for Chandos can become an owner. There is only one class of units at Chandos, because we believe everyone should be treated equal. We talk about being an entrepreneurial-minded organization and you can be sure we mean it! Competitive wages Well rounded employer paid benefits program including health, dental, vision care and employee assistance program RRSP matching program to aid and prepare employees for long-term financial security Educational assistance for employees who wish to pursue job-performance enhancing education Recognition and annual salary reviews program Leadership conferences that allow employees to connect and collaborate Regular company-wide engagement opportunities Vacancy Status We are actively recruiting for this position. AI Disclosure Statement: Chandos is committed to transparent recruitment. Our internal team does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants, although we do use AI tools for administrative interview transcription and AI tools may be integrated or embedded in third-party platforms and software. Some of Chandos' external staffing partners may use AI to screen, assess, or select candidates during their initial workflows. All final hiring decisions at Chandos are made personally by our hiring team. Compensation Transparency Expected salary band for this role is (depending on experience): $125,000 - $160,000 The base salary range for this role is listed above and may vary based on your experience. This position also includes a competitive bonus program. Throughout the interview process, we’ll discuss your background to determine the best alignment for your experience level.

What you’ll do

The Senior Estimator will lead the preparation of full-cost estimates for municipal infrastructure projects from conception through to construction. They are responsible for coordinating bid strategies, conducting value-engineering reviews, and fostering collaborative workshops with multi-stakeholder teams.

Requirements

Candidates must possess at least 15 years of experience in commercial construction estimating, including 5 years with a general contractor. A post-secondary degree or diploma in construction or engineering is required, along with advanced proficiency in Excel and cost-estimating software.

Benefits

• Health insurance • Dental insurance • Vision care • Employee assistance program • RRSP matching program • Educational assistance • Annual salary reviews • Leadership conferences • Employee ownership

Listed skills

• Construction Management · Preferred
• Budgeting · Preferred
• Collaboration · Preferred
• Data analysis · Preferred
• Microsoft Excel · Preferred
• Communication · Preferred
• Logistics · Preferred
• Project management · Preferred
• scheduling · Preferred
• Procurement · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Estimating
• Cost modeling
• Project management
• Value engineering
• Material take-offs
• Bid strategy
• Construction management
• Budgeting
• Procurement
• Scheduling
• Logistics
• Data analysis
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Excel
• Technical writing

Job areas

• Construction
• Engineering
• Management & Leadership