Chief Estimator

Job summary

Lead the estimating strategy and pricing development for large-scale major projects within the power and utilities sector. Oversee the full pursuit lifecycle, ensuring technical integrity, risk mitigation, and alignment with delivery strategies.

Job details

About The Job Chief Estimator Our client, a well-established and growing infrastructure construction company, is seeking a Chief Estimator to lead Major Project pursuits within the power and utilities sector. This is a senior leadership role responsible for estimating strategy, commercial positioning, and pricing integrity on large, complex civil projects. This role provides estimating leadership across the full pursuit lifecycle – from early opportunity development through final contract negotiations – ensuring estimates and proposal responses are technically sound, execution-aligned, risk informed, and commercially competitive. The Chief Estimator will work closely with key strategic internal functions to align pricing with delivery strategy, market conditions, and organizational risk appetite. Key Accountabilities Include Lead the estimating strategy and pricing development for large-scale major project pursuits, primarily focused on transmission line construction with complementary substation scopes. Oversee the full lifecycle of major project estimates, from early opportunity assessment and pursuit strategy through to final pricing approvals and contract negotiations. Establish the estimating approach, level of detail, and resourcing strategy appropriate to the size, complexity, and risk profile of each pursuit. Ensure the technical integrity of estimates through validation of quantities, productivity assumptions, construction methodologies, and execution strategies. Work closely with Operations, Engineering, and project delivery teams to confirm constructability, sequencing, crew compositions, and productivity assumptions aligned with regional labour markets and execution constraints. Lead the identification, assessment, and pricing of commercial risks, including development of risk registers, contingencies, allowances, and strategic pricing assumptions. Support the review of contractual terms and commercial conditions with clients, subcontractors, and vendors to ensure pricing and risk exposure are properly addressed. Provide estimating leadership during pursuit strategy sessions, internal governance reviews, and executive pricing approvals, serving as the senior estimating authority for major projects. Maintain and improve estimating governance, tools, templates, benchmarks, and historical cost databases to strengthen estimating accuracy and organizational knowledge. Mentor and guide the estimating and proposal teams, driving continuous improvement and ensuring lessons learned from executed projects are integrated into future pursuits. Key Qualifications Include Post-Secondary Degree or Diploma in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field of study. Minimum 15 years of experience in estimating and/or project delivery. Demonstrated experience leading estimates for large, complex Major Projects. Strong understanding of EPC, progressive design-build, and alternative delivery models. Demonstrated proficiency with estimating software (In Eight), and strong analytical skills. Excellent communicator with the demonstrated ability to communicate with all stakeholders. Background in project execution or construction management is considered an asset. Experience is supporting client-facing pursuits and commercial negotiations is strongly preferred.

What you’ll do

Lead the estimating strategy and pricing development for large-scale major projects within the power and utilities sector. Oversee the full pursuit lifecycle, ensuring technical integrity, risk mitigation, and alignment with delivery strategies.

Requirements

Requires a degree or diploma in Engineering or Construction Management with at least 15 years of experience in estimating or project delivery. Proficiency in In Eight software and experience with complex EPC or alternative delivery models is essential.

Listed skills

• Construction Management · Preferred
• Mentorship · Preferred
• Contract Negotiation · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Estimating Strategy
• Pricing Development
• Risk Assessment
• Contract Negotiation
• In Eight Software
• EPC Models
• Progressive Design-Build
• Construction Management
• Project Delivery
• Commercial Positioning
• Technical Validation
• Stakeholder Communication
• Resource Strategy
• Cost Benchmarking
• Mentorship
• Pursuit Lifecycle Management

Job areas

• Construction
• Engineering
• Management & Leadership
• Energy