Construction Estimator

Job summary

Prepare conceptual budgets and early-stage cost estimates to assess the feasibility of residential developments. Manage supplier relationships and procurement strategies to provide cost intelligence for business decision-making.

Job details

Construction Estimator / Preconstruction Specialist An established residential developer and builder is seeking a Construction Estimator / Preconstruction Specialist to help drive smarter project decisions from the earliest stages of development. This is a unique opportunity for a construction professional who enjoys more than just takeoffs and pricing. You'll work closely with company leadership to assess project feasibility, manage supplier relationships, support procurement strategy, and provide the cost intelligence needed to make sound business decisions before construction begins. If you enjoy solving problems, building relationships, and influencing project outcomes, this role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact. What You'll Do Prepare conceptual budgets and early-stage cost estimates for residential developments. Evaluate project feasibility and identify potential risks before construction starts. Analyze material pricing trends, market conditions, lead times, and supply chain impacts. Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, subcontractors, and vendors. Support procurement planning and supplier negotiations. Develop contingencies and forecasting models to improve project certainty. Assist leadership with development costing, budgeting, and go/no-go project decisions. Provide insight into schedule impacts, cash flow considerations, and cost risks. Work collaboratively with construction, procurement, and leadership teams. Support continuous improvement of estimating and preconstruction processes. What We're Looking For We're open to candidates from a variety of backgrounds, including: Construction Estimating Residential Construction Preconstruction Procurement Development Costing Project Coordination Construction Operations Successful candidates will typically possess: Experience preparing estimates, budgets, or project cost forecasts. Strong understanding of residential construction methods and pricing. Well-developed supplier and subcontractor relationships in the Loyalist region. Ability to evaluate project feasibility and business risk. Strong negotiation and communication skills. Commercial awareness and sound judgment. A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with others. Ideal Experience Experience in one or more of the following areas would be considered an asset: Residential homebuilding Low-rise residential construction Land development Procurement and sourcing Material purchasing Vendor management Cost planning Feasibility analysis Development economics Construction operations Who Will Thrive Here The strongest candidates are typically: Curious and analytical. Relationship-focused. Practical and down-to-earth. Comfortable working directly with leadership. Able to make decisions with incomplete information. Interested in the business side of construction, not just the technical side. Looking for a long-term opportunity with room to influence and grow. Compensation & Benefits Base salary: $80,000 - $100,000 Performance bonus program Generous RRSP program Comprehensive benefits package Paid vacation that increases with tenure Flexible and productivity-focused work environment Long-term career growth opportunities Since 1951, Drake International has connected people with meaningful work across Canada and globally. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion and accessibility. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process. For accommodation requests, contact your Branch Representative at 613-542-3790 This hiring process may use AI‑enabled tools to support.

What you’ll do

Prepare conceptual budgets and early-stage cost estimates to assess the feasibility of residential developments. Manage supplier relationships and procurement strategies to provide cost intelligence for business decision-making.

Requirements

Candidates should have experience in residential construction estimating, budgeting, and cost forecasting. Strong negotiation skills and established relationships with subcontractors in the Loyalist region are highly valued.

Benefits

• Performance bonus program • Generous RRSP program • Comprehensive benefits package • Paid vacation • Flexible and productivity-focused work environment • Long-term career growth opportunities

Listed skills

• Project Coordination · Preferred
• Budgeting · Preferred
• Negotiation · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Construction Estimating
• Preconstruction
• Project Feasibility
• Procurement Strategy
• Budgeting
• Cost Forecasting
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Negotiation
• Residential Construction
• Risk Assessment
• Material Pricing Analysis
• Vendor Management
• Cash Flow Analysis
• Project Coordination
• Development Costing
• Commercial Awareness

Job areas

• Construction
• Engineering
• Management & Leadership
• Finance & Accounting
• Trades