Estimating Lead

Job summary

Review tender requirements and drawings, coordinate with Sales, and prepare accurate, documented estimates for repeat customers and major capital projects while meeting bid deadlines. Lead improvements to estimating tools, workflows, and standards; coordinate bid resources, analyze estimate-to-actual variances, coach estimators, and support departmental tendering activities.

Job details

Job Description PURPOSE OF POSITION Reporting to the Senior Manager, Estimating, the Estimating Lead performs the core estimating process by reviewing tender requirements and preparing accurate material and labour estimates across all product lines for repeat customers and major capital projects. In parallel, the role drives continuous improvement by developing and standardizing estimating methodologies, enhancing tools and workflows, and implementing changes that improve accuracy, consistency, efficiency, and on-time bid delivery. The role supports the Senior Manager as a lead resource for the cost estimating function, coordinating bid priorities and resources while ensuring compliance with current bidding and estimating procedures. The Estimating Lead analyzes estimating and actual-cost data, identifies improvement opportunities, and leads approved changes through design, testing, documentation, implementation, and adoption. This includes updating estimating tools, procedures, templates, and controls; engaging stakeholders; and monitoring results to ensure improvements are sustained while accurate, competitive estimates continue to be delivered. CORE RESPONSIBLITIES: Review tender documents and drawings and collaborate with Sales to confirm project scope, deliverables, and technical assumptions. Prepare accurate, well-documented estimates using Nortrak’s methodology, financial and operational data, historical costs, and validated supplier or subcontractor quotations. Clearly document key assumptions, risks, exclusions, and cost drivers to support review and approval. Manage assigned bids to meet tender deadlines and quality requirements. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND DEPARTMENT SUPPORT Review estimating workflows, tools, data, and controls to identify and prioritize opportunities for standardization, automation, and improved quality or efficiency. Develop and implement approved improvements, including change planning, testing, documentation, stakeholder communication, training, and user adoption. Measure results using estimating accuracy, turnaround time, data quality, and compliance, and adjust processes where required. Coordinate bid flow and resources based on complexity, urgency, risk, and available expertise, while maintaining complete and visible bid information. Compare estimates with actual results, investigate variances, and incorporate lessons learned into costing assumptions, tools, and methodologies. Partner with Sales, Engineering, Operations, Finance, and other divisions to support accurate estimating and effective change implementation. Review estimators’ work and coach team members on estimating standards, tools, and updated processes. Facilitate tendering meetings and provide departmental support when the Senior Manager is unavailable. SAFETY: Complies with all Nortrak safety policies and regulations. Qualifications EDUCATION: Post-Secondary education with diploma or degree in an appropriate Engineering or other technical discipline Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or other suitable discipline EXPERIENCE: Commercial estimating experience in special Trackwork or other heavy steel fabrication would be an asset Detailed knowledge of MS Office standard programmes with advanced programming skills in MS Excel SAP experience would be a great asset Strong analytical and interpersonal skills combined with sound professional judgement Excellent written and verbal communication skills Compensation SALARY: $55,000/year - $85,000/year What We Offer BENEFITS: voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak employees enjoy a generous benefits package including: medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance, retirement plan with a generous matching contribution, Employee Assistance Program, tuition reimbursement, paid holidays , and competitive vacation benefits. Work environment We are proud of our employees around the world, and we are working together to create a work environment that promotes diversity, equal opportunity, and a passion for innovation. Introduction Join Our Team at voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak! Embark on a rewarding career journey with voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak, North America's premier designer and manufacturer of special trackwork. With a legacy spanning 160 years, we lead the industry in shaping the future of rail solutions. As part of the voestalpine Railway Systems global network, we are committed to delivering quality products and services, including rails, turnouts, fastening systems, signaling technologies, and monitoring solutions. Operating with a presence across Canada, the US, and Mexico, we prioritize the well-being of our people, global mobility, and sustainability and innovation. Our people are the foundation of our success. Skilled, motivated, and results-driven individuals shape our culture demonstrating our core values of Respect, Responsibility, Curiosity, Courage, Passion, and Diversity each day. This commitment is more than shared values; it extends to shared responsibilities for safety and quality, showing genuine care for one another's growth and development, a commitment to our customers, and fostering strong relationships within the Nortrak Team and with our customers. Learn more Any questions? Recruiter Carolyn Wong 6042313559

What you’ll do

Review tender requirements and drawings, coordinate with Sales, and prepare accurate, documented estimates for repeat customers and major capital projects while meeting bid deadlines. Lead improvements to estimating tools, workflows, and standards; coordinate bid resources, analyze estimate-to-actual variances, coach estimators, and support departmental tendering activities.

Requirements

Post-secondary education in Engineering or another suitable technical discipline is required, along with commercial estimating experience; experience in special trackwork or heavy steel fabrication is an asset. The role calls for advanced Excel programming, Microsoft Office proficiency, preferably SAP experience, strong analytical and interpersonal skills, sound professional judgment, and excellent communication.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Retirement Plan with Matching Contributions
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Holidays
• Vacation Benefits

Listed skills

• Process Improvement · Preferred
• Microsoft Office · Preferred
• SAP · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Commercial Estimating
• Tender Document Review
• Cost Estimation
• Material and Labour Estimation
• Estimating Methodology Development
• Process Improvement
• Microsoft Excel Programming
• Microsoft Office
• SAP
• Cost and Variance Analysis
• Bid Coordination
• Project Scope Assessment
• Supplier Quote Validation
• Stakeholder Collaboration
• Team Coaching
• Written and Verbal Communication

Job areas

• Engineering
• Management & Leadership
• Finance & Accounting
• Manufacturing
• Transportation