Lead Estimator

As the Lead Estimator – Program IceBreakers (PIBs), you will be responsible for the management of Estimating activities within the 6-ship PIBs Project, including the ongoing development of estimates and budgets for all six vessels. You will support in maintaining and developing team members’ abilities to effectively prepare estimates. You will lead in implementing estimating process improvements in the PIBs Project. In this role you will be key in ensuring Davie develops and maintains a robust baseline estimate and budgets for all ships in the PIBs Project, as well as supporting the estimation of change as the project develops.

As Lead Estimator – PIBs, you will bring expertise in shipbuilding and ship repair estimating to a developing leadership role within the Estimating Team. You will supervise a small team of estimators, assign work, provide guidance and set targets, ensuring project estimates meet requirements. You will advise the New Build Estimating Manager and Director of Estimating on PIBs Project issues as needed. As part of the PIBs Project Team, you will collaborate closely with Project Controls, Finance, Engineering and Project Management.

RESPONSABILITIES:

• Lead the development of all estimates in the PIBs Project. Assign work scopes to team as required.
• Review all technical and contractual documentation associated with the PIBs Project and ensure the estimates are developed accordingly.
• Review and assess all labour, materials, equipment, subcontract and service cost inputs to ensure consistency, accuracy and cost-effectiveness across the project
• Ensure the estimation of changes on the PIBs Project are completed according to the Estimating and Change Management processes.
• Ensure the Basis of Estimate for all estimates on the PIBs Project are captured and kept up to date.

• Support supplier reviews for the PIBs Project as required.

• Analyse supplier quotes to ensure pricing is understood, including method of payment, price validity and delivery/lead times, and that these are reflected in the estimates.

• Develop, analyse and use actual performance data from production to support the analysis and validation of Estimates to Completion for the PIBs Project. Be responsible for the ongoing review, development and validation of norms and standards being used on the PIBs Project, in coordination with the New Build Estimating Manager.

• Ensure the estimate is aligned with the delivery schedule and reflects any schedule changes. Support the PM or Scheduler in estimating durations across the PIBs Project, and provide hours inputs for the schedule from the estimates, as required.

• Lead estimate reviews, reconcile estimates against budget baselines and present analyses of total estimated cost (hours, materials and subcontracts) in support of ongoing baseline budget reviews, in coordination with the New Build Estimating Manager and the PIBs Project Team.

• Build relationships and improve communication between the estimating team, project management, operations and senior management, as required.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Eight (8) years or more of estimating experience in ship repair, ship building, major construction and/or engineering programs.
• A bachelor’s degree in an appropriate discipline (mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, naval architecture, etc.) is desirable.
• An in-depth knowledge of industry standards.
• A good knowledge of differing estimating, contracting and pricing approaches.
• Advanced knowledge of estimating tools and processes.
• Expected to qualify for and pass the AACE Certified Estimating Professional (CEP) examination.
• Bilingual — French and English (spoken and written).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical skills; able to see connections in data and historical trends.
• Highly proficient in MS Office including advanced level in using MS Excel.
• Experience using Deltek ProPricer Contractor Edition is an asset.
• Superior priority, time management, organizational and planning skills.
• Able to negotiate with internal and external stakeholders and peers.

Founded in 1825, Davie is Canada’s largest shipyard. We build and repair specialized, essential vessels for government and commercial clients.

Working at Davie means embracing vast possibilities every day and taking part in an adventure where every project leads to something monumental. It’s about tackling big challenges with creativity, determination, and passion.

There’s a real sense of pride in being part of the Davie team. It’s not just about delivering major projects—it’s about innovation and pushing boundaries to accomplish something truly remarkable.

At Davie, we forge the monumental!