Senior Estimator

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 who has independently carried responsibility for complete building estimates. Candidates must have been the lead or sole estimator responsible for full project estimates from concept through submission, with accountability for all scopes, trade pricing, bid strategy, risk review, and final submission. Experience focused primarily on a single trade, discipline, quantity takeoffs, or estimating support functions is not sufficient.

You’ll join a company that’s pioneering the collaborative superstar: Integrative Project Delivery (IPD) in Canada, with projects that truly move the needle on collaboration and innovation in construction.

Project sectors: Commercial, institutional, residential, recreation centres, and healthcare, long‑term care.

• 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

Qualifications

Minimum requirements:

• Ten or more years of experience in commercial construction estimating
• Minimum of 5 years of experience estimating for a general contractor not self performing developer
• Proven experience leading complete building estimates from concept through submission for complex commercial, institutional, healthcare, residential, recreational, or mixed-use developments.
• Able to clearly present complex cost data and influence decisions
• Post-secondary degree or diploma in construction/engineering or an appropriate field
• CEC designation (CIQS); Preferred: PQS designation
• 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

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: At Chandos, we believe compensation should be transparent, fair, and reflective of your experience, capabilities, and contributions. The salary range is based on experience, qualifications, and overall fit for the role.

Our salary ranges are intentionally broad to support professional growth and career progression. Candidates who meet the core requirements of the role will typically start within the lower to mid-range of the band, with opportunities to progress as responsibilities, impact, and expertise grow over time.

Compensation is only one part of the total rewards package at Chandos. As a 100% employee-owned company, every employee has the opportunity to become an owner and directly share in our success. We believe in creating long-term value for our people through meaningful work, professional development, and shared ownership.

In addition to competitive compensation, Chandos offers:

• Employer-paid extended health, dental, vision, and employee assistance programs
• RRSP matching to support long-term financial well-being
• Educational assistance for career development and continued learning
• Annual salary reviews and recognition programs
• Leadership development and company-wide collaboration opportunities
• A culture built on respect, innovation, and employee ownership

At Chandos, we're committed to helping people build rewarding careers while creating a positive impact in the communities where we live and work.