Senior Estimator, Transportation Infrastructure

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

You'll help shape winning project pursuits from concept through construction start, working alongside clients, consultants, operations teams, and trade partners to deliver cost certainty and value on complex infrastructure projects.

Our work includes:

• LRT systems and transit infrastructure
• Transit stations, hubs, and bus facilities
• Bridges and major structures
• Water and wastewater treatment facilities
• Municipal infrastructure projects

This is not a quantity surveying role. We're looking for someone who understands how projects are won, how they are built, and how to develop estimating strategies that position Chandos for success.

What You'll Do

• Develop winning bid strategies for complex infrastructure pursuits.
• Prepare and coordinate estimates from concept through tender.
• Lead value engineering and estimating workshops.
• Perform quantity take-offs and evaluate subcontractor pricing.
• Identify project risks, opportunities, and competitive advantages.
• Provide constructability input and collaborate with operations teams.
• Build strong relationships with clients, consultants, suppliers, and trade partners.
• Support continuous improvement through lessons learned and estimate reviews.

Hear from Ryan, a Civil Estimator at Chandos, as he shares how a referral led to a growth‑filled career supported by an open, collaborative culture.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of estimating experience experience with a General Contractor or Construction Management organization.
• Experience estimating municipal or transportation infrastructure projects such as:
  • LRT and transit infrastructure
  • Transit stations and bus facilities
  • Bridges and structures
  • Water and wastewater facilities
• Experience with Construction Management, Design-Build, Progressive Design-Build, Alliance, or other collaborative delivery models.
• Strong understanding of construction methodology, risk analysis, constructability, procurement, and project execution.
• Proven ability to develop winning pursuit and bid strategies.
• Strong relationships within the local subcontractor and supplier market.
• Degree or diploma in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.

You'll Be Successful If You

• Think like a builder, not just a calculator.
• Understand that winning work is about more than the lowest number.
• Can clearly communicate and defend cost recommendations.
• Enjoy collaborating with owners, consultants, operations teams, and trade partners.
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment managing multiple pursuits.

Background: General Contractor or Construction Manager delivering municipal, transit, bridge, water, or wastewater infrastructure projects.

Not the Ideal Background: Primarily highway paving, asphalt, road resurfacing, quantity surveying, or developer-side estimating.

Additional Information

Chandos is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture and this includes our recruitment and hiring process.

We recognize that our differences are our greatest strengths. We uncover talent. We nurture talent. And then we give people the tools they need to use their talent to create a positive impact.

• We are 100% employee owned. Every person who works for Chandos can become an owner. There is only one class of units at Chandos, because we believe everyone should be treated equal. We talk about being an entrepreneurial-minded organization and you can be sure we mean it!
• Competitive wages
• Well rounded employer paid benefits program including health, dental, vision care and employee assistance program
• RRSP matching program to aid and prepare employees for long-term financial security
• Educational assistance for employees who wish to pursue job-performance enhancing education
• Recognition and annual salary reviews program
• Leadership conferences that allow employees to connect and collaborate
• Regular company-wide engagement opportunities

Vacancy Status We are actively recruiting for this position.

AI Disclosure Chandos is committed to transparent recruitment. Our internal team does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants (though we do use AI tools for administrative interview transcription). However, some of our external staffing partners may utilize 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

The base salary range for this role is listed above and may vary based on your experience.

This position also includes a competitive bonus program. Throughout the interview process, we’ll discuss your background to determine the best alignment for your experience level.