Senior Estimator - Building Construction

Senior Estimator

Company

IDL Projects Inc. is a proudly Canadian construction company delivering heavy civil, industrial, commercial, and infrastructure projects across Canada and Internationally. For over two decades, we’ve built our reputation on strong relationships, innovative problem-solving, and a commitment to doing things the right way. Our people are at the core of our success, and our values - Take Care of Each Other, Build Great Things, Be Innovative, and Have Fun - guide the work we do every day. As we continue to grow, we’re looking for talented individuals who want to contribute to meaningful projects and be part of a team that supports each other from start to finish.

Position Summary

The Senior Estimator – Building Construction is responsible for leading the preparation of accurate, competitive, and well-supported estimates for commercial, institutional, and complex building projects.. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with project teams, subcontractors, and suppliers. The Estimator is responsible for quantity take-offs, pricing labour and materials, assessing risks and opportunities, and preparing complete tender submissions. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys a fast-paced environment, values precision, and wants to help shape successful project outcomes from the very beginning.

Working closely with Project Managers, Superintendents, and senior leadership, the Senior Civil Estimator provides estimating leadership throughout the pursuit process and supports a smooth transition from bid to execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of detailed cost estimates for building construction projects, including commercial, institutional, and mixed-use developments.
• Review and interpret drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, and contract documents to fully understand project scope and risk.
• Perform and oversee quantity take-offs for civil and building-related scopes, including site works, concrete, foundations, structural, and associated trades.
• Develop pricing strategies, construction approaches, and value-engineering options to strengthen bid competitiveness.
• Solicit, analyze, and evaluate subcontractor and supplier pricing, ensuring scope coverage and alignment with project requirements.
• Identify project risks, constraints, and opportunities, and clearly communicate them within the estimate and tender submission.
• Prepare complete tender submissions, including pricing breakdowns, assumptions, exclusions, and supporting documentation.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site walks, and internal bid strategy reviews.
• Collaborate with Project Managers and Superintendents to validate constructability, sequencing, and logistics assumptions.
• Support bid handover by clearly communicating estimate assumptions, risk items, and pricing details to the project delivery team.
• Maintain and improve unit rates, historical cost data, and estimating tools.
• Monitor market conditions, subcontractor availability, and material pricing trends relevant to building construction.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of estimating processes and mentoring of junior estimators where applicable.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of estimating experience in construction is ideal; however, candidates with fewer years may be considered based on the strength of their experience, education, and technical skills.
• Strong understanding of construction drawings, specifications, and project sequencing.
• Experience estimating building construction, commercial, or institutional projects (any combination considered an asset).
• Proficiency with estimating software such as HeavyBid, or similar platforms.
• Solid analytical skills with high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities, with the confidence to collaborate across multiple departments.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Diploma or degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or related field is an asset. Equivalent experience will also be considered.
• Knowledge of labour, equipment, and material pricing in Western Canadian markets is an advantage.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

At IDL Projects, our values guide the way we work:

• Take Care of Each Other
• Build Great Things
• Be Innovative
• Have Fun

We offer:

• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Opportunities for growth and advancement across a wide range of project types
• A collaborative, supportive team culture
• Training and professional development