Chief Estimator

Company Description

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. Our three missions guide our daily work and help us achieve our purpose and vision. And the way we behave as we work towards these ambitious goals is to embrace and champion inclusion, collaboration, innovation, and courage. 

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. Every employee has a financial stake in the company’s performance. 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. 

What We Offer

• True safety-first culture and coast-to-coast award-winning projects
• Employee-ownership model—share in our success and vote on our direction
• Competitive salary + bonus potential
• Employer-paid benefits (health, HCSA after one-year, dental, vision) + RRSP matching
• Educational assistance and leadership development program

Job Description

Take the reins as Chief Estimator and own our bid strategy for mid-to-large commercial, institutional and light industrial projects across Ottawa. 

You’ll lead a high performing team with strategic acumen, relentless drive and a keen eye on where we can make a difference, crafting winning proposals, mentoring tomorrow’s leaders and ensuring we pursue only the right work to maintain our competitive edge. 

Why This Role Matters 

Your leadership will directly impact our ability to win strategic projects that shape our growth. By optimizing bid strategy and elevating our estimating team’s performance, you’ll ensure we maintain a sustainable edge in a competitive marketplace.  

What You’ll Own 

• Plan, coordinate and direct all estimating functions—guarantee accuracy, completeness and profitability of every bid 
• Develop estimates, preliminary schedules and bid proposals that align with client needs and target returns 
• Lead subcontractor and major-vendor selection, negotiation and contract finalization 
• Participate in pre-bid strategy and presentation meetings to ensure consistency and clarity 
• Mentor, coach and develop your estimating team—build their technical skills, confidence and career paths 
• Hand over successful tenders to operations with clear risk/opportunity analyses 
• Track and report key estimating metrics; continuously refine processes for greater speed and precision 

Qualifications

Non-negotiable requirements:

• 10+ years in commercial or light industrial construction estimating, with 5+ years on complex, multi-million-dollar bids 
• Experience in hard bids and building detailed cost estimates at various stages (Class D, B, Tender levels).
• Proven estimating experience within a general contractor (not third-party or self-performing developer)
• Established, long-standing network of Ottawa industry contacts—your connections in development, design and trade are key to this role 
• Strategic thinker and insatiably curious—driven to identify the next big opportunity and grow market share 
• Natural leader and mentor—your teams and peers view you as their go-to authority 
• Exceptional communicator and negotiator—confident in client presentations and internal stakeholder alignment 

AI Disclosure

Although Chandos’ applicant tracking system has the technical capability to support AI features, our recruitment process does not use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants. All hiring decisions are made by qualified human reviewers.

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.

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Additional Information