Senior Estimator

Partner Staffing is the "go to recruiter" for difficult, critical, and time-sensitive positions across Western Canada. We work with proactive clients who understand the importance of building exceptional teams to deliver complex projects successfully.

On behalf of our client, we are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Construction Estimator to support the planning and delivery of Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI) projects throughout Calgary and the surrounding region. This role involves preparing accurate, competitive, and well-supported cost estimates for a range of building projects, including commercial developments, institutional facilities, and light industrial construction.

Senior Estimator – ICI Construction

The Senior Estimator is responsible for leading and delivering comprehensive cost planning and estimating services for large-scale Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI) construction projects. This role supports the Project Development, Operations, and Estimating teams by preparing, coordinating, and overseeing full-cycle estimates across a broad range of project sizes and delivery models, including major projects exceeding $100 million in construction value .

The position requires expertise in preparing estimates from early conceptual budgeting through detailed tender submissions. Experience working within construction management, design-build, stipulated price (lump sum), and integrated project delivery (IPD) models is essential. The Senior Estimator plays a key role in competitive tendering, including the solicitation, evaluation, and recommendation of subcontractor and supplier pricing, particularly on complex, high-value projects.

This is an office-based role. The majority of duties are performed in a seated position using standard office equipment, including computers, telephones, printers, and related technology.

• Lead the preparation of accurate and comprehensive estimates for ICI projects, including large and complex builds exceeding $100M , incorporating quantity take-offs, unit pricing, subcontractor pricing, and supplier quotations.
  

• Solicit, review, analyze, and level subcontractor and material supplier bids.
  

• Develop detailed scopes of work for trade tendering packages.
  

• Maintain strong working relationships with subcontractors and suppliers within the ICI marketplace.
  

• Maintain and update unit cost data, productivity rates, and internal cost databases to reflect current market conditions.
  

• Participate in client meetings, presentations, and project interviews as required.
  

• Collaborate with architects, engineers, consultants, and owners to evaluate scope changes and adjust cost projections accordingly.
  

• Assist in the preparation of feasibility studies, value engineering exercises, cost analyses, and budget updates.
  

• Prepare complete proposal packages for management review and approval prior to submission, ensuring compliance with bid closing deadlines.
  

• Identify, analyze, and mitigate risks that may impact pricing, scope, or schedule — particularly on large-scale, multi-phased developments.
  

• Participate in tender closings and final bid submissions.
  

• Contribute to project team coordination meetings.
  

• Mentor and support junior estimating staff and assist in team training initiatives.
  

• Maintain and optimize estimating software systems and digital tools.
  

• Maintain an active professional development plan and attend relevant industry training.
  

• Perform other related duties as required.
  

• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent ICI tenders, including high-value projects exceeding $100 million .
  

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize competing deadlines.
  

• Effective leadership and collaboration capabilities within cross-functional teams.
  

• Adaptable to shifting priorities and direction from multiple stakeholders.
  

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and construction-specific software including takeoff tools (e.g., OST), Bluebeam, scheduling platforms, and estimating software such as InEight (considered an asset).
  

• Strong understanding of ICI construction sequencing, logistics, and scheduling for large-scale developments.
  

• Ability to complete accurate manual and digital quantity take-offs.
  

• Strong written and verbal communication skills appropriate for executive-level client interaction.
  

• In-depth knowledge of ICI building systems, materials, and value engineering strategies.
  

• Familiarity with bonding capacity, insurance requirements, and complex contractual structures typical of major projects.
  

• Ability to facilitate meetings and lead estimating review sessions.
  

• Strong conceptual visualization skills, including the ability to interpret incomplete drawings or early-stage design documents.
  

• Ability to develop schematic solutions from client requirements and identify alternative design approaches for cost or schedule optimization.
  

• Skilled in assessing and analyzing project risk at scale.
  

• Working knowledge of lean construction principles and collaborative delivery models.
  

• Demonstrated ability to coordinate and supervise team-based estimating efforts across varied contract types.
  

• Post-secondary education in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline; alternatively, Professional Engineer designation or technical diploma in a construction-related field.
  

• Operational experience as a Project Coordinator or Project Manager within the ICI sector is considered an asset.
  

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive estimating experience within Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional construction.
  

• Demonstrated experience estimating and/or leading pursuits for projects valued at $100M+ .
  

• Proven ability to lead estimating teams and contribute to collaborative planning processes on complex, large-scale developments.
  

Success in this role is defined by delivering accurate, competitive, and profitable mechanical estimates for ICI construction projects.

This requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a thorough understanding of mechanical systems including HVAC, plumbing, piping, and sheet metal within industrial, commercial, and institutional environments. You are comfortable interpreting drawings and specifications, performing detailed take-offs, preparing comprehensive cost estimates, and identifying scope gaps and risk factors.

Success also means effectively communicating with project managers, field teams, subcontractors, suppliers, and clients to ensure scope alignment and pricing accuracy. You proactively seek clarifications, manage multiple bid deadlines, and adapt to a fast-paced tender environment. Contributing to successful project awards through strategic pricing, value engineering, and collaboration with internal teams is a key measure of performance in this role.

We are also always interested in referrals. Our recruitment expertise extends across Environmental, Engineering, Accounting, Finance, Information Technology, and Administrative roles.