Chief Estimator – Heavy Civil Construction

Vancouver, British Columbia

$160,000 – $200,000 + Benefits

Skyline Recruitment is partnering with a leading heavy civil contractor in British Columbia to hire an experienced Chief Estimator.

Our client is a well-established civil contractor delivering complex infrastructure projects throughout British Columbia. This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced estimating professional to work closely with the Director of Estimating, helping lead the estimating function, develop the existing team, and provide strategic oversight on major pursuits.

The successful candidate will combine strong technical estimating experience with leadership, commercial awareness, and a practical understanding of heavy civil construction.

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Director of Estimating to provide leadership across the estimating and preconstruction function
• Lead and oversee estimates for large, complex heavy civil and infrastructure projects
• Mentor, support, and develop Senior Estimators, Estimators, and other preconstruction team members
• Review estimates, methodologies, pricing strategies, schedules, risks, and opportunities prior to submission
• Lead major pursuits from initial opportunity assessment through tender close and handover
• Analyze RFPs, RFQs, tender documents, specifications, and contractual requirements
• Develop competitive estimating and pursuit strategies alongside operations and senior leadership
• Provide oversight of subcontractor and supplier procurement, scope reviews, and bid evaluations
• Identify value engineering opportunities and alternative construction methodologies
• Conduct estimate risk analysis and lead internal bid reviews
• Collaborate with owners, consultants, designers, partners, subcontractors, and internal operations teams
• Support contract negotiations through detailed cost analysis and commercial review
• Ensure successful estimates are effectively transitioned to project delivery teams
• Help improve estimating processes, systems, historical cost data, and overall estimating capabilities

Requirements:

• 10+ years of estimating experience within heavy civil construction, with significant experience at a senior or leadership level
• Proven experience leading large and complex civil infrastructure estimates and pursuits
• Previous experience mentoring, managing, or providing technical leadership to estimating teams
• Strong understanding of construction methodology, productivity, cost development, contracts, and commercial risk
• Experience with major earthworks, complex concrete, industrial civil, power infrastructure, hydroelectric, substations, transmission, or similar infrastructure considered highly valuable
• Experience with lump sum, unit price, design-build, alternative delivery, or other complex contract models
• Ability to work closely with operations teams to develop practical and competitive construction strategies
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
• Diploma or bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or a related discipline preferred
• Experience with industry estimating software such as HCSS HeavyBid, InEight, B2W, Bluebeam, or similar platforms

What’s Offered:

• Competitive base salary of $160,000 – $200,000+, depending on experience
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Senior leadership position working directly alongside the Director of Estimating
• Opportunity to influence estimating strategy, processes, and team development
• Involvement in major heavy civil and infrastructure projects throughout British Columbia
• Long-term opportunity with an established and growing civil contractor

This opportunity would suit an experienced Chief Estimator, Estimating Manager, Lead Estimator, or senior estimating professional who enjoys remaining involved in major pursuits while also mentoring teams and helping shape the wider estimating function.

If you are an experienced heavy civil estimating leader considering your next opportunity in British Columbia, we would welcome a confidential conversation.