The Senior Estimator is responsible for the preparation of accurate, competitive, and complete cost estimates for civil construction projects, including sewer and watermain, earthworks, and roadworks.
This role plays a critical part in securing profitable work by thoroughly analyzing tender documents, understanding project risks, and developing pricing strategies aligned with CDC’s operational capabilities and market conditions.
The Estimator is accountable for the integrity of all quantity takeoffs, pricing inputs, and scope assumptions, and works collaboratively with operations, subcontractors, and suppliers to deliver high-quality bid submissions.
Key Responsibilities
1. Estimate Preparation & Execution
Perform detailed quantity takeoffs from drawings and specifications
- Review and interpret all tender documents, including:
- Specifications
- Geotechnical reports
- Hydrogeological reports
- Municipal standards and requirements
Develop complete and accurate cost estimates including:
- Labour
- Equipment
- Materials
- Subcontracts
- Input and manage estimates within Bid2Win (B2W) or equivalent software
- Ensure all estimates reflect current production rates, methodologies, and equipment utilization
2. Scope Review & Risk Identification
Identify and clearly document:
- Scope inclusions and exclusions
- Project risks (soil conditions, groundwater, utilities, access constraints, etc.)
- Assumptions used in pricing
- Flag discrepancies, ambiguities, or gaps in tender documents
- Participate in the preparation of RFIs and clarifications
3. Subcontractor & Supplier Coordination
- Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier pricing (min 3)
- Ensure full scope coverage across all trades and materials
- Conduct scope reviews with subcontractors to confirm understanding and completeness
- Level and compare quotes to ensure best value and compliance
4. Collaboration with Project Delivery and Construction Teams
Coordinate with Project Managers and Superintendents to:
- Validate production rates
- Confirm construction methodologies
- Ensure constructability of the estimate
- Incorporate field feedback and historical performance data into estimates
5. Bid Closing & Submission Support
Assist in bid closing activities including:
- Final estimate review
- Scope confirmation
- Pricing adjustments as directed by the Director
- Ensure all required documentation is complete and submitted on time
- Support post-bid reviews and debriefs
6. Continuous Improvement & Data Integrity
- Maintain organized and well-documented estimate files
- Contribute to the development and refinement of estimating standards and templates
- Participate in post-project reviews to compare estimated vs. actual costs
- Support continuous improvement of estimating accuracy and processes
Key Accountabilities
- Accuracy and completeness of quantity takeoffs
- Integrity of pricing inputs and assumptions
- Identification and communication of project risks
- Timely completion of estimates and bid deliverables
- Alignment of estimates with CDC’s operational capabilities
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Estimate accuracy (variance between estimated vs. actual costs)
- Bid quality (completeness, clarity, and competitiveness)
- Error rate in takeoffs and scope coverage
- Contribution to overall bid success rate
- Timeliness of estimate completion
Qualifications & Experience
- 7–10+ years of experience in civil construction estimating
- Strong knowledge of:
- Sewer and watermain construction
- Earthworks and grading
- Roadworks and municipal servicing
- Proficiency in estimating software (e.g., Bid2Win (B2W))
- Strong understanding of construction drawings, specifications, and contracts (e.g., CCDC and OPSS standards)
- Ability to interpret geotechnical and hydrogeological reports
- Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
Core Competencies
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Accountability and ownership of work
- Time management under tight deadlines
- Collaboration and teamwork
Working Relationships
- Director of Pre-Construction & Estimating
- Estimating Team Members
- Project Managers
- Superintendents
- Subcontractors & Suppliers
- Finance (for cost alignment and reporting)
Success Profile (What Good Looks Like at CDC)
A successful Estimator at CDC:
- Does not “go through the motions” - they fully understand the job before pricing it
- Identifies risks early and communicates them clearly
- Produces estimates that are both competitive and executable
- Takes ownership of their numbers and stands behind their work
- Contributes to a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement
