Cost Estimator

A Cost Estimator with Canadian PR, Citizenship or transferable work permit in Canada is urgently needed to join a dynamic construction project management and engineering consultancy that is office based in Vancouver, BC.

Construction projects to prepare estimates for will range in size from $20m to multi Billion dollar major projects.  Work will focus on clients in the Highway & Bridge, Transportation, Rail, Ports & Marine and other related civil engineering, infrastructure and rail and transit sectors.

Strong Estimator or Cost Estimator candidates with building experience will also be considered.

Project Details

This Estimating job is to be both the supporting Cost Estimator to the Senior Estimator on large projects, and to work independently on your own estimating work on smaller projects.
You will work closely with colleagues as an estimating team and will also provide support to wider business units. 

Suitable Estimators will have had some estimating experience but will be ambitious and looking for fast track training and development and be seeking an ambitious career path. You could be a Field Engineer or related construction professional with some estimating experience looking to become office based!  You could just be an early career or intermediate Estimator looking to fast track their career!

As Cost Estimator, you will be located in Vancouver and will work both from home and be based in the downtown Vancouver office as required; probably for 2-4 days a week.  Your Estimator and Cost Estimating role will be to work on a number of civil engineering infrastructure and rail and transit projects to be constructed in Canada with a focus on the British Columbia market.
The employing company is a fast growing Client focused business that is well known within the Canadian market for their ability to lead and deliver project success. Full details will be provided to suitable candidates when shortlisted.

The Cost Estimator role is to work with a dynamic construction project management and engineering consultancy on a range of their clients' projects.  You will establish construction and project budgets for Highway & Bridge, Transportation, Ports & Marine, Rail, Transit and other related civil engineering infrastructure and transportation sectors.

The budgets you will be responsible for will shape the future paths of these projects through financial approvals, procurement and into construction.

This exciting construction Estimating job role is not just focused on the market rates and costs for construction, but will also challenge your constructability and scheduling skills to ensure the bespoke elements of the individual projects are captured within the budgets set.

The estimators working for this company become an integral part of the Client team and through a control of the cost, schedule and constructability they are in a strong position to advise the design team in developing a design that is as efficient as possible, while meeting the needs of the Client.

The Estimating individual recruited and employed will be a good communicator and will be self confident and proactive. 
The company culture of this employer is one that empowers individuals to self manage the needs of the Client with the support of the company owners.

The successful candidate will have the freedom to establish their own Client base and niche markets that they can ultimately manage as the company expands.

Responsibilities and Duties

This Cost Estimator job will have core duties that include the following; training can be provided in some areas if not all duties have previously been undertaken:

• Cost estimating and pricing of projects from the ground up using Labour, Equipment and Materials supported by a construction schedule and constructability plan.
• Advising clients on budgets and in due course helping them to manage their cost management systems.
• Working as an integral part of a team comprising designers, planners and specialist advisors.
• Commercial management duties
• Live client interface responsibilities
• Working successfully in a team environment
• Understanding, identifying and evaluating project risks for inclusion in the project budget
• Costing project from drawings at different stages of design from preliminary through conceptual to IFC drawings, using real world construction experience rather than a purely theoretical approach
• Ability to review tender documents, geotechnical reports and construction drawings and be able to predict future project duration to establish robust project budgets
• Able to understand and use HSS, HeavyBid, Bid2Win or other comparable construction industry pricing software

This Cost Estimator job role requires an ambitious, proactive and cerebral candidate that is seeking to make an impact on the outcome of projects from their first concept through design, procurement and construction.

Desired Skills and Experience

• It is expected that suitable candidates will have at least 2 years of good quality estimating experience and candidates with up to 8 years of experience will also be suitable.
• Preference is for estimating experience gained from civil infrastructure/transportation projects, and rail and trackwork and/or electrical systems projects or transferrable experience from power, oil & gas or major building
• Experience gained within construction contracting is preferred, ideally on projects of between $20m-$200m + in value.  Cost Consulting/PQS estimating experience is also of interest for candidates that also understand buildability
• Experience of advising clients on budgets and managing cost control systems is highly desirable
• Experience of working in Canada on civil engineering infrastructure, major building or rail / transit projects is desirable although good quality international experience is also acceptable
• Commercial management experience would be beneficial
• Client interface experience and capability is important
• Experienced of working in a team environment with the confidence to self manage on a daily basis with support from your line manager or senior management.
• Demonstrable understanding of identifying, managing and evaluating project risks is essential.
• Hands on experience of using HSS, HeavyBid, Bid2Win or other comparable construction sector pricing software is expected

Previous construction project estimating experience needs to demonstrate most / many of the above capabilities and Estimator candidates should be able to evidence a proactive and innovative approach to the estimating and project costing process.

A demonstrable passion is needed that will ensure that cost systems are set up appropriately to be able to allow costs to be managed throughout the construction process to successful project completion.

Qualifications/Educational Requirements

• A professional qualification in construction is highly desirable although hands on cost estimating and commercial management experience is most critical.
• Canadian Citizenship or the current right to work in Canada is an ESSENTIAL criteria for consideration for this role.
• Current location and experience of Vancouver / British Columbia construction and ideally civil engineering infrastructure projects is highly desirable

Employing Company Overview and Profile

This premium Canadian construction industry employer is a highly regarded specialist project management, engineering, cost and risk management consultancy based in Vancouver, Canada.

They benefit from having an excellent reputation and forward order book of confirmed work on a range of infrastructure, transportation, civil engineering, road, highway, bridge and transportation projects in Canada with a focus on the BC market.

A full client profile will be provided to applicants shortlisted for interview.

Additional Benefits Package and Incentives

• Generous salary based on candidate experience
• Annual Bonus
• 4 weeks vacation in addition to statutory holidays
• Full healthcare package