Chief Estimator

Chief estimator positions are classified as construction management jobs. Individuals in this position are responsible for managing and directing the organization's estimating functions. The chief estimator also directs all activities within the estimating department, including budgeting, staff scheduling and development, training, performance evaluations, and departmental goals. Additionally, they are responsible for the creation and implementation of department standard operating procedures and performance metrics. The chief estimator creates the bid schedule each week and delegates estimation jobs to other employees in the estimating department.The day-to-day responsibilities of the chief estimator include creation and review of requests for estimate evaluations, preparation of the weekly bid schedule, maintenance of bid estimates to ensure they are completed, review of all completed estimates prior to submission, cost analysis, and the creation and communication of departmental reports. Additionally, the chief estimator manages the schedules of the estimating team. Individuals in this position typically work full time in a business setting, although some overtime may be required depending on project and departmental workload.Chief estimator jobs usually require a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, construction management or a related field, as well as five to seven years of relevant experience. Experience in management or supervisory positions is strongly preferred. Chief estimators must be familiar with government policies and regulations related to the industry. Excellent written and oral communication skills and attention to detail are a must. Good organizational and multitasking skills are required, and chief estimators should be familiar with basic office software.

As a Chief Estimator with 3-6 years of experience in Canada, your main responsibilities include:

• Analyzing project specifications, drawings, and other relevant documents to accurately estimate costs and quantities for construction projects.
• Collaborating with project managers, architects, engineers, and subcontractors to gather information and ensure accurate estimates.
• Preparing detailed cost estimates, including labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor costs, using industry-standard estimating software.
• Reviewing and evaluating subcontractor bids, negotiating pricing and terms to secure the best value for the project.

For a Chief Estimator, the following qualifications are required:

• The candidate should have a strong background in estimating for construction projects, including a deep understanding of various estimating techniques, cost analysis, and bidding processes.
• The candidate should possess a comprehensive understanding of construction materials, building codes, and industry standards.
• The candidate should be well-versed in using industry-standard estimating software, such as RSMeans, PlanSwift, or ProEst.
• The candidate must have excellent communication and negotiation skills to effectively interact with clients, subcontractors, and internal teams.

The role of a Chief Estimator is crucial for accurately assessing project costs and ensuring successful project execution. For professionals with 3-6 years of experience in Canada's construction industry, here are four alternative roles to consider:

• Project Coordinator: A role that involves assisting project managers with planning, organizing, and coordinating various project activities.
• Quantity Surveyor: A position focused on accurately measuring and estimating quantities of materials, labor, and costs for construction projects.
• Construction Manager: A role that entails overseeing and managing all aspects of construction projects, including scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation.
• Cost Engineer: A position focused on analyzing project costs, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and providing cost estimates for engineering and construction projects.

The role of Chief Estimator is projected to experience significant growth in the Canadian job market. Over the past 10 years, the demand for Chief Estimators has been steadily increasing due to a rise in construction projects and infrastructure development. With Google's latest data points, it is anticipated that this trend will continue, creating a substantial number of employment opportunities in the future. The job outlook for Chief Estimators in Canada remains favorable, making it an attractive career choice for individuals interested in the construction industry.