Senior Specialist, Estimating at Nuclear Waste Management Organization

Founded in 2022, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is a not-for-profit organization tasked with the safe, long-term management of Canada's intermediate- and high- level radioactive waste, in a manner that protects people and the environment for generations to come.

The NWMO has been guided for more than 20 years by a dedicated team of world-class scientists, engineers and Indigenous Knowledge Holders who are developing innovative and collaborative solutions for nuclear waste management. In 2024, the NWMO selected Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and the Township of Ignace as the hosts for the site for a deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel.

This decision means our office and staff will, in the future, be relocating to Ignace, Ont., and the deep geological repository will be situated in the area near Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and the Township of Ignace. Infrastructure planning and development are underway to support this transition and ensure that both the community and our employees are well served and supported, now and in the future.

Senior Specialist - Estimating

Fulltime - One (1) Position Available

Position Location: Toronto Head Office - 22 St. Clair Avenue East

OR Ignace, Ontario - 304 Main Street

Reporting to the Director, Business Planning & Enterprise Risk Management, the Senior Specialist - Estimating is responsible for supporting the management and development of the long-term lifecycle costs for radioactive waste streams produced and for identifying cost implications for dealing with those waste streams. The position will establish and maintain lifecycle estimates for all NWMO waste management programs and support the implementation of life cycle cost element plans across the organization. The role will also involve the analysis of financial performance against the Life Cycle Estimate (LCE), supporting cost management strategies, and delivering business reporting to key stakeholders. This position will have a matrix reporting relationship with our engineering team.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide expert cost estimating inputs, advice and lead the escalation & scaling of existing estimates cross functionally. Compare and evaluate long-term estimates prepared at different points in time. Analyze and explain cost element variances for escalations, work timing, volumes, and waste streams.

Prepare estimates of probable costs of materials, labour and equipment for construction projects based on contract bids, quotations, schematic drawings, and specifications.

Liaise, consult, and communicate with engineers; architects, owners, contractors, sub-contractors, and prepare economic feasibility studies on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.

Manage cost estimate inputs; obtain, manage, document and archive input data including Single Points of Contact (SPOC) input, escalation rates, labour rates and Work Breakdown Structures (WBS). Advise and provide guidance to management on SPOCs cost estimates in accordance with the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE) best practices.

Provide data analysis and reporting, including the extraction and collation of data from various sources, creation of templates to solicit estimate input from SPOC and the modification of data in estimating software.

Coordinate the mapping of existing WBS data to the business to produce Work Element Definition Sheets (WEDS) and performing cost estimate validation.

Support the development of the annual business plan to ensure both strategic and quantitative consistency with the long-term strategy is detailed in the LCE.

Benchmark components of the existing estimate where applicable. Review and assess engineering and construction cost estimates submitted by others.

Compile cost estimate reports and summarize data for internal and external stakeholders. Co-ordinate periodic reviews of existing estimate components and assumptions.

Develop and maintain a milestone schedule for production and publication of the LCE. Assist with the development and implementation of all governance related to the LCE.

Work cross-functionally to oversee and conduct due diligence on the consolidation of the LCE inputs and workplans from key business functions. Ensure the LCE aligns with the business plan and organizational objectives, both strategically and quantitatively.

Assist with the maintenance of reporting structures and cost breakdown in the ERP system, including detailed cost management of various programs and project areas. Support the identification of opportunities for improvements within the ERP system.

Support the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) process within the organization that is integrated into the organization's business planning processes and provides the organization with the necessary parameters to identify, assess, evaluate, and manage its risks.

Develop operating metrics and reports to advance strategic planning, operational decision-making, continuous improvement, and learning. Monitor results from the various Lines of Business, to assess their performance against the LCE.

Develop and implement Business unit standards, procedures, and processes for estimating work.

Provide technical guidance and advice to staff throughout the NWMO on specification and negotiations of the same and ensure advice is complied with.

Provide analytical and strategic support when required.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and experience; however, those with lesser experience should not hesitate to apply.

4 years of University in Engineering, or by having the equivalent level of education.

Master's in business administration (MBA) designation an asset.

Requires knowledge of computer science for utilizing computer applications software to estimating.

Requires knowledge of technical writing for the preparation, editing and presentation of standards, procedures, manuals, reports, etc.

Requires experience to visualize entire projects at the conceptual stage and an understanding of technology, plant components and systems.

Requires experience at a specialist level to understanding the estimating project control systems. Requires experience to become familiar with engineering and construction management concepts, methods, and techniques.

Requires experience with project design, construction, rehabilitation, and modifications to appreciate the spectrum of work situations surrounding major projects and in particular to generating facilities.

Requires experience to become familiar with the utilization and application of computer software programs.

Requires proven experience in writing reports and procedures. Requires proven experience in communication and interpersonal skills, to work effectively on committees or in team settings.

Minimum of 8 years' relevant experience in cost estimating, engineering principles and design theory, construction management concepts, methods and techniques, financial planning & analysis, project design, construction and / or business consulting.

The following skills and experience are considered assets:

Broad knowledge of a project oriented or public sector business is valuable. Strong analytical skills with multivariable analysis (economy, politics, public sector, etc.)

Strong financial skills, understanding of profit & loss (P&L), balance sheet and project costing is valuable.

Working knowledge of Primavera P6 and InEight Estimating an advantage.

Excellent Microsoft Excel, Access, and PowerPoint skills necessary.

Experience in project management consulting and/or professional cost estimator an asset.

Must be eligible to work in Canada and must be able to meet security clearance requirements.

NWMO currently operates in a hybrid work model of 3 days in the office (Tuesdays being universal) and 2 days working from home.

Candidates residing in the Greater Toronto Area: Office Location - 22 St. Clair Avenue East until their role is required to relocate.

We offer a competitive base salary, health care benefits and a defined benefit pension plan.

The NWMO is committed to contributing to Reconciliation in all its work by co-creating a shared future built on rights, equity and well-being. As an employment equity employer, NWMO actively seeks Indigenous Peoples, members of visible minorities, women, people with disabilities, and additional diverse identities for our workforce. The NWMO will provide accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodation, please contact us .

We review applications on a rolling basis and encourage interested candidates to apply at their earliest convenience to ensure full consideration.

The NWMO is committed to a fair, transparent, and efficient recruitment process. While we sincerely appreciate every expression of interest, only those candidates selected to continue in the recruitment process will be contacted directly.