Senior Estimator

Company Overview

We are Chandos. We exist to build a better world. Our vision is to emerge as Canada’s premier technical builder, distinguished by our relentless pursuit of innovation, collaboration, and sustainability in all that we do. We are 100 percent employee-owned, and our success is driven by our employee owners. We prioritize people, purpose, and performance in all that we do. When the company thrives, you benefit directly. When everyone is invested - literally - it builds a community of accountability, pride and mutual support. We look for team members who are gritty, accountable, and driven – with a mindset rooted in initiative and purpose. You think like an entrepreneur and build strong, trusting relationships through clear communication and thoughtful dialogue, even in challenging conversations.

Job Summary

Senior Estimator – Lead estimating on a long‑term nuclear project at Chalk River, supporting continued growth across Ontario. This highly proactive role requires ownership, a multiplier who drives timelines, and follows through relentlessly to close gaps, align stakeholders, and produce competitive, accurate bids in a complex environment.

Location: Ottawa (preferred) or Toronto. Travel: Up to 1 day per month to Chalk River. Security Clearance: Must be eligible to obtain Reliability clearance. Only applicants who meet all minimum qualifications will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Full-cycle estimating for large-scale nuclear or industrial project
• Subtrade engagement, pricing strategy, and bid development
• Risk, contingency, and commercial assumptions that protect margin and win work
• Clear alignment between estimating, operations, and project leadership
• A disciplined, organized approach to delivering complete and accurate estimates

What Sets You Apart

• You drive progress without waiting, especially when inputs are incomplete or moving
• You follow up, close gaps, and keep people aligned to deadlines
• You balance detail with judgment, knowing when "complete" is better than "perfect"
• You are comfortable operating in complex, multi-stakeholder environments
• You take ownership of outcomes, not just inputs

Core Capability Requirements

• Prepare and lead full-cost estimates across conceptual to detailed phases
• Develop labour, material, and equipment pricing with strong market awareness
• Evaluate risk, escalation, and contingency to support sound commercial decisions
• Lead subtrade solicitation, bid analysis, and pricing strategy
• Support bid strategy, value engineering, and client presentations

Minimum Qualifications (Non‑Negotiable)

• 10+ years of estimating experience in nuclear or heavy industrial construction
• Proven experience on large-scale ($1B+) projects or equivalent complexity
• Strong experience from a general contractor environment
• Demonstrable experience leading teams and driving for results
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and estimating tools
• Ability to lead estimating efforts and coordinate cross‑functional input
• Full and valid driver’s license for site visits and local coordination
• Must be eligible to obtain Reliability Clearance and able to complete background verification within project timelines; candidates with recent, readily verifiable residency and employment history will be prioritized

Benefits

• Competitive wages
• Well‑rounded employer‑paid benefits program including health, dental, vision care and employee assistance program
• RRSP matching program to aid and prepare employees for long‑term financial security
• Educational assistance for employees who wish to pursue job‑performance enhancing education
• Recognition and annual salary reviews program
• Leadership conferences that allow employees to connect and collaborate
• Regular company‑wide engagement opportunities

Compensation

Expected salary band: $150,000 to $200,000+. Competitive bonus program included. Base salary may vary based on experience. Further discussion during interview process.

Chandos is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture. We recognize that our differences are our greatest strengths; we uncover and nurture talent across the organization.