Senior Estimator
The greatest achievements in history are borne from the greatness within people – where human potential meets vision, and passion fuels evolution. Unlocking this potential is the most important thing we do at Bird.
As a leader in Canadian construction for over 100 years, the impact of our team is etched deeply within the core of our legacy. Beyond Bird, this impact is felt in the fundamental aspects of our everyday lives. From the critical infrastructure we depend on, to the energy and resources that keep us moving - we are powering our communities and shaping Canada’s skylines coast-to-coast. Entrenched in the foundation of a culture built more than a century ago is an enduring quest to reimagine what is possible. Our impact is greater than ever, and we are looking for those who seek to redefine their story.
We are a dynamic team of over 5,000 with a range of professions, backgrounds, and areas of expertise. This breadth of diversity in people and opportunities is one of greatest aspects of building your career with Bird. Every trajectory looks different. At Bird, you hold the pen, and you write your story. As you unlock your potential, you are surrounded by a team that supports you every step of the way.
Be a part of our team, where we pride ourselves on the quality of our work and the way we treat each other and our partners. You will build a career and long-lasting relationships based on respect, collaboration, and a solution-focused mindset. Bird is a place where you will unlock your potential and achieve your goals.
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Estimator to join our dynamic Buildings & Commercial team. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in accurately estimating costs for construction projects, ensuring competitive bids and successful project delivery. The Senior Estimator will collaborate closely with project managers, engineers, and subcontractors to develop comprehensive and precise estimates for civil and concrete construction projects.
**This position is based in the Ottawa, Ontario office and will require on-site visits as requested.
***Ability to obtain Secret-level Security Clearance, required
Opportunity Response
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Working with the Regional Management Team (RMT), support the development of new market initiatives and business opportunities based on the best use of the regional resources/assets and current trends in the industry and the competitive landscape.
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Establish and maintain strategic relations with customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders including governments and the public.
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Preparing Estimating deliverables to Proposal Strategy.
Preconstruction
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Act as a key contributor in the project development activities to secure the project.
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Develop and execute a project strategy that meets the project’s required performance, schedule, and profitability targets. Meet or exceed these targets.
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Assist the bid process by driving and communicating strategies to the project team to help win bids.
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Provide preconstruction services including the development of preliminary budgets, cost plans, and value engineering exercises.
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Participate in internal contract kick-off and conduct contract partnering sessions.
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Led internal construction project start-up meetings and administrative project setup.
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Establish Preconstruction in Progress (PIP) form/KPIs and begin monthly updates.
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Actively participate in project scheduling activities including post-it note scheduling/pull planning.
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Actively participates in developing procurement plans, labor and equipment forecasts, logistics plans and site workflow, project risk register, and project execution plan (PEP).
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Actively participates in developing and maintaining the master project schedule.
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Ensures that the preconstruction schedule is achieved.
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Develop Milestone Cost Plans (schematic, design development, working drawings).
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Participates in design, constructability, and value engineering reviews.
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Work closely with the project manager, owner, consultants, suppliers, and trades to identify, develop, implement, and support cost-effective project delivery.
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Prepare and manage project budgets during the design.
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Ensure that constructability is addressed before sub-trade tendering.
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Oversee the tendering, risk assessment, and award of sub-trade contracts.
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Identify, address, and resolve issues and problems as or before they occur.
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Contribute current cost and productivity information for the SAP upload sheet.
Construction
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Keep informed on track and forecast labor, materials, and equipment.
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Conduct monthly project Work-in-progress (WIP) updates and meetings.
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Assists with the development of a project strategy that secures the project. Meets or exceeds the project's required performance and scheduled profitability targets.
Post-Construction
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Conduct lessons learned.
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Participate in the reconciliation of contract value.
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Participate in project close-out report.
Employee and Talent Management
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Develop the assigned project team members with the help of the division/branch management team, including the acquisition of new talent, continuous positive and constructive feedback, and the assessment of non-performing employees.
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Mentoring those at a more junior level on the team (interns, juniors, etc.)
What we are looking for
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Undergraduate degree in quantity surveying or engineering
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Eligible for or have attained PQS, CET, or P.Eng designations
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10+ years of “hands-on” experience in the capacity of Cost Consultant or Estimator including a full range of project delivery methods including lump sum, construction management, and design-build. This should include direct estimation experience of large commercial, Highrise, civil, and/or institutional construction projects $30M and greater
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Demonstrate integrity and strive for excellence in the quality of work
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Ability to communicate with the project team, sub-trades, consultants, and owner; understand the issues and be an active participant in the preconstruction process
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Experience working with estimating software programs
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Ability to forge, grow, and maintain positive relationships
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Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and meet the time demands of unpredictable activities, capable of handling pressure and challenges in a dynamic business environment
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Ability to work within tight deadlines and prioritization of work to achieve them
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Strong analytical, critical thinking, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills, strong math skills, and a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail
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Highly developed interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
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Demonstrates a sense of urgency and a strong commitment to achieving goals; ability to work in a challenging, fast-paced environment
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Ability to work collaboratively with a positive attitude
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Superior written and verbal communication skills
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Supportive of a culture that encompasses the highest ethical standards aligned with the Company's Promise
A healthy and safe work environment is non-negotiable. We build a culture of operational and psychological safety through engagement, learning and leadership.
We speak and act with integrity, clarity and care so people can trust our word and our work. Being honest means we can deliver the best outcomes and consistent results.
Success is a team effort. Our inclusive workplace enables our combined expertise, humility and creativity to unlock our greater potential.
We built our name on quality. We have a passion for excellence in our work and relationships that honours our businesses and our industry.
Rooted in a solid foundation, we adapt and grow to face the future. We are committed to elevating each other to chart the best path forward in an evolving world.
Bird is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). This is a core part of our culture and guides our actions and strategic priorities. We strive to create an inclusive environment where every employee can thrive and share their unique perspectives and talents. Our ongoing commitments focus on addressing inequities and promoting a better understanding of diversity to build an inclusive and fair culture. We recognize that diverse teams are more knowledgeable, perform better, and achieve greater success. As such, we are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and creating opportunities for all employees to grow and succeed.
