Company Overview
Founded in 1955, Lancaster Group Inc. is a trusted multi-trade construction company based in Hamilton, Ontario, with deep roots in the industrial, commercial, and institutional construction sectors.
What began as a small sheet metal shop has grown into a diversified group of specialized divisions, including:
- Lancaster Construction Services - Providing HVAC/R systems, mechanical and electrical installations, architectural metals, and full-service contracting solutions.
- Lancaster Sheet Metal Fabrication - A CWB-certified fabrication shop delivering custom sheet metal solutions for a wide range of commercial, industrial, and institutional projects.
- Lancaster Heating & Cooling - Providing residential HVAC services backed by trusted brands including Trane and Carrier.
Lancaster Group combines professional excellence with a strong family-oriented foundation. We offer a supportive, team-focused environment where employees can build long-term careers and contribute to meaningful projects across Southern Ontario.
Position Summary
Lancaster Group Inc. is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Sheet Metal Estimator to join our team.
The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing accurate, competitive cost estimates for commercial, industrial, and institutional sheet metal projects, including ductwork, HVAC systems, and architectural metal scopes. This role requires strong technical knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to work closely with internal teams, suppliers, subcontractors, clients, and project managers throughout the estimating and pre-construction process.
The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in sheet metal, HVAC estimating, fabrication, or project coordination, with a solid understanding of drawings, specifications, take-offs, labour requirements, and industry standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare detailed cost estimates for sheet metal systems, including ductwork, fittings, supports, accessories, and related components.
- Perform accurate quantity take-offs and labour analysis from mechanical drawings, specifications, addenda, and tender documents.
- Review bid documents to identify scope requirements, exclusions, risks, opportunities, and potential gaps.
- Prepare and submit competitive bid proposals in alignment with project requirements and company standards.
- Participate in bid reviews, closing meetings, and handover meetings with project management teams.
- Source, review, and analyze pricing from vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors.
- Collaborate with project managers, internal teams, and the electrical and plumbing estimating teams throughout pre-bid, bid closing, and post-bid handoff phases.
- Use estimating and take-off software, along with Bluebeam, to ensure accurate documentation and pricing.
- Visit job sites when required to assess existing conditions, constructability, and project scope.
- Interpret and apply relevant codes, standards, and industry practices, including SMACNA, ASHRAE, and applicable Ontario Building Code requirements.
- Maintain and update internal estimating databases, including cost history, labour units, supplier pricing, and productivity information.
- Assist with change order pricing, project cost analysis, and continuous improvement of estimating processes.
- Support strong client, consultant, vendor, and subcontractor relationships.
Qualifications
- 3-10 years of experience in sheet metal, HVAC estimating, mechanical estimating, fabrication, or a related construction role.
- Experience estimating commercial, industrial, or institutional projects is preferred.
- Sheet Metal Certificate of Qualification is considered an asset.
- Strong ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, blueprints, specifications, addenda, and tender documents.
- Experience with take-off and estimating software is preferred, such as QuickPen, FastDUCT, PractiCam, or similar platforms.
- Proficiency with Bluebeam and Google Workspace.
- Familiarity with SMACNA standards, HVAC systems, ductwork fabrication, and Ontario Building Code requirements.
- Valid Ontario Driver's Licence with a clean driving record.
- Strong understanding of labour productivity, material pricing, fabrication requirements, and construction sequencing.
- Ability to manage multiple tenders, deadlines, and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Skills and Attributes
- Highly detail-oriented, organized, and accurate.
- Strong numerical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent time-management and prioritization abilities.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Able to work independently while also contributing to a collaborative team environment.
- Proactive, resourceful, and committed to continuous improvement.
- Strong relationship-building skills with clients, vendors, subcontractors, and internal teams.
- Practical understanding of construction processes, field conditions, and project coordination.
- Professional, accountable, and dependable.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Comprehensive benefits package.
- Dental care.
- Extended health care.
- Paid vacation and paid time off.
- On-site parking.
- Casual dress environment.
- Monday to Friday schedule with excellent work-life balance.
- Long-term career stability with a family-owned company.
- Training, mentorship, and exposure to diverse, challenging projects.
- Supportive and collaborative workplace culture.
Why Join Lancaster Group?
At Lancaster Group, you will be part of a company with nearly 70 years of history, a strong reputation in the construction industry, and a continued focus on growth, innovation, and quality workmanship.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced estimator or technically skilled sheet metal professional who is ready to contribute to a respected, family-owned company with long-standing client relationships and a strong future.
Pay: $75,000.00-$90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- On-site parking
Experience:
- Sheet Metal Estimating : 3 years (required)
Work Location: In person
