Chief Estimator

PCL Construction

Chief Estimator managing the estimating team for PCL Industrial Management Inc. in Edmonton, ensuring successful bids and strong project execution through oversight and leadership.

Posted 7/1/2026full-timeEdmonton • 🇨🇦 CanadaLeadWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Works with and supports estimating team and senior management to grow business as per the district strategic plan, based on competitive intelligence and market direction, and integrates the division’s operations with district goals.
Oversees department functions, including salary and bonus reviews, work assignments, and performance evaluations.
Monitors availability and flow of personnel; hires, motivates, and assigns project teams.
Holds regular team meetings to communicate district updates.
Ensures department complies with safety and quality requirements (PCL and project-specific).
Identifies high-potential project opportunities and assists in securing new work by investigating leads, participating in estimates, working with trade contractors, or participating in proposals and presentations.
Oversees and supports projects operationally, financially, and as regards resources.
Participates in project forecast reviews to validate estimate basis.
Reviews project cost reports for historical information for the relevant disciplines to use in strategic bid-win strategies.
Participates and reviews bid-win strategies for pursuit opportunities.
Reviews contract documents and specifications to determine project requirements and identify risk factors.
Oversees trade contractor negotiations and solicitation of trade contractors, suppliers, and manufacturers.
Ensures all bid forms are completed and executed and ensures bid closing is organized.
Participates with senior management in team selections: designers, key trades, key consultants, and internal PCL members.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline or trade experience or equivalent.
15+ years of progressive experience in construction cost estimating preferred.
Executed multiple jobs as risk manager or in a position at an equivalent responsibility level in the estimating stream.
3+ years of supervisory experience preferred.
Successfully led a pursuit valued at $250+ million in delivery model hard bid / lump sum, construction management / cost reimbursable / target price, and/or DesignBuild.
Experience working with highly complex pursuits.
Worked in self-perform environment and with productivities.
Design management experience (BLDG and CIVIL).
Expert in various construction methods, planning, scheduling, sequencing, potential problems, and timelines, and is a district champion in these matters.
Understands PCL’s estimating manuals and systems, and champions their use by estimators.
Understanding of and ability to teach contract terms for various delivery models and can identify contract risks and opportunity.
Experience estimating multiple self-perform work disciplines and knowledge of each (IND).
Experience as a relationship and reputation manager by promoting partnering and taking ownership of design and owner relationships.
Experience estimating multiple scopes, and has a working knowledge of applicable products and systems.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Employee ownership opportunities that build long-term value
Annual discretionary performance bonuses
RRSP, TFSA, Pension Contribution Options
Flexible medical, dental and vision benefits
Prescription drug coverage and virtual care services
Life, AD&D and disability insurance
Paid parental leave and family care support
Health and lifestyle spending account options
Mental health and wellness support, including Employee Assistance Programs
Career growth pathways, leadership development and mentorship programs
Access to world-class training through PCL's College of Construction and professional development courses
Ongoing opportunities to learn new skills, explore different roles and grow your career across sectors and regions

ATS Keywords

✓ Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

Construction MethodsPlanningSchedulingEstimatingContract ManagementDesign ManagementSelf-Perform Work EstimationPerformance EvaluationResource ManagementFinancial Oversight

Soft Skills

Team MotivationCommunicationRelationship ManagementNegotiationLeadership