Estimating Department Manager

About the Role

Black & McDonald is looking for a skilled Estimating Department Manager to direct the estimating activities for its Atlantic Region. This leadership role suits a seasoned professional in construction estimating who excels at nurturing teams, managing complex bidding processes, forging strong industry relationships, and facilitating project transitions from bidding through to execution.

The successful candidate will supervise a proficient estimating team that handles projects spanning commercial, government, industrial, utility, and institutional sectors. This role involves contributing to bidding strategies, evaluating project risks, operational planning, and supporting long-term business success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of estimators, ensuring effective work delegation, fostering accountability, collaboration, and ongoing improvement.
• Manage and, when necessary, prepare detailed estimates for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracted tasks using drawings, specifications, tender and contract documents.
• Assess estimates for accuracy and competitiveness, evaluate project risks and opportunities, and contribute to sound bid strategy and submission quality.
• Engage actively with suppliers, subcontractors, owners, consultants, designers, and architects to clarify scope and develop pricing for successful tenders.
• Oversee department operations, including staffing, workflow management, performance reviews, resource planning, and prioritization.
• Enhance and maintain estimating procedures, tools, data, and metrics to improve consistency, accuracy, efficiency, and inform decision-making.
• Build and maintain robust relationships with clients, consultants, suppliers, subcontractors, and other industry partners, representing the company in the local market.
• Collaborate closely with operations and regional leaders to support project handover, planning, execution, and overall performance.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of 5 to 10 years of progressive experience in construction estimating, with extensive knowledge of tendering processes, project planning, interpreting drawings and specifications, contracts, and risk management.
• Proven leadership abilities with experience coaching and developing teams.
• Strong analytical thinking, communication, organizational skills, and relationship-building capability.
• Familiarity with estimating software such as Accubid, Autobid, Bid2Win, Excel, or similar platforms.
• Educational background including a degree, diploma, trade certification, or equivalent combination of technical and estimating experience.
• Additional certifications like PMP, Gold Seal, construction safety credentials, or an MBA are considered advantageous.

Additional Information

Black & McDonald has a century-long history of stability, offering competitive salaries, health and dental benefits, an employer-matched pension plan, incentive programs, flexible and summer work hours, and continuous career development opportunities. The company fosters equal employment opportunities and provides accommodations throughout recruitment and selection.

Applications from Indigenous individuals, racial minorities, persons with disabilities, women, and minority sexual or gender identities are especially encouraged.

For accommodation requests or more details, candidates should contact Susan Brimble confidentially.