Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead estimating operations for complex structural steel projects and ensure competitive bids.
- Company: Established structural steel organisation with a focus on commercial and industrial projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, health benefits, and paid time off.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a significant impact in the construction industry.
- Qualifications: Extensive estimating experience in structural steel and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 140000 - 150000 £ per year.
ABOUT THE CLIENT: Our client is a well-established structural steel organization specializing in complex commercial, industrial, institutional, and infrastructure projects across Western Canada. They are seeking an experienced and strategic Chief Estimator to lead estimating operations, support business growth, and play a key role in securing high-value projects. This is an excellent opportunity for a senior estimating professional who thrives in a fast-paced construction environment and brings strong leadership, technical expertise, and commercial acumen within the structural steel industry.
The Chief Estimator will oversee the full estimating function, from project evaluation and bid preparation through cost analysis and proposal submission. This individual will collaborate closely with senior leadership, project managers, engineers, fabricators, suppliers, and clients to ensure accurate, competitive, and profitable project estimates. The successful candidate will be highly analytical, detail-oriented, and experienced in structural steel estimating, with the ability to manage multiple bids simultaneously while helping drive operational excellence and continuous improvement within the estimating department.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Estimating & Cost Analysis: Lead the preparation of accurate and competitive cost estimates for structural steel projects. Analyze project drawings, specifications, contracts, and scope documents to determine labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and overhead costs. Develop detailed quantity takeoffs and material calculations from architectural and structural drawings. Prepare comprehensive bid packages, tender submissions, and proposal documentation. Review project risks and incorporate appropriate contingencies into estimates. Monitor market pricing trends, labor rates, fabrication costs, and material fluctuations.
- Bid Management & Project Evaluation: Evaluate bid opportunities and determine project feasibility, competitiveness, and profitability. Coordinate and solicit pricing from subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors. Analyze quotations and ensure alignment with project requirements and timelines. Participate in bid reviews, strategy meetings, and final tender closings. Assist with value engineering initiatives by identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality, safety, or project intent.
- Project Coordination & Support: Work closely with project managers, engineers, detailers, and operations teams to ensure seamless project handoffs. Support budgeting, forecasting, and pre-construction planning activities. Assist with scheduling input based on production capacity, labor availability, and project timelines. Review and estimate change orders, scope modifications, and extra work throughout project execution. Maintain organized documentation of estimates, revisions, assumptions, clarifications, and correspondence.
- Leadership & Collaboration: Provide leadership, mentorship, and guidance to estimating team members. Collaborate with senior management on strategic planning, process improvements, and operational efficiencies. Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, suppliers, and industry partners. Participate in client meetings to clarify project scope, expectations, and technical requirements. Ensure all estimating activities comply with company standards, safety regulations, and applicable building codes.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Extensive estimating experience within the structural steel industry.
- Strong understanding of structural steel fabrication, erection, and construction processes.
- Proven ability to manage large and complex bids in commercial, industrial, or infrastructure environments.
- Strong knowledge of construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and tendering procedures.
- Experience with quantity takeoffs, budgeting, and cost forecasting.
- Proficiency with estimating software, Excel, and related construction management tools.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong communication and negotiation abilities.
- Leadership experience mentoring or managing estimating teams is considered a strong asset.
- Experience working with structural steel fabricators or steel construction contractors.
- Familiarity with CISC standards, construction codes, and industry best practices.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Strong commercial awareness with a focus on profitability and operational efficiency.
COMPENSATION: $140,000-150,000 annual base salary (negotiable). Discretionary bonus based on company’s performance. RRSP matching program. Extended health benefits. Paid time off. Laptop, cellphone bill coverage, mileage.
Chief Estimator in Surrey employer: Goldbeck Recruiting
Contact Detail:
Goldbeck Recruiting Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Estimator in Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know in the structural steel world, the better your chances of landing that Chief Estimator role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your past estimating projects, including successful bids and cost-saving initiatives. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and commercial acumen to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience and how it aligns with the job requirements. Tailor your conversation to highlight your leadership and collaboration skills, as these are key for the Chief Estimator position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application directly, ensuring it gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Estimator in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Chief Estimator role. Highlight your experience in structural steel estimating and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of your past successes in estimating and how you can contribute to our team's growth.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since the role requires strong analytical abilities, make sure to mention any relevant projects where you've successfully managed complex bids or conducted detailed cost analyses. We love numbers, so don't shy away from showcasing your achievements!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Goldbeck Recruiting
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Chief Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in cost analysis and project evaluation. Brush up on your knowledge of structural steel pricing trends, labour rates, and material costs. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed large bids in the past and what strategies you used to ensure accuracy and competitiveness.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership and collaboration with various teams. Prepare examples of how you've mentored estimating team members or led projects. Highlight your ability to build relationships with clients and stakeholders, as this will be crucial for securing high-value projects.
✨Be Detail-Oriented
Attention to detail is key in estimating. During the interview, emphasise your experience with quantity takeoffs and your methodical approach to reviewing project drawings and specifications. Share specific instances where your attention to detail made a significant impact on a project's success.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to structural steel fabrication and construction processes. Familiarise yourself with CISC standards and industry best practices. Being able to confidently answer these questions will show that you're not only experienced but also up-to-date with current industry standards.