Electrical Estimator - Bilingual - Ottawa

Reports To: Director of Engineering Consulting

Location: Ottawa, Ontario

Status: Full-time Employee

Compensation: $75,000-$100,000

Application Deadline: Immediately

Description

We are a growing electrical contracting, engineering and energy management company delivering commercial, institutional, industrial, and multi-residential projects throughout the National Capital Region region and Eastern Ontario (some clients across Canada).

We are looking for an experienced, bilingual Electrical Estimator to lead our estimating function and play a key role in securing profitable projects that drive our continued growth.

As our Electrical Estimator, you will be part of the team responsible for the complete pricing and tendering of electrical construction projects, EV Charging Solutions, Lighting, Photovoltaic and otherwise. You will prepare detailed and competitive estimates, analyze project requirements, provide guidance to team members, suppliers and subcontractors, and support successful project execution through effective bid preparation and handover.

This is a critical position that directly contributes to the company's growth, profitability, and reputation in the marketplace. The role involves the following core activities:

Estimating & Tender Management

• Review electrical drawings, specifications, tender documents, and project requirements.
• Complete detailed quantity take-offs for power distribution, lighting, communications and data systems, controls, and automation.
• Prepare comprehensive labour, material, equipment, and subcontractor cost estimates.
• Obtain, evaluate, and negotiate supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Identify project risks, exclusions, assumptions, and value engineering opportunities.
• Prepare and submit accurate, competitive tenders within required deadlines.
• Maintain estimating databases, productivity rates, and historical cost information.
• Analyze bid results and identify opportunities to improve estimating accuracy and competitiveness.

Project Support

• Participate in project handoff meetings with Project Management and Operations.
• Support project budgeting, change order pricing, and cost analysis throughout project execution.
• Provide estimating support for scope changes and additional work requests.
• Communicate estimating assumptions, risks, and scope considerations to project teams.

Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, general contractors, suppliers, and subcontractors.
• Attend site visits, pre-bid meetings, and project walkthroughs as required.
• Support business development by identifying strategic bidding opportunities.

Critical Requirements

The successful candidate must possess the following:

• Bilingual proficiency in English and French (spoken and written) is required, including professional communication and preparation of tender documentation in both languages.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in electrical estimating or electrical construction.
• Track record of developing estimates that support profitable project execution.

In addition to these critical requirements, we are looking for a candidate with the following:

Skills

• Strong knowledge of electrical construction methods, materials, labour requirements, and the Canadian Electrical Code.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Experience estimating commercial, institutional, industrial, or multi-residential electrical projects.
• Proficiency in electrical quantity take-offs, labour calculations, material pricing, and subcontractor cost evaluation.
• Strong understanding of construction costs, project margins, and competitive tendering practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electrical estimating software.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Valid Ontario driver's licence.

Attitude

• Committed to teamwork, collaboration, and building strong working relationships across departments.
• Takes pride in producing accurate, thorough, and competitive estimates.
• Committed to excellence, continuous learning, and improving estimating processes.
• Approaches challenges with a positive, solutions-oriented mindset.
• Understands the importance of balancing competitiveness with profitability.
• Proactively identifies opportunities to support business development and company growth.

Results

• Demonstrated success preparing and submitting accurate, competitive electrical tenders.
• Proven ability to manage multiple estimates and meet competing deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to identify cost-saving opportunities, project risks, and value engineering alternatives.
• Experience analyzing bid outcomes and applying lessons learned to improve estimating accuracy and competitiveness.

Cognitive Abilities

• Strong analytical and numerical reasoning skills, with the ability to develop accurate estimates from complex technical information.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, and project requirements and translate them into comprehensive scopes of work.
• Ability to evaluate alternative construction methods, materials, and equipment to identify cost-effective solutions.
• Strong commercial judgment and understanding of the relationship between project costs, pricing, risk, and profitability.
• Ability to prioritize multiple competing demands while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines.

Habits

• Punctual and dependable – consistently meets commitments and deadlines.
• Highly detail-oriented, with a disciplined approach to accuracy and quality.
• Plans ahead, organizes work effectively, and anticipates tender and project requirements.
• Maintains organized estimating files, documentation, cost databases, and supplier information.
• Communicates proactively with colleagues, suppliers, subcontractors, and clients.
• Follows through on commitments and takes responsibility for completing work.

Working at Lightenco

Lightenco is an award-winning sustainable energy management company. We operate across the country and provide service to our clients in English and in French. We have our own electrical division that works in a fully integrated way with the rest of the team.

We work with brand-name commercial and industrial customers offering premium customer service and innovative solutions. We work in partnership with them to help them strategically improve their energy management practices.

The company is growing quickly so we work fast, collaborate often, and take pride in delivering results that matter to people, the planet, and the bottom line. You’ll fit right in if you:

• Thrive in a mid-sized, entrepreneurial business where your work is visible and valued
• Value expanding your range of skills
• Enjoy working with both office staff and field staff
• Want to build something that makes a genuine difference in the world

You will be part of a deeply respectful, diverse team of people who laugh often, work hard, and genuinely care about one another.

Great Things About Lightenco

Let us take a minute to tell you why the team loves it here.

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits Package
• RRSP/TFSA Savings Plan
• Quarterly company events / retreats
• Internal career growth opportunities
• Company uniforms
• We’re an Award-Winning company where team members take serious pride in their work

Our values:

• Respect – We treat people with dignity, professionalism, and consideration. We listen, communicate openly, and recognize that strong relationships are fundamental to doing good work.
• Integrity – We do the right things, and we do things right. We don’t take shortcuts, we don’t cut corners. We take pride in our work, and we speak up when something isn’t right.
• Sustainability – Environmental stewardship is central to why Lightenco exists. We look for practical opportunities to reduce negative environmental impact through the work we do and through the choices we make as an organization.
• Resourcefulness – We find solutions when others can’t see them. We use the materials, time, and opportunities we are given with care. We’re accountable for making the best use of what we have to work with.
• Teamwork – We work together. We know our work affects the people around us. So we work with our clients, partners, and teammates to solve the problems we face, together. We take the time to communicate clearly and to confirm we have common understanding.