Estimating Manager

LOCATION

Desae Lake

STATUS

Full Time, Salaried

CLOSING DATE

Open until filled.

SALARY

$130,000 - $160,000

POSITION SUMMARY

TNDC is seeking an experienced Estimating Manager to lead our estimating function and play a key role in the growth of our construction operations. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced estimator or construction professional who enjoys both the technical side of estimating and the opportunity to build something from the ground up.

In this hands-on leadership role, you will be responsible for developing accurate, competitive estimates for heavy civil, earthworks, mining, roadbuilding, and related construction projects. You will work closely with our Construction and Operations teams to understand project requirements, develop competitive bids, assess risk, and support successful project opportunities from initial review through submission.

As the estimating function continues to grow, you will also have the opportunity to develop estimating systems, processes, cost databases, and standards that will form the foundation of a future estimating team. This role is ideal for someone who brings strong estimating expertise, sound commercial judgment, and a practical understanding of how projects are built—and who is excited by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact at TNDC.

Responsibilities:

Opportunity Assessment & Bid Strategy

• Partner with Business Development and Operations to evaluate opportunities, support bid/no-bid decisions, and develop practical pursuit and pricing strategies.
• Review client requirements, site conditions, project constraints, and commercial terms to establish a clear estimating approach.
• Represent TNDC in site visits, pre-bid meetings, clarification discussions, bid reviews, and negotiations as required.

Estimate Development & Submission

• Lead and prepare complete estimates, including quantity take-offs, production assumptions, crew and equipment build-ups, labour, materials, subcontractors, indirect costs, mobilization, escalation, contingency, and mark-up.
• Prepare conceptual, budgetary, unit-rate, lump-sum, cost-reimbursable, and design-build estimates using current market information, historical costs, and productivity data.
• In conjunction with Operations, develop execution plans, construction methodologies, preliminary schedules, resource requirements, and risk assessments that support the estimate.
• Manage supplier and subcontractor pricing, final estimate checks, clarifications, qualifications, approvals, and submission requirements.

Quality, Handover & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain complete and traceable estimate files and lead the handover of successful bids to Operations and Project Management, including scope, pricing basis, assumptions, risks, and outstanding items.
• Establish and improve TNDC estimating standards, templates, bid review processes, quality controls, and historical cost information.

Department Development & Leadership

• Build the estimating function over time by identifying resource needs, supporting recruitment, reviewing estimates, and coaching estimators as the team grows.
• Use post-bid and post-project reviews to compare estimated and actual performance and improve future estimates.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Post-secondary degree, diploma, trade qualification, or equivalent industry experience in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Estimating, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible construction estimating experience, including ownership of complete estimates and tender submissions.
• Demonstrated heavy civil estimating experience is required, with strong exposure to earthworks, mining infrastructure, and roadbuilding. Experience in other construction disciplines is an asset.
• Field or project delivery experience in Western Canada, remote, or industrial environments is a strong asset.
• High proficiency with construction estimating software and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience with HeavyBid, Hard Dollar/InEight, Bid2Win, or comparable platforms is preferred.

MENTORSHIP AND KNOWLEDGE SHARING

Provide practical leadership and mentorship, promote knowledge transfer, and support the development of Tahltan employees and relationships with local and Indigenous businesses where appropriate.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Champion TNDC’s values of Safety, Tahltan-Centered, Integrity, Respect, Trust, and High Performance.
• Advanced knowledge of heavy civil construction methods, production planning, equipment selection, costing, subcontracting, sequencing, and contract documentation.
• Strong commercial judgment, analytical ability, attention to detail, and the ability to identify and manage estimating risk while maintaining a competitive approach.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to present and defend estimates to management, partners, clients, and project teams.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing deadlines, and maintain estimate quality in fast-paced bid environments.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This Vancouver, Calgary, or Dease Lake based position requires travel to project locations within Tahltan Territory and other remote or industrial sites.
• Workload and hours may fluctuate around site visits, bid deadlines, and tender closings.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Pre-employment drug and alcohol screening and fitness-for-work assessment where required for site access
• Valid Class 5 driver’s licence and acceptable driver’s abstract, as required for site travel
• Willingness to sign an Oath of Confidentiality and comply with TNDC policies and client site requirements

SUPERVISION

Initially, the Estimating Manager will operate without direct reports as TNDC’s primary estimating function. As the department grows, the role may supervise Estimator(s), Junior Estimator(s), Proposal Coordinator(s), and other assigned personnel.

Indigenous Hiring Preference

As a Tahltan-owned organization, TNDC is committed to creating meaningful employment and career development opportunities for Tahltan Nation members and Indigenous Peoples. In support of this commitment, preference may be given to qualified applicants who are Tahltan Nation members, followed by qualified applicants who identify as Indigenous.

All applicants are encouraged to apply. Hiring decisions will consider the qualifications, skills and experience required for the position, together with TNDC’s commitment to increasing Indigenous participation in our workforce.