Estimating Lead

Role

Reporting to the Regional Director and closely aligned with the Estimating MAnager, the Lead Estimator is a senior technical role responsible for overseeing estimating efforts within a specific division of the company. This position performs and leads the development of complete and competitive EPC proposals, coordinates divisional estimating workflows, and supports preconstruction planning. While not a formal people manager, the Lead Estimator mentors junior and intermediate estimators, ensures estimating standards are upheld, and works closely with cross-functional teams including engineering, procurement, project controls, and construction to deliver high-quality proposals. The Lead Estimator acts as the primary estimating authority within their division and serves as a technical escalation point for complex estimates.

Responsibilities

- Support the coordination of estimating activities among divisional team members to meet proposal deadlines and client requirements.

- Review and validate divisional estimates, identifying risks, scope gaps, and opportunities for value engineering through preliminary review stages.

- Act as technical lead for pricing strategy, methodology, and commercial alignment within the division in alignment with the Preconstruction Management direction.

- Act as a representative for the core values of Rising Edge.

- Provide day-to-day technical guidance and coaching to junior and intermediate estimators within the division.

- Review and support improvement of divisional estimating tools, templates, and standard practices.

- Participate in onboarding and training support for new estimating staff.

- Independently evaluate RFP packages to determine project scope, commercial requirements, risk, and constructability.

- Prepare detailed, multi-discipline EPC cost estimates for renewable, distribution, substation, generation, and industrial electrical projects.

- Collaborate with preconstruction team members and supporting cross-functional stakeholders to develop scope, pricing, execution plans, and schedules.

- Lead the development of full proposal packages, including:

- Execution plans

- Cost breakdowns and assumptions

- Project schedules using MS Project or Primavera

- Risk registers and mitigation strategies

- Optional pricing and alternate methodologies

- Environmental, Safety, Quality, and ITP Plans

- Executive summaries

- Coordinate and conduct site visits to inform constructability reviews and field-level data gathering.

- Review technical documents (e.g., drawings, DBMs, specs) and identify scope gaps or conflicts.

- Engage and communicate with subcontractors, vendors, and consultants to secure and validate pricing inputs.

- Maintain a record of all estimate basis throughout the development of a proposal.

- Lead internal estimate reviews and provide detailed justifications and breakdowns to internal stakeholders.

- Conduct final bid submission reviews with the appropriate internal signing authorities.

- Participate in strategy development for complex proposals, including alternative methods, value engineering options, and cost-saving opportunities.

- Provide peer reviews and support quality control of estimates prepared by others.

- Assist in the continuous improvement of estimating tools, templates, and standard practices.

- Informally mentor junior estimating staff through task collaboration and technical feedback.

- Conduct formal estimate hand-off meetings with the Project Management team after contract award.

- Assist with the preparation and submission of change orders and scope adjustments.

- Participate in project close-out and post-mortem reviews to support continuous improvement.

- Attend regular estimating team meetings to share updates, challenges, and lessons learned.

- Support the use of CRM systems to track proposal status, client interactions, and business development metrics, ensuring accurate and timely data entry.

- Submit accurate and timely administrative documentation, including daily timesheets.

- Contribute to the maintenance of historical cost data and continuous improvement initiatives within the estimating team.

Requirements

Education

- Post-secondary education in Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field is preferred. Certification as a Journeyman Electrician or Power Systems Electrician is considered an asset. Professional designations such as P.Eng., CET, or CEP are highly regarded.

- Other related supporting credentials such as scheduling, cost engineering, agile practises would be considered assets.Minimum of 3-7 years of experience in electrical estimating, ideally in the electric utility or EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) sectors.

- Must have proven experience with renewables, distribution, and substation projects, including exposure to complex, multi-stakeholder proposals.

- Proven experiencing leading proposal efforts of medium to large scale projects along with experience mentoring or guiding less experienced estimators is considered critical.

- Advanced proficiency in interpreting engineering drawings, design packages, and construction specifications.

- Strong knowledge of construction productivity, equipment capabilities, labor planning, and market rates.

- Advanced experience with estimating software (e.g., Hard Dollar or equivalent).

- Skilled in developing construction schedules using Microsoft Project and/or Primavera.

- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, digital takeoff tools (Bluebeam), and document control platforms (e.g., SharePoint).

- Able to independently perform full takeoffs, pricing validations, and proposal compilation.

- Strong interpersonal skills with a high level of professional judgment.

- Proven ability to collaborate across departments and communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

- Comfortable engaging directly with subcontractors, vendors, and clients during the proposal phase.

- Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.

- Strong attention to detail in documentation, version control, and internal process compliance.

Benefits

Benefits

- Extended Healthcare Plan (Medical, Disability, Dental & Vision)

- Paid Time Off Benefits

- Training & Development

- Employee Assistance Program - Counseling

- RPP - Group RRSP