Chief Estimator – Construction & Development

📍 Halifax, NS

💼 Leadership Role | Preconstruction & Estimating

💰 $140,000–$160,000 Base + Bonus + Benefits + Long-Term Growth

Twin Staffing is proud to partner with a growing construction and development company in Halifax to recruit a Chief Estimator. This is a high-impact leadership role for someone who wants to step into a position where they can build, lead, and influence the preconstruction function within a company that is scaling its operations.

This organization delivers a mix of multi-family residential, commercial, and institutional projects, both as a general contractor for clients and as a developer building its own projects. That dual model creates a unique opportunity to be involved in both traditional estimating and early-stage development planning.

If you’re currently a Senior Estimator ready to step into leadership, or an established leader looking for a more hands-on, entrepreneurial environment—this is a strong opportunity.

Why This Role Stands Out

• Step into a true leadership role with a direct impact on company growth
• Be part of a developer-builder model — influence projects from concept through execution
• Lead a small, tight-knit estimating team with high visibility across the business
• Work on diverse projects ($10M+) across multi-family, commercial, and institutional sectors
• Join a company with a growing pipeline and long-term vision in Atlantic Canada
• Competitive compensation + bonus + benefits

The Opportunity

As Chief Estimator, you will take ownership of the entire preconstruction and estimating function, working closely with executive leadership to support both third-party construction work and internally developed projects.

This is a hands-on leadership role — you’ll still be involved in estimates while also building processes, mentoring team members, and helping shape how the company approaches new opportunities.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

Preconstruction & Estimating Leadership

• Lead all estimating activities from conceptual budgeting through tender and award
• Develop cost plans, feasibility budgets, and value engineering strategies for both client and internal development projects
• Support early-stage development planning, including land acquisition insights and project viability analysis
• Oversee bid strategy, subcontractor engagement, and pricing reviews
• Ensure constructability, procurement planning, and risk mitigation are addressed early

Project & Financial Alignment

• Work closely with Project Managers to ensure estimates translate effectively into execution
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and cost tracking across active projects
• Analyze estimate vs. actual performance to improve accuracy and outcomes

Team Leadership & Growth

• Lead and mentor a small estimating team, building capability and accountability
• Support hiring and development as the company grows
• Establish and refine estimating processes, tools, and standards

Client & Partner Engagement

• Build strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, consultants, and clients
• Support proposal development and contribute to winning new work
• Act as a key voice in preconstruction meetings and strategic planning discussions

What We’re Looking For

• 5–10+ years of experience in estimating within ICI construction
• Currently a Senior Estimator or Estimating Lead ready to step into a Chief Estimator role (or already operating at that level)
• Experience working on $10M+ projects across multi-family, commercial, or institutional sectors
• Strong understanding of multiple delivery models (CM, Design-Build, Lump Sum, etc.)
• Comfortable in a hands-on role within a smaller, growing organization
• Strong financial acumen, cost planning, and risk analysis skills
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
• Post-secondary education in Construction, Engineering, or related field (PQS, CET, or P.Eng. is an asset)

The Culture & Environment

This is a company that values:

• Ownership mentality — people who take pride and responsibility in their work
• Collaboration — working closely across teams without silos
• Quality and integrity — doing things the right way, not the easy way
• Growth mindset — building both the business and the people within it

You won’t be just another layer in a large corporate structure. You’ll be part of a team where your voice matters and your impact is visible.

Ready to Step Into a Leadership Role?

If you’re an experienced estimator looking to take the next step into leadership—or a current leader seeking more ownership and influence—this is a rare opportunity to help shape a growing construction and development business.

Apply confidentially through Twin Staffing to start the conversation.