Position Summary
The Electrical Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and timely cost estimates for electrical projects, including materials, labour, equipment, and subcontractor costs. This role involves reviewing project drawings, specifications, proposals, and tender documents to develop competitive and profitable estimates. The successful candidate will also maintain supplier and subcontractor relationships, analyze project costs, and support budgeting, planning, and bidding activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and coordinate comprehensive cost estimates for conceptual, design-build, and general tender projects of varying sizes and complexity.
- Develop detailed material, labour, equipment, and subcontractor cost estimates based on drawings, proposals, specifications, and project requirements.
- Independently prepare estimates, including project closeout cost reviews.
- Review project documentation to determine material quantities, labour requirements, and other associated costs.
- Process and evaluate a high volume of pricing change notices.
- Calculate cost factors and prepare estimates to support project planning, scheduling, budgeting, bidding, vendor selection, and subcontractor selection.
- Conduct cost studies to establish standard labour hours, improve cost data accuracy, and identify opportunities for cost reduction.
- Consult with clients, suppliers, contractors, and other stakeholders to clarify project requirements, develop estimates, and resolve pricing issues.
- Build and maintain a database of suppliers, contractors, and subcontractors, negotiating competitive pricing to support project profitability.
- Collaborate with internal teams to obtain the information and resources required to develop accurate estimates.
- Maintain and manage a centralized cost-estimating database and ensure historical project data is incorporated into future estimates.
- Review completed projects by comparing estimated costs with actual costs and identifying discrepancies.
- Recommend improvements to estimating procedures and processes to minimize cost variances and improve accuracy.
- Monitor cost trends and provide insights to support cost control, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement.
- Perform additional duties as required to support business objectives.
Qualifications And Requirements
Candidates must meet one of the following qualification pathways:
- Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university, along with at least five years of estimating experience in the electrical contracting industry and practical knowledge of field requirements and constraints.
- Electrical Trade Background: Valid electrician's licence with a minimum of five years of estimating experience and/or relevant training.
- Equivalent Experience: A combination of relevant education and experience, along with successful completion of a post-secondary estimating program.
Required Technical Skills
- Previous experience using Accubid is mandatory.
- Strong understanding of electrical estimating principles, construction drawings, specifications, and tender documentation.
- Ability to prepare detailed material, labour, equipment, and subcontractor cost estimates.
- Knowledge of electrical contracting operations, field requirements, and project cost control.
- Strong analytical, organizational, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple estimates, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills when working with clients, vendors, subcontractors, and internal teams.
