Description

Chief Estimator

📍 Quebec, Canada

⚙️Shipbuilding / Marine Construction

💰 Salary: CAD $85,000 – $125,000 per year (DOE)

**CANDIDATES MUST HAVE CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP / RIGHT TO WORK IN CANADA ALREADY**

The Opportunity

We are representing a well-established shipbuilding company in Quebec seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to lead estimating activities across new build and ship repair projects.

This is a senior commercial-technical role responsible for pricing complex shipbuilding scopes, setting estimating strategy, and supporting bid and project teams through tender and execution phases.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the estimating function for shipbuilding and repair projects
  • Prepare and validate high-value cost estimates from concept through contract award
  • Review drawings, specifications, and work scopes to define labour, material, equipment, and subcontractor costs
  • Develop and manage estimating methodologies, cost databases, and benchmarking tools
  • Coordinate supplier and subcontractor pricing and evaluate commercial risk
  • Support bid strategy, clarifications, and negotiations with clients
  • Work closely with engineering, production, procurement, and project management teams
  • Provide cost input for change orders, variations, and project forecasting
  • Mentor and support junior estimators where applicable

This Role Would Suit Someone Who:

  • Has significant experience in shipbuilding, ship repair, or heavy marine construction estimating
  • Has led or owned the estimating process for complex industrial projects
  • Understands shipyard production methods, labour planning, and cost drivers
  • Is commercially astute, detail-oriented, and confident working at senior level
  • Can communicate effectively with both technical and executive stakeholders

Requirements

  • Canadian citizenship or Permanent Residency (mandatory)
  • Strong background in shipbuilding, ship repair, or heavy industrial estimating
  • French and English language skills highly desirable
  • Advanced Excel skills; experience with estimating or ERP systems preferred
  • Ability to work on-site in Quebec