Job Description
Company Description
Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company with over 22,000 people in more than 60 countries.
Working with our clients across real estate, infrastructure, energy and natural resources, we transform together delivering outcomes that improve people’s lives. Working in partnership makes it possible to deliver the world’s most impactful projects and programmes as we turn challenge into opportunity and complexity into success.
Our capabilities include programme, project, cost, asset and commercial management, controls and performance, procurement and supply chain, net zero and digital solutions.
We are majority-owned by CBRE Group, Inc., the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, with our partners holding a significant minority interest. Turner & Townsend and CBRE work together to provide clients with the premier programme, project and cost management offering in markets around the world.
Who are you?
You are an experienced Senior Estimator or Estimating Lead with a minimum of 10 years’ postgraduate experience looking for the next step or are currently undertaking a similar role in a similar environment. This post reflects an existing vacancy that we are actively hiring for.
Job Description
As a Lead Estimator, you will be involved in:
- Demonstrate extensive knowledge of the Energy and Natural Resources sector, with in‑depth project experience in at least one of the following areas: hydroelectric generation, transmission lines, substations, oil & gas, mining, nuclear, or clean energy.
- Interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications to define project scope and translate it into a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). Independently develop project-wide WBS frameworks to support estimating exercises.
- Demonstrate extensive experience with industry-standard WBS systems (e.g., Elemental, Master Format CSI) and develop customized WBS structures tailored to complex projects.
- Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and develop comprehensive Bills of Materials (BoMs) for all project disciplines. Lead a multi‑disciplinary estimating team, including civil, structural, architectural, MEP, high-voltage electrical, and process, and consolidate all contributions into a unified, well‑organized takeoff template. Ensure proper use of methods of measurement and accurate units of measure.
- Prepare cost estimates across all classification levels, from Class 5 conceptual estimates and early-stage funding support to Class 3 (30% design) and Class 1 (100% detailed design) estimates.
- Develop conceptual order‑of‑magnitude estimates using benchmark data, parametric metrics, and preliminary design information to support client funding and feasibility decisions.
- Develop detailed bottoms‑up estimates, producing complete labor, equipment, and material cost breakdowns from detailed design packages.
- Apply a range of estimating methodologies, including parametric, deterministic, and crew‑based approaches, with demonstrated capability in building assemblies and production-based estimates.
- Differentiate estimate components, including direct costs, indirect costs, engineering and design, owner requirements, contingency, and escalation, and integrate them into a complete capital cost model.
- Lead multi‑disciplinary estimating teams, directing quantity development, reviewing outputs, and consolidating all estimate packages into a final deliverable.
- Develop complete estimating documentation, including Basis of Estimate (BoE), estimate narratives, and final estimate reports.
- Communicate effectively with clients, clarifying technical requirements, preparing RFIs, incorporating feedback, and ensuring high‑quality and accurate final submissions.
- Develop and maintain historical cost databases, documenting cost information from completed projects and updating resource libraries within estimating software.
- Work with cost databases (e.g., RS Means) to select appropriate activities and apply proper adjustments and markups for project estimates.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in construction management, Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline from a recognized institution (major priority).
- 5–8 years of experience in cost estimating for major Energy and Natural Resources projects across pre‑contract and post‑contract phases.
- 3–5 years of experience with cost consulting firms is considered an asset.
- Proficiency with digital takeoff tools (Bluebeam, Cost X, On‑Screen Takeoff) and estimating software platforms such as InEight (Hard Dollar), Heavy Bid, or Sage.
- Strong ability to export, analyze, and report estimate data in Excel, including advanced formulas and Pivot Tables.
- Professional designations, such as CIQS (Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors) and/or AACE International are considered a strong asset.
Additional Information
What’s in it for you…
100% covered health and dental benefits for you and your dependents (including paramedical services)
Health spending account, to top up expenses not covered in the benefits program
RRSP option with company matching
Annual learning and development budget
Access to a range of online learning tools, and support for career development and growth
Coverage of one professional membership or license fee per year, if directly related to your role
We believe in work-life balance, so you can recharge and take care of what matters most with vacation, flex and sick days
A flexible, hybrid work approach that allows colleagues to find balance between their professional and personal lives
Commitment to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture that promotes a sense of belonging
The base salary range for this full-time role is $125,000 - $175,000 per year. Ranges are determined by role and level and represent a good faith effort to provide a fair and equitable salary. This range is a reflection of base salary only, not of a total compensation package. Please note Turner & Townsend reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range, depending on candidate’s experience and qualifications.
Our inspired people share our vision and mission. We provide a great place to work, where each person has the opportunity and voice to affect change. We want our people to succeed both in work and life. To support this we promote a healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance.
Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.
Turner & Townsend does not accept any speculative or unsolicited CV’s that have been sent to our internal recruitment team or hiring managers from agencies outside of our preferred supplier list. Any speculative or unsolicited CV’s will be treated as a direct application.
It is strictly against Turner & Townsend policy for candidates to pay any fee in relation to our recruitment process. No recruitment agency working with Turner & Townsend will ask candidates to pay a fee at any time.
We may use automated or AI-based tools to support the screening, assessment, or selection of applicants
Please find out more about us at www.turnerandtownsend.com/
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It is strictly against Turner & Townsend policy for candidates to pay any fee in relation to our recruitment process. No recruitment agency working with Turner & Townsend will ask candidates to pay a fee at any time.
Any unsolicited resumes/CVs submitted through our website or to Turner & Townsend personal e-mail accounts, are considered property of Turner & Townsend and are not subject to payment of agency fees. In order to be an authorised Recruitment Agency/Search Firm for Turner & Townsend, there must be a formal written agreement in place and the agency must be invited, by the Recruitment Team, to submit candidates for review.
