Chief Estimator

Our Client

Founded in 2010, Groupe Axino is a general contractor specializing in building envelopes, operating in new construction, renovation, and building rehabilitation. The company undertakes large-scale projects and works closely with Rainville et Frères, particularly on heritage building restoration projects.

In a period of strong growth, Axino is looking to establish a dedicated estimating function to support its development. The Chief Estimator will play a key role in this evolution, working in collaboration with the estimating team at Rainville et Frères.

Position Summary

Reporting to Axino's Senior Director, the Chief Estimator will serve as the founding pillar of the estimating department. As the first resource fully dedicated to this function at Axino, the successful candidate will assume a hybrid role: independently preparing complex estimates while developing the tools, databases, and processes required to support the department's growth.

Initially working independently within Axino, the Chief Estimator will also lay the groundwork for building, recruiting, and leading a team of estimators in the medium term. This is a full-time position with evolving management responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

Department Development and Structuring

• Adapt estimating processes, bid templates, and historical cost databases to the realities of a general contractor.
• Develop and maintain a strong network of qualified subcontractors and suppliers covering all construction divisions.
• Establish the technological and methodological foundations required for the future integration of junior and intermediate estimators.

Estimating and Bidding Strategy

• Lead the comprehensive analysis, quantity takeoffs, and detailed cost estimation of major projects delivered through design-build, construction management, or lump-sum contracting methods.
• Identify, analyze, and quantify technical and financial project risks, and recommend mitigation strategies to management.
• Contribute to the preparation of bid qualifications, finalize submission documents, and participate in presentations and negotiations with clients, architects, and engineers.
• Involve the Senior Director, General Superintendent, and site teams in reviewing bids before submission.
• Upon contract award, ensure the thorough transfer of budgets and technical information to project management and site teams.

Intra-Group Synergy and Collaboration

• Work closely with the estimating department at Rainville et Frères to maximize synergies, share market intelligence, and optimize Group resources.
• Support Axino's Senior Director in assessing the feasibility and profitability of business opportunities.

Leadership and Team Management – Evolving Role

• Plan resource requirements based on tender volume.
• In the medium term, recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate a team of estimators.
• Act as a technical mentor and review or validate the team's work to ensure the accuracy and competitiveness of bids.

Position Requirements

• A minimum of 7 to 10 years of relevant estimating experience with a general contractor.
• Demonstrated experience and proficiency in design-build, construction management, and lump-sum projects.
• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, construction engineering, or architecture, or a Diploma of College Studies (DEC) in estimating or architecture combined with exceptional experience.
• Membership in the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ) or AEECQ/AACE certification is considered an asset.
• Excellent ability to read and interpret multidisciplinary construction drawings.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, specialized estimating software, and MS Project.

Behavioral Competencies

• Rigor and attention to detail
• Intellectual capability
• Adaptability
• Execution-oriented leadership
• Strategic perspective
• Drive and dynamism

Key Performance Indicators

1. Department Development

• Adapted processes and templates
• Historical cost database
• Structured tools and methodologies

2. Bidding

• Accuracy of estimates
• Risk analysis
• Competitiveness and quality of bids

3. Collaboration

• Synergy with Rainville et Frères
• Quality of information transfer to operations
• Support in assessing business opportunity feasibility

4. Team

• Resource planning
• Development of future talent
• Technical supervision and validation

These indicators are directly linked to the mandate of establishing the estimating department, ensuring bid quality, fostering intra-group collaboration, and supporting the team's future development.

Proposed Interview Process

1. Glasford International Canada

Meetings with Sara Jones, Senior Consultant, and Stéphane Vincent, Owner and Partner, Glasford International Canada.

2. Initial Meeting

Jessica Antonacci, Senior Director at Axino, and Jean-François Thibault, VP of Human Resources.

3. Final Interview with Senior Management

Second meeting with members of senior management and a site visit.

4. Assessment

Psychometric assessment.

Contact Information

Stéphane Vincent, MSc
Owner and Partner
514-208-1344
s.vincent@glasfordcanada.ca

Sara Jones
Senior Consultant
514-916-4921
s.jones@glasfordcanada.ca

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.