Chief Estimator

Job Title: Chief Estimator

Location: Halifax, NS

TP - AML – 9746

Ace Mechanical Ltd. (Ace) is a well-established mechanical contractor specializing in plumbing, heating, ventilation, and control systems for institutional, commercial, and multi-unit residential projects, including apartments, condominiums, and hotels. Founded in the late 1970s and operating under current ownership since 2014, the company has been a consistent contributor to Halifax’s evolving skyline.

Ace works closely with leading developers and general contractors to deliver complex residential construction projects, typically ranging from $1M to over $20M in value.

Known for its ability to scale effectively through a flexible unionized workforce, Ace Mechanical has built a strong reputation for reliability, execution, and delivering on high-profile projects across the region. What sets Ace apart is its hands-on leadership style, collaborative team environment, and a culture grounded in accountability and quality.

Meridia Recruitment is pleased to partner with Ace Mechanical Ltd. to recruit a Chief Estimator to join their team in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Role Description

Reporting to senior leadership, the Chief Estimator will be responsible for preparing accurate and competitive mechanical estimates, while guiding estimating processes and supporting project success from pre-construction through execution. This role requires a strong understanding of labour costing, material pricing, and mechanical systems, with a particular focus on plumbing and heating.

As a key member of the team, the Chief Estimator will take a hands-on approach, owning the estimating function end-to-end while personally completing all mechanical estimates and quantity takeoffs. This role offers the opportunity to work on some of the region’s most significant construction projects while playing a critical role in the Ace Mechanical’s continued growth.

Your responsibilities will include

Prepare complete and accurate mechanical estimates, with a focus on plumbing and heating systems.

Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for all assigned projects, ensuring precision and completeness.

Conduct labour analysis and develop project allowances to support accurate bid submissions.

Analyze labour costs, material pricing, and productivity factors to ensure competitive and realistic estimates.

Review drawings, specifications, and bid documents to interpret project requirements.

Lead and support estimating efforts across multiple projects simultaneously.

Collaborate with project managers, suppliers, and subcontractors to obtain pricing and scope clarity.

Identify risks and opportunities within project estimates.

Support continuous improvement of estimating processes, tools, and standards.

Provide mentorship and leadership within the estimating function while remaining actively involved in the work.

Your Qualifications

As the ideal candidate, you are a detail-oriented and highly experienced mechanical estimator with strong leadership capabilities and a hands-on approach to your work. You bring both technical expertise and practical field knowledge to your role.

Your qualifications include

5+ years of mechanical estimating experience.

Post-secondary education in Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.

Demonstrated expertise in mechanical estimating, with a focus on heating and plumbing for institutional and commercial construction projects; HVAC experience is considered an asset.

Proven ability to complete full-cycle estimating and takeoffs independently and within a team environment

Strong experience in labour analysis, productivity assessment, and cost modelling.

Ability and willingness to personally perform takeoffs for all assigned work.

Proficiency with estimating software and Microsoft Excel.

Strong understanding of construction drawings, specifications, and industry standards.

Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Strong communication and collaboration skills.

To express interest in this opportunity please apply online by clicking “Apply Now” below.

For more information contact Thomas Pugh, Partner, at 902-818-4506 and tpugh@kbrs.ca or Rick Neima, Senior Consultant, at 902-488-2534 and rneima@kbrs.ca. Please let us know if you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process.

Meridia Recruitment Solutions connects leading organizations with top talent by building strong relationships and creating ideal matches with candidates, because we are only successful when you are. We appreciate your interest in this opportunity.

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