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 Solid 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.

📌 Chief Estimator (Nova Scotia)
🏢 Meridia Recruitment Solutions
📍 Nova Scotia