Mechanical Estimator – Vaughan Ventures
The role
Rightway Recruitment has partnered with Vaughan Ventures and is on the lookout for an experienced Mechanical Estimator to join their team in Delta, BC.
This is an opportunity to take ownership of the estimating function, working across a range of commercial and institutional mechanical projects while helping build and improve estimating systems and procedures.
The role is ideal for a hands-on estimator who can prepare accurate and competitive estimates, contribute to key commercial decisions, and operate independently while reporting directly to the Operations Manager.
Key responsibilities
- Estimating and tender execution
- Review drawings, specifications, addenda and tender requirements.
- Complete detailed quantity takeoffs for plumbing, HVAC and complete mechanical packages.
- Estimate new construction, upgrades, renovations and tenant improvements across a broad range of project sizes.
- Obtain, organize and evaluate supplier and subcontractor pricing.
- Prepare complete estimates, tender forms, scope letters, clarifications, exclusions and bid submissions.
- Identify scope gaps, constructability concerns, risks and pricing opportunities.
- Manage changing tender priorities and communicate capacity constraints early.
- Maintain visibility into active opportunities, deadlines and estimate status.
Estimating systems and continuous improvement
- Use Trimble AutoBid Mechanical as the company’s primary estimating platform.
- Maintain and improve assemblies, labour units, material pricing, subcontractor pricing and historical cost information.
- Develop estimating templates, checklists, workflows and quality-control practices.
- Document estimating processes and procedures.
- Track bid results and identify ways to improve estimate accuracy, consistency and competitiveness.
- Compare estimated costs with actual project results and incorporate lessons learned into future estimates.
- Evaluate supporting tools, including Bluebeam, when they would provide a practical benefit.
Collaboration and project handover
- Work closely with the Operations Manager, Project Managers, field personnel, suppliers and subcontractors.
- Set tender priorities collaboratively with Operations, Project Managers and company leadership.
- Make bid/no-bid decisions and approve final pricing jointly with management.
- Involve the assigned Project Manager before bid submission to review scope, execution approach, schedule, risks and major assumptions.
- Following award, lead a structured handover jointly with the Project Manager.
- Transfer estimate details, assumptions, exclusions, quotations, labour allowances, risks and opportunities.
- Remain available after handover to clarify the estimate as required.
- Support awarded projects by working with Project Managers to prepare change order pricing, scope revisions and other project-related estimates as required.
Required qualifications
- A recognized plumbing trade qualification.
- Practical mechanical field experience and a strong understanding of mechanical systems, materials, labour requirements and installation methods.
- Approximately 3–5 years of mechanical estimating experience in British Columbia.
- Demonstrated ability to prepare plumbing, HVAC and complete mechanical estimates for commercial and institutional projects.
- Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, addenda and tender documents accurately.
- Working knowledge of mechanical estimating software.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Clear communication and consistent follow-through.
- Ability to take ownership, work collaboratively and adapt when priorities change.
- Valid driver’s licence.
Preferred assets
- Direct experience using Trimble AutoBid Mechanical.
- Familiarity with Bluebeam or similar digital takeoff and document-review tools.
- Established relationships with mechanical suppliers and subcontractors in British Columbia.
- Experience estimating both new construction and occupied-building renovations.
Work environment and travel
- Primarily office-based at Vaughan Ventures’ Delta office, with reasonable flexibility based on workload and business needs.
- Site walkthroughs, reviews and project meetings as required.
- Travel within the Lower Mainland when project opportunities require it.
- A company vehicle will be available when work-related travel is necessary.
Compensation and benefits
- Salary of $100,000–$140,000, depending on experience.
- Employer-paid comprehensive medical and dental benefits.
- Group RRSP matching.
- Vacation in accordance with company policy.
- Training and professional-development opportunities.
- Company events and team-building activities.
- Company-provided work cellphone.
