Lead Project Estimator

Join Our Team as a Lead Estimator
Location: GTHA, Ontario or Montreal, QC
Company: Universal Rail Solutions Inc.
Employment: Full Time
Salary: $120,000 to $150,000 annually; based on experience.

Ready to Shape the Future of Rail Construction Projects?
If you’re an experienced estimating professional who thrives on precision, collaboration, and strategic thinking, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact on complex and high profile rail construction projects.
Universal Rail Solutions Inc. is seeking a Lead Estimator to support rail infrastructure bids across Eastern Canada while providing leadership to our pre construction team and collaborating closely with national estimating leadership.

Who We Are
At Universal Rail Solutions Inc., we keep Canada’s railways moving — safely, efficiently, and sustainably. We work coast to coast across every railway sector and project size, delivering exceptional value and service excellence to our clients.
Within our team, we call this Doing It Right!

The Opportunity
Reporting to the VP, Track Operations – Eastern Canada, the Lead Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive, and compliant cost estimates for rail construction projects, including track work, switching systems, and signal services.
This role plays a critical part in procurement planning, cost analysis, and bid development. You will provide functional and people leadership to the Eastern Canada pre construction team while aligning standards, strategy, and capacity with national estimating leadership.
This role is more than estimating — it’s about driving smart decisions, managing risk, and positioning projects for success.

What You’ll Do

• Serve as the primary point of contact for bid related activities and liaise with clients and General Managers
• Manage bid schedules, budgets, and requirements to ensure successful, compliant submissions
• Work with clients, contractors, and designers to develop complete and competitive bid proposals
• Develop and execute bid strategies, including requirements management, interface coordination, and compliance review
• Evaluate subcontractor and supplier pricing for accuracy, scope alignment, and competitiveness
• Develop and maintain customer/contact databases, unit cost databases, and historical pricing records for rail and civil construction work
• Identify, assess, and manage risks associated with bid proposals
• Participate in pre bid site visits and technical reviews to assess project conditions
• Prepare and lead bid reviews with Senior Management
• Track actual job costs and analyze variances to improve estimating accuracy and continuous improvement

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field
• 7–10 years of experience in estimating or procurement within the rail or heavy civil construction industry
• Knowledge of Progressive Design Build (PDB) models, Target Cost Estimating, and other contract delivery structures
• Strong understanding of CCDC and CCA contract frameworks
• Solid knowledge of rail construction methods, materials, and equipment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and estimating software (e.g., B2W or similar)
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, blueprints, and technical schematics
• Knowledge of North American railway standards and regulations (e.g., AREMA, APTA, TCRP, Transport Canada, Metrolinx, CN, CPKC, VIA Rail)
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast paced environment
• Experience with cost control, budgeting, and value engineering is an asset
• Valid driver’s licence, clean driver’s abstract, and willingness to travel to project sites as needed
• Bilingual (English / French) is an asset

Work Environment

• Primarily office based with occasional visits to rail construction sites
• Exposure to outdoor environments, active rail corridors, and construction zones
• Flexible work schedule aligned with bid deadlines and project demands

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation package
• An industry leading benefits program
• Opportunities for growth and leadership within a national organization
• A collaborative team culture where Safety is always the top priority

Apply Today!
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Universal Rail Solutions Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Contact Information

For more information, please contact:
Jesse Rivero
(289) 879 6765
Position Status: Vacant
A.I. may be used in the grading of candidates for selection purposes.
#EABR