Lead Estimator, Surface Fleet

The primary function of the Lead Estimator, Surface Fleet is to coordinate and oversee the preparation of labour and material estimates for the Surface Fleet Program at Victoria Shipyards. This includes being accountable for the team’s preparation of baseline scope estimates, ensuring that change orders initiated during the project life cycle are effectively estimated and processed, and reviewing and negotiating quotations with Customer representatives. The incumbent is also an integral member of the mentoring program for trainee and new hire estimators for the estimating department of Victoria Shipyards. This role has no direct reports but is responsible for coordinating and assigning Naval Surface Fleet work to the estimators of Victoria Shipyards in consultation with the Manager, Estimating and Manager, Commercial.

Note: Due to business needs, this position is required to be fully on-site based at 825 Admirals Road, Victoria.

What you’ll do

• Assigns work related to the Naval Surface Fleet projects to the Estimating team.
• Reviews completed estimates prepared by Estimating team for accuracy and completeness.
• Primary Customer point of contact for questions regarding change order estimates, including negotiating their value as required.
• Communicates regularly with Surface Fleet PMO, Production Managers, Operations and Technical, providing information on estimates and helping to support project planning.
• Attend program meetings as requested by PMO, including PRMs, risk reviews, weekly production meetings.
• Monitors project progress vs estimates, and provides feedback to Estimating Team, PMO and Production Managers on job performance.
• Assesses scope and practicality of specifications and owner expectations by reviewing, discussing and clarifying details, visiting vessels, and incorporating specification amendments to ensure the estimate is accurate and complete.
• Provides leadership and direction in internal departmental mentorship.
• Prepares labour and material estimates; based on accurate evaluations of owner-supplied specifications, terms and conditions, detailed or outline specifications, drawings, sketches, or following verbal instructions.
• Solicits pricing from suppliers, researches specialized products, equipment and systems, by locating and/or comparing sources, providing the supply chain management with the relevant information and requests, and obtaining pertinent information and cost. Assesses the suitability of the item for the project at hand.
• Provides the department management team with summaries for estimated labour and material and overviews of work content, including work requiring special consideration with regard to complexity, time requirements, and non-availability of products or services.
• Supports the estimating of non-Surface Fleet Program projects as required.
• All other duties as required.

What you’ll bring

• Completion of Grade 12 education, plus a Post-secondary Degree from a recognized technical institution or trade certification.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in an estimating role related to the marine industry.
• Experience with large government contracts is considered an asset.
• Demonstration of exemplary business ethics, integrity, confidentiality and honesty in all situations.
• Excellent communication skills in the English language, both verbal and written, including knowledge of correct marine terminology.
• A strong sense of customer service orientation.
• Excellent negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent analytical, mathematical, problem solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proven ability to prepare accurate estimates.
• Ability to read technical drawings and interpret contract and tender documentation requirements.
• Ability to be able to transfer knowledge and experience to less experienced or less knowledgeable person.
• Knowledge of applicable rules and regulations in the marine industry.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of applicable corporate policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with all shipyard trades and knowledge of marine equipment and systems.
• Excellent time management and works well under pressure.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and the Internet.

Why you’ll love working here

• This is a full-time, permanent position. With multiple operations and long-term projects, Seaspan employees enjoy job stability as we look ahead to build ships for decades to come.
• In addition to an annual bonus and pension plan matching, this role provides you a very competitive salary in line with the successful candidate’s experience.
• We also provide a best-in-class health and wellness benefits package for this position, including extended health care, dental care, vision care, life insurance, medical leave coverage, parental leave coverage, childcare benefit partnership, $500 personal spending account, and an Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP).

The estimated salary for this position is $129,200 - $155,000. In determining final salary, Seaspan considers many factors including the successful candidate’s skillset and experience as well as position location and internal equity. The final base salary offer will be at the Company’s sole discretion and presented as part of a competitive total compensation package.