Job Description

Dream is Hiring: Costing Agent (Estimator)



At Dream, we are always looking for the best and brightest to join our thriving community. Our Housing team is expanding, and we are currently seeking a Costing Agent (Estimator) to help prepare and issue tender prices based on our home plans, conduct quantity surveys, perform unit pricing, and manage general condition costs.



Who are you?



With over four years of experience in costing and estimating, you have honed your skills in organization, attention to detail, and clear communication. You are comfortable building and managing relationships with external vendors while ensuring cost efficiencies are achieved. You can make sound decisions independently and know how to source the best products to ensure we build the best homes for our customers.



We want you because you lead by example. Not only do you fit in with our culture, but you will also be an ambassador for it, living our values and fostering an environment where hard work and fun go hand in hand. Above all, you keep the customer top of mind, always striving to provide a superior experience.



We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, dedicated, and knows how to enjoy the journey. If you are someone who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic, and fun environment, this is the opportunity for you to take initiative, be creative, and help your team achieve its goals.



What will you do?



Here are some of the key responsibilities for this role (we will go over the details when we meet):


• Determine material costs using quotations, vendor contacts, catalogs, cost standards, and historical data. You will also develop and maintain cost standards to assist with future costing.
• Analyze cost comparisons, evaluate product and service differences, and implement short- and long-term contracts that align with our operational model. This includes ensuring the right products and services are delivered at the right time during the construction process.
• Collaborate with the Estimating team to determine the best cost solutions for home plans.
• Develop and maintain up-to-date files and records of current costs for supplies, products, and components.
• Review existing contracts to compare estimated versus actual costs.
• Work within the estimating team to develop alternative for new products and materials.
• Solicit bids and quotes from subcontractors and suppliers, considering factors like pricing, quality, quantity, service, and support.
• Working within the Estimating/Purchasing team to help with issuing purchase orders and requests for quotes within timelines to help achieve departmental KPI's.
• Collaborate within the Estimating/Purchasing team to standardize Dream purchasing and costing activities, helping us to achieve departmental KPI's.
• Detailed review of contract documents, blueprint, and interior selections prior to po release to trades.
• Assist in providing accurate detailed and timely pricing for all price requests from Sales.
• Review and process variance purchase orders to trades and suppliers, as necessary.
• Function as a liaison between various internal departments (e.g., design, construction, marketing, land) and external vendors and subcontractors.
• Stay current with industry trends and search for new products and materials that will help us build better communities and homes.
• Assist with creating and managing house budgets.





What type of experience do you have?



These are the qualifications we are looking for, though we're excited to hear about what you bring to the table:


• A post-secondary degree/diploma is required, and completion of the Architectural Design-Building Development Technologies diploma or a C.E.T. designation is considered an asset.
• At least 4 years of progressive costing/estimating experience in residential construction.
• Strong knowledge of home building and construction material purchasing.
• Advanced math skills, with the ability to analyze data, spot trends, and estimate costs accurately.
• Proficiency in MS Office and Excel. Experience with JDE Homebuilder is a bonus!
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• An initiative-taking mindset and creative problem-solving abilities.


If this sounds like you, we would love to connect. Join Dream and be part of a team that is building something special!



Who are we?



Founded in 1994 with a vision to revolutionize the way people live and work, Dream is one of Canada's leading real estate companies, with over $26 billion in assets across North America and Europe. Responsible for some of the country's most iconic and transformative projects, we always invest with purpose, embracing creativity, passion and innovation, delivering strong returns, while positively impacting the communities and the world around us.



While on the surface we may not seem that different from our competitors, it's our attitude and approach that truly set us apart. We are guided by our entrepreneurial spirit; we seize unconventional opportunities and try new things, approaching every project with passion and purpose. We care about our employees. We want everyone to have a rewarding career and to work and have fun with people they like, so we provide exciting work opportunities, open work environments, and fun events. Once you join us, it won't take long to figure out why your colleagues like it so much here.



•Dream Unlimited is committed to workplace diversity and provides accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout our hiring process. If you require accommodation through any aspect our process, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.•