Chris is a seasoned commercial leader with 17 years of experience delivering major civil and utilities projects valued from $200 million to $1.2 billion. For the past decade, he has held senior commercial roles such as estimating, project management, risk management and key roles on collaborative contracts, including Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR), Construction Manager General Contractor (CMGC), and Design-Build-Finance-Maintain (DBFM), for clients such as Metrolinx and the MTO.
His expertise spans the full commercial management lifecycle: developing and managing Target Prices, leading value engineering, structuring procurement packages to achieve best-for-project outcomes, and overseeing open-book cost governance in alliance environments. He has managed hundreds of millions in subcontractor and vendor contracts, negotiated significant cost savings, and worked closely with owners, designers, and delivery partners to align cost, schedule, and risk.
With dual engineering degrees from McMaster University and a Professional Engineer designation, Chris combines technical expertise with collaborative leadership to integrate financial precision with practical delivery insight. His career in high-value infrastructure in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area positions him to lead "Major Projects" pursuits and successful delivery.
Forward-thinking professional with deep understanding of risk management, Schedule optimization, Quality Control and Cost Control.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Estimator / Commercial Manager
Go Lakeshore East Expansion
04.2024 - Current
Led bid preparation and submission for complex proposals, ensuring alignment with project requirements.
Analyzed procurement documents to identify key requirements and compliance issues.
Facilitated pre-bid meetings to clarify project expectations and timelines.
Reviewed and revised bid documents for accuracy and clarity, minimizing submission errors and improving compliance.
Identified potential risks associated with projects and implemented mitigation strategies accordingly.
Reviewed technical documents such as drawings, specifications and scope of works for accuracy prior to submission.
Coordinated cross-functional teams to craft competitive bid strategies, enhancing proposal effectiveness.
Lead Estimator
Hwy 417 Reconstruction
09.2020 - Current
Led estimation processes while ensuring compliance with company standards and regulations.
Developed comprehensive cost estimates for various construction phases of large-scale infrastructure projects.
Collaborated with project managers to define project scope and requirements effectively.
Coordinated with subcontractors to gather pricing and material information accurately.
Reviewed submitted bids for adherence to established guidelines and industry regulations.
Mentored junior estimators in best practices and industry standards to enhance team performance.
Civil & Utilities Estimator / Procurement Manager
Finch West LRT
Toronto, Canada
08.2017 - Current
Managed bid proposals for large-scale construction projects across multiple sectors.
Analyzed procurement documents to identify key requirements and compliance issues.
Managed vendor relationships to ensure alignment with project needs.
Identified potential risks associated with projects and implemented mitigation strategies accordingly.
Provided ongoing support during implementation phases following successful award of bids.
Provided training and support to junior team members on bidding best practices.
Developed and maintained a comprehensive bid library for future reference.
Commercial Manager
VIVA Next BRT
Richmond Hill, Canada
09.2014 - 10.2021
Developed comprehensive estimates for project bidding and design-build initiatives.
Analyzed project specifications to deliver precise cost assessments.
Collaborated with project managers to establish clear scope and budget needs.
Communicated with vendors to gather pricing data and assess material availability.
Trained junior estimators on effective practices and estimating techniques.
Superintendent / Project Manager
Highway 3 Cayuga Bridge Reconstruction
09.2012 - 09.2014
Led construction projects from planning to completion, ensuring compliance with regulations.
Developed project timelines, aligning tasks with client expectations and industry standards.
Supervised on-site teams, providing guidance and support to enhance productivity and safety.
Facilitated communication between stakeholders, ensuring alignment on project goals and progress.
Implemented quality control procedures to maintain high standards throughout the construction process.
Reviewed invoices from vendors and subcontractors for accuracy before authorizing payment.
Monitored daily construction and evaluated project progress, contract compliance and safety.
Resolved any issues that arose during the course of a project in a timely manner.
Superintendent
Municipal Contracts (Various Projects)
Hamilton, Canada
01.2011 - 09.2012
Led project teams in planning and executing bridge reconstruction tasks.
Coordinated schedules and resources for efficient project workflow.
Oversaw safety compliance and risk management on construction sites.
Managed contracts and procurement for construction materials and services.
Facilitated team meetings to discuss progress and address challenges.
Construction Coordinator
QEW St. Catherines Widening
02.2010 - 03.2011
Coordinated project schedules and timelines to ensure timely completion.
Facilitated team meetings to discuss project updates and address concerns.
Organized project documentation and maintained accurate records for reference.
Assisted in resource allocation to support ongoing project needs effectively.
Monitored project progress and identified potential risks or issues proactively.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance workflow efficiency and effectiveness.
Education
Bachelor of Civil Engineering -
McMaster University
Hamilton, ON
Master of Civil Engineering -
McMaster University
Hamilton, ON
Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO)
Skills
cost estimating
bid preparation
bidding strategies
risk analysis
contract negotiation
compliance assurance
subcontractor coordination
vendor management
project management
Preconstruction support
team leadership
mentoring juniors
problem solving
time management
effective communication
attention to detail
Employment History
Dufferin Construction Company, a Division of CRH Canada Group Inc.[2010-Current] - Various Positions
Aecon Construction & Materials Limited (ACML) [2009-2010] - Project Coordinator