Assoc. Dir., Engineering

MSD • Elkton, PA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director Estimator is a key position in GES Project & Business Services whose mandate is to provide effective and innovative cost solutions to projects for our business partners to maximize value and ensure successful project execution. The successful candidate will provide technical support for planning and estimating capital projects, from feasibility studies through final funding and project execution and start-up. The Estimator must possess strong estimating, planning, and benchmarking skills. The position supports multiple projects, that range from less than $5MM to $1B+ total installed cost (TIC).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (Engineering discipline and advanced education preferred)
• 10 + years of Estimating , Project Control, Capital Management and/or Project Management experience
• Strong knowledge of estimating, capital management and financial processes.
• Broad knowledge of the Pharma and Biotech industry across multiple project types (drug substance, drug product, lab, large molecule, small molecule, etc.) and all lines of business (R&D, Human Health, Animal Health)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interface effectively with all levels in the organization and proven leadership demonstrated over multiple assignments
• Strong Microsoft Excel, Word, Presentation skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to travel across Company sites up to 30% of the time with emphasis on ability to conduct work remotely

Nice To Haves

• AI-fluency and curiosity in AI use case experimentation.
• Ability to convert proof of concept applications into standard, repeatable work to drive efficiency and scale estimating expertise.
• Experience in Lean Project Delivery Methodologies (e.g. Target Value Delivery and Last Planner®, Takt planning)
• Knowledge of Estimating and Information Management systems
• Strategic planning or portfolio management experience
• Lean/Six Sigma experience, change management expertise
• Knowledge of AE, CM and Professional Service providers estimating means and methods
• @RISK software to execute Monte Carlo cost QRA exercises
• Knowledge of and passion for market conditions monitoring and education to the broader GES community and other internal stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating effort for capital and expense projects and studies, working with the AE/CM, Digitial/IT, Business Sponsor, and multi-discipline project teams.
• Prepare Total Installed Cost (TIC) estimates, including conceptual schedules and staffing plans, for concept and siting studies.
• Gather and validate estimate information from multiple groups both internal and external to the company.
• Review and validate trade partners estimates.
• Ability to review all disciplines of the cost and scope aspects of third-party estimates and manage the reconciliation process in a collaborative team setting.
• Lead estimate risk analysis sessions and fit-for-purpose contingency determinations.
• Project cost trending, such as implementing Target Value Delivery, on projects from concept through final funding.
• Support project benchmarking efforts, both internally and through external relationships.
• Support maintenance of the department cost database, estimate assemblies, and cost modelling tools.
• Lead and support preparation of project return cost data (i.e. actuals) and close-out reports.
• Support the front-end planning and funding process (schedule, resources, due diligence, market analysis, risk analysis, etc...).
• Manage internal estimate resources and provide appropriate direction for external workers in the region.
• Ability to act as a mentor within the estimating group and coach/educate project teams throughout the FEL process and FEL phase-specific estimating methodologies and key inputs.
• In collaboration with the project Cost Controller function, set up project budgets per a standard WBS, and assist in developing a breakout for trade bid package cost tabulations, ensuring continuity of contract and spend tracking that is able to be mapped back to estimating format (end to end cost management support).
• In collaboration with the Estimating Steward, Global Capital Procurement, and external suppliers, evaluate current market conditions and use the information in the estimating process.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• retirement benefits, including 401(k)
• paid holidays
• vacation
• compassionate and sick days
• annual bonus
• long-term incentive

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director