Director of Estimating

CBRE Government & Defense Services•,

11d•$130,000 - $170,000•Remote

About The Position

The Director of Estimating reports to the Finance Director and owns the estimating function end to end: cost model inputs, BOE quality, SCA compliance, subcontractor quote evaluation, and the standards that govern how every number in a proposal is developed and documented. You will lead a team of Estimators supporting a diverse portfolio of FFP, CPFF, T&M, and construction task order contracts across DoD installations. This role requires a leader who sets high standards, enforces them consistently, and develops their team's capability over time — not someone who simply manages workflow.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business or a related field.
10 years of cost estimating experience in a GovCon environment with direct ownership of BOE development and cost model quality.
5+ years of experience in a team leadership role with demonstrated ability to set and hold standards across a team.
Deep knowledge of FAR Part 15 cost estimating requirements, BOE documentation standards, and DCAA audit expectations.
Hands-on expertise with SCA Wage Determinations and their application to labor cost development across multiple contract sites.
Proficiency in Excel-based cost modeling; experience with Deltek Costpoint or comparable GovCon ERP.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel including formula-based analysis, pivot tables, and structured data management.
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail; ability to identify and flag inconsistencies in cost data.
Strong written communication skills; ability to produce clear tables, summaries, and supporting narratives.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in related field.
Microsoft Certifications
Active Secret Clearance or ability to obtain.
Experience with construction cost estimating methodologies, including unit price books (RS Means, PAXUS, or equivalent) and Davis-Bacon Act compliance, strongly preferred.
Demonstrated track record of improving estimating quality — not just managing output but measurably raising the standard of what the team produces.
Facilities management or operations and maintenance GovCon experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the Estimating team: set performance expectations, conduct regular work product reviews, and hold each team member accountable to BOE and cost model quality standards.
Establish and enforce estimating standards across all contract types: BOE format requirements, source citation rules, estimating method documentation, and cost model version control protocols.
Own the quality of every cost estimate that advances to the Pricing team — estimates that leave this function must be complete, traceable, and audit-ready on day one.
Develop labor build-up methodology and maintain the labor category architecture, including SCA Wage Determination application standards for all covered positions.
Oversee subcontractor quote solicitation processes; ensure price reasonableness determinations are complete, documented, and defensible.
Designate and develop construction estimating specialists within the team; maintain close working relationships with construction Operations as a technical input source while preserving Finance independence.
Partner with the Director of Pricing to ensure seamless, documented handoff between estimating inputs and pricing outputs at each proposal tollgate.
Lead the development and continuous improvement of the team's estimating tools, templates, and data library.
Conduct post-award cost model accuracy reviews: compare proposed vs. actual costs on awarded contracts and use findings to improve estimating methodology.
Manage the estimating function's contribution to DCAA audit readiness; ensure BOE documentation always meets audit standards.
Represent the estimating function in proposal kickoffs, tollgate reviews, and leadership briefings.