Principal Cost Estimator

Renuke • Charlotte, NC

2d • Onsite

About The Position

ReNuke Services is seeking a Project Controls Cost Estimator for our client's site in Charlotte, NC. This role is a 24-month assignment related to project controls cost estimating support for the Energy Coal Combustion Products Portfolio. The role will provide day-to-day analysis and evaluation of data associated with portfolios, programs and projects. This position is expected to be a Subject Matter Expert (SME) with expert knowledge and understanding of project controls processes, both in cost and schedule. PrPCs offer expert technical support based on extensive experience or education. They apply advanced project controls to ensure high performance standards and maintain data collection, analysis, communication, and reporting tools per Enterprise and PMCoE policies. PrPCs handle multiple projects of varying complexity, use analytics software for schedule, cost, and risk, communicate project performance including trends and forecasts, and contribute to the analysis of project costs, contracts, schedules, and resources.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Engineering, Project management or other related degree
• 7 years direct project estimating experience
• In lieu of Bachelor's degree(s) AND 7 years related work experience listed above, High School/GED AND 10 plus years related work experience
• Ability to work independently or in groups, think creatively and analytically, and make quick and sound decisions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Business Administration
• In addition to desired degree, 20 years related work experience
• Project Management Professional
• Software such as MS Project/MS Office Suite, Primavera, Business Objects, Passport, Powerplant, Emax, Peoplesoft
• Risk management tools / Monte Carlo analysis
• Expertise with project management / project controls concepts / computer applications / analytics
• Heavy Civil/Earth work estimating experience, landfill constructions, close-out estimating experience, and wells installation experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and Prepare Detailed Project Estimates: Experience with material take-off and or assessments. Travel to site to assess tie-in, existing infrastructure, specific site conditions etc. into estimates. Lead the preparation of comprehensive cost estimates for projects at all stages, from concept through execution. Break down projects into work packages and assign costs to labor, materials, equipment, and indirect expenses. Coordinate with engineering, construction, procurement, and other departments to obtain necessary data for accurate estimates. Utilize industry-standard methodologies, tools, and databases to ensure precision and consistency in cost forecasts. Review historical data and apply benchmarking to validate estimate assumptions and outputs. Account for contingencies, escalation, and potential risks within the estimate structure.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Communication: Present estimate methodologies, results, and recommendations to project management and leadership. Facilitate estimate reviews and challenge sessions with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure robust cost estimate and basis. Prepare and deliver clear, concise, and transparent reports and presentations for both technical and non-technical audiences. Act as the primary point of contact for estimation.
• Review and Validation of Contractor and Vendor Estimates: Assess, validate, and challenge cost estimates submitted by contractors, consultants, and suppliers. Benchmark third-party estimates against internal data and market trends. Engage in value engineering exercises to optimize project scope and reduce unnecessary costs. Ensure all contractual obligations related to cost estimation and reporting are met by external parties.
• Implementation and Improvement of Cost Estimation Systems: Champion the adoption and continuous improvement of cost estimation tools, databases, and best practices. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry standards, technological advancements, and emerging trends in project controls and cost estimation.
• Support for Procurement and Contracting Processes: Provide cost input for procurement strategies, contract negotiations, and bid evaluations. Prepare cost assessments and pricing structures for bid evaluation. Assist in negotiations with vendors and subcontractors regarding pricing and scope changes.
• Change Management and Claims Support: Assess the cost impact of project changes, claims, and variations. Prepare and evaluate cost estimates for proposed modifications and assess their impact on overall project budget and schedule. Provide data to Site Lead. Support dispute resolution and claims analysis with detailed cost data and rationale.
• Quality Assurance and Compliance: Ensure all estimating outputs comply with procedural requirements. Participate in internal and external audits of cost estimates and processes. Identify and implement corrective actions in response to audit findings or process deficiencies.
• Continuous Improvement and Lessons Learned: Lead post-project reviews and lessons learned sessions to capture estimation successes and areas for improvement. Update cost databases, benchmarks, and tools based on project outcomes and industry developments.
• Leadership and Strategic Support: Provide strategic advice and guidance to senior management on project cost and control matters. Contribute to resource planning, recruitment, and team leadership as required.

What This Job Offers

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