Program Estimator, Project Management Office

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo•Fort McMurray, AB

63d

About The Position

Under limited supervision, the Program Estimator, Project Management Office (PMO) is responsible for the accurate and timely preparation of full probable cost estimates for the Municipality’s projects and initiatives within the PMO department, including materials, equipment and labour. The incumbent provides project management stewardship; identifies, supports, and advises on the resolution of difficult project control issues and project resource utilization; and defines, maintains, and ensures project management standards with the aim of creating efficiencies between projects and successful project delivery. Primary responsibilities include: Program Cost Estimating: Provide cost estimation analysis and recommendations for PMO projects throughout the project lifecycle, including initial project feasibility, resource analysis, pre-tender estimation, change order valuation, and estimation of cost to complete. Work closely with the PMO leadership team and project teams to develop, implement, maintain, and control data mapping, probable cost estimates, cashflow, reporting on conformance with project profiles, and to establish stage-gate budget documents to provide ongoing monitoring. Using industry-standard costing software, this also includes developing, implementing, and maintaining project/program probable cost estimates in a Project Management Office environment with particular emphasis on maintaining earned value progress data. Program Reporting: Analyze, evaluate, forecast, and report project spending status against established spend profiles. Develop, maintain, and update detailed earned value progress data reports. Report on the current project spend and cost variance. Monitor proposed vs actual contractor spend profiles and project scope, clearly documenting any delays, variances, or changes. Generate and analyze S-curves, and produce comprehensive reports as required. Assess the impact(s) of design/construction changes and spend profile slippages. Accumulate and access historical data, such as performance experience, for use in maintaining a realistic basis for future probable costs and forecasting. Departmental Liaison: Work closely and collaborate with each project lead. Develop effective scheduling reports, cost reports, cash flow reports and forecasts for multiple projects. Collaborate with project leads, PMO staff and other stakeholders to ensure that project schedules are aligned with overall project objectives. Analyze data and develop recommendations on the economic, financial, and other implications of the project. Provide guidance and support to planning/scheduling resources within the program while identifying potential risks or opportunities for improvement. Project Management Stewardship: Provide leadership and training to team members ensuring the resolution of difficult project control issues. Lead and participate in interactive planning sessions and hold meetings with project teams to review and adjust earned value progress for initial distribution. Conduct spend analysis to identify potential risks/opportunities for improvement while providing strategic guidance on project cost matters.

Requirements

Demonstrated project management and strategic planning/estimating experience and the ability to take initiative and manage multiple projects simultaneously, including experience defining and tracking KPIs.
Highly skilled in project risk management including the ability to identify, analyze, and mitigate risk using risk management best practices.
Knowledge of all facets of program/project planning, costing, and analysis; including reporting on metrics and outcomes.
Strong critical thinking skills, with ability to provide sound advice aligned with the strategic direction of the PMO.
Ability to use innovative approaches in situations involving rapid change, shifting priorities, and/or simultaneous demands.
Knowledge of local government operations, including policy development, budgeting, and decision-making processes.
Ability to operate within a politically sensitive environment and deal with sensitive and confidential issues.
Ability to maintain composure, diplomacy, and a positive outlook during periods of stress in a demanding work environment.
Advanced written and verbal communication skills and the ability to effectively prepare and present in a variety of settings.
High proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) along with understanding of estimating and scheduling software.
Seven (7) years of relevant experience in a similar estimating / project control environment is required.
Prior experience with project cost estimating, project cost management, and document control is required.
Technical degree, diploma, or journeyperson trade certification related to Municipal Infrastructure is required (i.e., Construction Management, Engineering, or related discipline/trade).
Submission of a Criminal Record Check.

Nice To Haves

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

Provide cost estimation analysis and recommendations for PMO projects throughout the project lifecycle, including initial project feasibility, resource analysis, pre-tender estimation, change order valuation, and estimation of cost to complete.
Work closely with the PMO leadership team and project teams to develop, implement, maintain, and control data mapping, probable cost estimates, cashflow, reporting on conformance with project profiles, and to establish stage-gate budget documents to provide ongoing monitoring.
Develop, implement, and maintain project/program probable cost estimates in a Project Management Office environment with particular emphasis on maintaining earned value progress data.
Analyze, evaluate, forecast, and report project spending status against established spend profiles.
Develop, maintain, and update detailed earned value progress data reports.
Report on the current project spend and cost variance.
Monitor proposed vs actual contractor spend profiles and project scope, clearly documenting any delays, variances, or changes.
Generate and analyze S-curves, and produce comprehensive reports as required.
Assess the impact(s) of design/construction changes and spend profile slippages.
Accumulate and access historical data, such as performance experience, for use in maintaining a realistic basis for future probable costs and forecasting.
Work closely and collaborate with each project lead.
Develop effective scheduling reports, cost reports, cash flow reports and forecasts for multiple projects.
Collaborate with project leads, PMO staff and other stakeholders to ensure that project schedules are aligned with overall project objectives.
Analyze data and develop recommendations on the economic, financial, and other implications of the project.
Provide guidance and support to planning/scheduling resources within the program while identifying potential risks or opportunities for improvement.
Provide leadership and training to team members ensuring the resolution of difficult project control issues.
Lead and participate in interactive planning sessions and hold meetings with project teams to review and adjust earned value progress for initial distribution.
Conduct spend analysis to identify potential risks/opportunities for improvement while providing strategic guidance on project cost matters.