Senior Estimator, Project & Development Services

Cushman & Wakefield•Wilson, NC

About The Position

The Senior Project Estimator is responsible for leading the development of detailed, accurate, and well-supported cost estimates and cost plans for construction projects across all phases of design and delivery. This role partners closely with project management, project controls, design teams, procurement, and construction partners to establish budgets, validate scope and assumptions, manage estimate risk, and support key client decisions. The Senior Estimator independently owns estimates for complex projects and programs, provides strategic guidance on cost drivers and market conditions, and plays a key role in value engineering, cost optimization, and contractor/bid evaluation.

Requirements

Advanced knowledge of cost estimating methodologies across multiple project phases.
Strong understanding of construction cost components including labor, materials, equipment, and general conditions.
Demonstrated ability to lead estimate development independently for complex projects, producing clear, auditable, and defensible deliverables.
Ability to perform quantity takeoffs and develop bottom-up estimates.
Strong analytical capabilities with excellent attention to detail; ability to evaluate cost drivers, variances, escalation, and risk with sound judgement.
Ability to interpret design documents and coordinate with technical disciplines.
Proficiency in spreadsheet-based estimating and advanced cost modeling; ability to structure estimate templates and reporting outputs for stakeholders.
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, including client-facing presentations and facilitation of cost discussions.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to lead multiple estimates and deadlines in parallel while maintaining quality and consistency.
Collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence across project teams, vendors, and client groups.
Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, quantity surveying, architecture, or a related field.
10+ years of experience in construction cost estimating or related project cost roles.
Experience leading estimates for commercial or capital construction projects.

Nice To Haves

Experience estimating projects in one or more of the following sectors: life sciences, healthcare, data centers, or large commercial construction.
Experience leading parametric estimating and benchmark-based cost planning.
Experience using industry-standard estimating software and cost databases.
Strong understanding of project controls concepts, including cost tracking and change management.

Responsibilities

Lead the preparation of conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction-level estimates.
Own cost plans and estimate updates throughout the project lifecycle; ensure alignment across scope, schedule, procurement strategy, and budget while clearly communicating variances and drivers to internal and client stakeholders.
Perform and/or oversee quantity takeoffs and detailed bottom-up estimating; validate quantities, constructability assumptions, labor productivity, equipment needs, and general conditions.
Develop and manage estimate assumptions, allowances, contingencies, escalation, and risk registers; identify and communicate key cost exposures and recommended mitigations.
Provide leadership in value engineering and cost optimization workshops; evaluate alternatives, document impacts, and support decision-making with clear cost/benefit analysis.
Lead review and evaluation of contractor bids, subcontractor proposals, and third-party estimates; conduct scope leveling, normalization, and clarifications to support award recommendations.
Partner with project controls and project management to support budgeting, forecasting, cash flow planning, and cost reporting; ensure estimate outputs support downstream cost control practices.
Maintain and enhance historical cost data, benchmarks, and estimating databases; use market research and trend analysis to improve accuracy and defensibility of estimates.
Prepare and present estimate narratives, basis-of-estimate documentation, and backup suitable for executive and client review; confidently explain methodology, assumptions, risks, and drivers.
Provide estimating support for pursuits and proposals, including conceptual budgets, ROM estimates, and pricing narratives as required.