Special Projects Estimating Lead

Microsoft•Washington, DC

3d•$130,900 - $303,600•Hybrid

About The Position

Microsoft Cloud Operations and Innovation (CO&I) delivers infrastructure for Microsoft’s cloud business. Within CO&I, the Engineering Procurement & Construction organization delivers core datacenter infrastructure across complex, multidisciplinary, large-scale, multiyear construction and lease projects. The Special Projects Estimating Lead directs cost estimating and cost management for assigned strategic, innovative, and first-of-a-kind global technology and datacenter projects. The portfolio includes lease negotiations, lease fit-out PORs, TSS support, operational requests, AGC support, and IPE labor and market intelligence feasibility studies. Assignments may span new technology, Lease, CTO, Azure, and other first-of-a-kind programs, from early options and feasibility through delivery and commercial closeout. The role leads global estimating across lease negotiations, fit-out PORs, operational upgrades, IPE feasibility studies, and first-of-a-kind technologies. It provides cost intelligence to support investment and delivery decisions, and drives estimate development, validation, benchmarking, and change assessments. This includes evaluating scope, labor, market conditions, risk, contingency, CAPEX/OPEX impacts, and delivery constraints. The role supports consistent, transparent, data-driven estimating through annual DC model baselining, regional alignment, market calibration, and disciplined reconciliation, delivering cost options, negotiation strategies, and estimates for Microsoft’s global data center portfolio. The position reports directly to the Global Director of Estimating, with dotted-line interactions with Regional Project Estimators and Cost Managers. It is the internal and external estimating point of contact for its assigned portfolio and partners with engineering, construction, security, networking, and operations. The role is based at a designated hub in Atlanta, Redmond, San Antonio, or Phoenix; candidates must reside within 50 miles of the hub or relocate. Hybrid work is available up to 25%. Relocation support is provided.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Construction Project Management, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field and 12+ years of related experience, or equivalent experience.
10 years’ experience managing estimating or commercial aspects of a major construction portfolio.
Deep commercial knowledge of construction internationally.
Clear understanding of the full construction life cycle.
Ability to perform all forms and types of estimates, from parametric to bottom-up estimates and high-level what-if scenarios.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills beyond estimating practice.
Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across the data center program.
Ability to think strategically and build trust with construction partners to reach agreement on very large construction contracts.
Strong analytical, creative-thinking, written, and verbal communication skills.
Ability to collaborate and influence across teams and organizations, with proven success participating in cross-functional teams to deliver key projects.
Ability to work within a dynamic team of full-time employees and consultants.
Ability to meet Microsoft, customer, and/or government security screening requirements, including passing the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire or transfer and every two years thereafter.
Must reside within 50 miles of a hub office location or relocate to do so.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Construction Project Management, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field and 15+ years of related experience, or equivalent experience.
15+ years of experience working on data center projects.

Responsibilities

Direct cost estimating and cost management for assigned strategic, innovative, and first-of-a-kind global technology and datacenter projects.
Lead global estimating across lease negotiations, fit-out PORs, operational upgrades, IPE feasibility studies, and first-of-a-kind technologies.
Develop, validate, benchmark, and assess changes to estimates by evaluating scope, labor, market conditions, risk, contingency, CAPEX/OPEX impacts, and delivery constraints.
Support consistent, transparent, and data-driven estimating through annual DC model baselining, regional alignment, market calibration, and disciplined reconciliation.
Provide actionable cost options, negotiation strategies, and reliable estimates to support investment and delivery decisions.
Develop, maintain, and report on project scope, schedule, and budget, with cost as the main driver in those discussions.
Serve as the internal and external estimating point of contact for the assigned portfolio.
Partner with engineering, construction, security, networking, and operations.
Exchange lessons learned and validate assumptions with Regional Project Estimators and Cost Managers to maintain consistency.
Produce thoughtful, polished, high-quality estimates and other report-out deliverables.