Special Projects Estimating Lead

Microsoft • Redmond, WA

3d • $130,900 - $277,200 • Hybrid

About The Position

Microsoft Cloud Operations and Innovation (CO&I) delivers the cloud infrastructure behind Microsoft’s online services. Within CO&I, the Engineering Procurement & Construction (EPC) organization delivers core datacenter infrastructure across a complex portfolio of large-scale, multidisciplinary, 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 cover 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 also supports consistent, transparent, data-driven estimating through annual datacenter model baselining, regional alignment, market calibration, and disciplined reconciliation, delivering cost options, negotiation strategies, and reliable estimates.

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 hub in Atlanta, Georgia; Redmond, Washington; San Antonio, Texas; or Phoenix, Arizona. Candidates must reside within 50 miles of, or relocate to, a hub office. 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 of experience managing estimating or commercial work on a major construction portfolio.
• Deep commercial knowledge of international construction.
• Clear understanding of the full construction life cycle.
• Ability to perform all forms and types of estimates, from parametric to bottoms-up estimates and high-level what-if scenarios.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills beyond estimating practice.
• Strong communication skills, including written and verbal communication, and the ability to collaborate across data center program areas.
• Strategic thinking and ability to build trust with construction partners to reach agreement on very large construction contracts.
• Ability to work as a cross-group collaborator and influencer, 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 the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire or transfer and every two years thereafter.

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 datacenter 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 for lease negotiations, lease 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, data-driven estimating through annual datacenter model baselining, regional alignment, market calibration, and disciplined reconciliation.
• Deliver actionable cost options, negotiation strategies, and reliable estimates to support investment and delivery decisions.
• Develop, maintain, and report project scope, schedule, and budget, with cost as the main driver of related 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.
• Produce thoughtful, polished, high-quality estimates and other report-out deliverables.
• Build trust with construction partners and collaborate across the data center program to support large construction contracts and key projects.

Benefits

• Relocation support is provided.
• Hybrid work eligibility, up to 25%.
• Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation; specific benefits are not detailed in the posting.

What This Job Offers

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