Cost Estimator Lead - Data Center Construction
$190,000–$195,000 year
Hybrid · San Francisco, California, United States
Job Summary
Cost Estimator Lead for a data center construction program. Lead development and management of cost plans and detailed CSA estimates from concept through design across multiple geographies; provide program-level estimating leadership; present milestone cost updates; lead quantity takeoffs and cost checks; coordinate estimating activities across teams; review contractor pricing and change orders; drive benchmarking, cost modeling, and life-cycle cost analyses; facilitate value engineering; support procurement and preconstruction activities; mentor estimating staff; prepare leadership-ready materials for executives and governance. Requires extensive estimating expertise, leadership experience, and strong client-facing communication; proficiency with CostX and familiarity with AutoCAD/Navisworks is advantageous. Hybrid work option based in the San Francisco Bay Area with preference for SF office presence; remote consideration based on program needs.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or a related construction field
- Minimum of 10 years' experience in construction estimating or cost management on large-scale capital programs
- Data center or mission-critical construction experience preferred (multi-building campuses, greenfield developments, or major expansions)
- Proven expertise in conceptual estimating, quantity takeoff, and cost fundamentals across CSA scopes; familiarity with MEP systems is a plus
- Experience leading estimating teams and coordinating across multiple projects or programs
- Strong knowledge of construction procurement strategies and commercial contract structures
- Experience contributing to value engineering, feasibility analysis, and design/cost optimization
- Excellent written, verbal, and client-facing presentation skills
- Highly organized with the ability to prioritize across multiple concurrent projects
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office; CostX (2D/3D takeoff) strongly preferred; AutoCAD or Navisworks advantageous
- Preferred: Professional accreditation (e.g., RICS) or progress toward certification
- On-site presence and requirements may change depending on client needs
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