Principal Project Controls Estimator – Estimating Lead

Principal Project Controls Estimator – Estimating Lead

Employment Type: Contract (24-Month Assignment)

Location: Charlotte, NC

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Position Overview

We are seeking a Principal Project Controls Estimator to serve as the lead estimator and Subject Matter Expert for a portfolio of complex capital projects. This is a hands-on estimating leadership position responsible for developing comprehensive estimates, leading estimate reviews, validating contractor and vendor pricing, and providing strategic cost guidance throughout the project lifecycle.

Candidates must have demonstrated experience leading estimating efforts, rather than serving solely in an estimating support capacity.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Estimating & Project Controls

• Lead development of comprehensive project estimates from conceptual planning through execution
• Perform material takeoffs and site assessments to evaluate infrastructure, tie-ins, quantities, and project-specific conditions
• Develop detailed estimates covering labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and indirect costs
• Apply benchmarking, historical data, escalation, contingency, and risk factors to validate estimates
• Develop work packages and establish accurate cost structures for complex capital projects
• Support cost and schedule integration, forecasting, risk analysis, and overall project controls activities

Estimate Review & Commercial Support

• Lead estimate reviews and challenge sessions with engineering, construction, procurement, and project leadership
• Review and validate contractor, consultant, and supplier estimates
• Benchmark third-party pricing against historical data and current market conditions
• Support value engineering, procurement strategies, bid evaluations, and contract negotiations
• Evaluate cost impacts associated with scope changes, claims, and project modifications
• Support claims analysis and dispute resolution with detailed cost documentation

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Serve as the primary estimating point of contact and technical SME
• Present estimating methodologies, assumptions, risks, and recommendations to project leadership
• Lead improvements to estimating tools, databases, benchmarks, and best practices
• Ensure estimating activities comply with established procedures and quality standards
• Lead lessons learned activities and provide strategic cost guidance to project teams

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, Business Administration, Project Management, or related field
• Minimum 7 years of direct project estimating experience
• 10+ years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
• Proven experience leading complex project estimates from development through final review
• Strong knowledge of cost estimating, project controls, forecasting, risk, and schedule integration
• Experience reviewing and challenging contractor and vendor estimates
• Strong analytical, decision-making, presentation, and communication skills
• Ability to independently lead multidisciplinary estimating activities

Preferred Qualifications

• Heavy civil and earthwork estimating experience
• Experience with landfill construction, closure projects, well installation, or similar infrastructure projects
• Master's degree in Business Administration or related discipline
• PMP or related project controls certification
• Experience with Primavera P6, MS Project, Business Objects, Passport, Powerplant, Emax, PeopleSoft, or similar systems
• Experience with Monte Carlo analysis and quantitative risk management
• Extensive experience supporting large capital, utility, industrial, or infrastructure projects

Why This Opportunity

• Serve as the lead estimator and subject matter expert for a complex capital project portfolio
• Take ownership of estimates from initial development through validation and executive review
• Work directly with engineering, construction, procurement, contractors, and project leadership
• Long-term assignment with significant responsibility for estimating strategy and project cost performance