Lead Cost Estimator

Job Summary: Lead and Manage bid/project cost estimation activities. Develop and validate classified estimates, Lead the Proposal/estimation team which shall include for engineering discipline leads and/or senior engineers, construction and procurement experts, project planning and controls, Shall maintain confidentiality of information as deemed required.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage all cost estimation activities for the EPC, and execution phases. 
• Develop, review, and validate Class 1 to Class 5 (Level 1 – Order of Magnitude, Level 2 – Schematic/Conceptual Design, Level 3- Design Development, Level 4 – Construction Document, and Level 5 – Bid estimate). cost estimates in accordance with project requirements and industry best practices. 
• Prepare detailed estimates, including material, labor, equipment, construction, indirect costs, and contingency assessments. 
• Establish cost estimating methodologies, databases, norms, and benchmarks to support project decision-making. 
• Coordinate with engineering disciplines, procurement, construction, and project controls teams to ensure accurate and timely estimates.
• Evaluate contractor and vendor estimates and provide technical recommendations. 
• Perform cost risk analysis, sensitivity analysis, and estimate assurance reviews. 
• Support value engineering initiatives and identify cost optimization opportunities. 
• Prepare estimate basis documents, cost reports, management presentations, and supporting documentation for project approvals. 
• Ensure compliance with Client standards, project procedures, and company estimating practices. 
• Lead, mentor, and supervise a team of Specialists, Senior Engineers, and Engineers involved in cost estimation activities. 
• Interface effectively with clients, stakeholders, and project management teams to support project objectives.

Experience:

• Minimum 15 years of relevant experience in the Oil & Gas or Petrochemical industry. 
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a similar role on major Oil & Gas or Petrochemical projects. 

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or an equivalent qualification from an accredited university. 
• Certification and training courses from AACE and such an additional advantage

Required Skills & Abilities:

1- Core Competencies:

• Experience in managing and leading teams comprising Specialists, Senior Engineers, and Engineers. 
• Strong knowledge of cost estimating techniques, industry norms, benchmarking, and estimating software/tools.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary and multicultural project environments.

2- Technical Skills:

• Estimate Development: Lead the preparation of comprehensive EPC cost breakdowns for materials, labor, and equipment.
• Risk & Variance Analysis: Conduct cost risk, sensitivity, and historical reconciliation reviews.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Coordinate with engineering, procurement, and project controls teams to validate scopes.
• Team Leadership: Mentor and supervise junior engineers and specialists while enforcing company estimating standards
• Soft skills: Proficient in advanced MS Excel, work breakdown structures (WBS), and specialized estimating