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.

Requirements

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