Lead Project Cost Estimator-LAUSD

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Lead Project Cost Estimator to oversee and manage construction cost estimating activities for major capital building projects. This leadership role is responsible for supervising a team of estimators, preparing and reviewing independent cost estimates, supporting contract negotiations, evaluating change orders and claims, and ensuring accurate project budgeting throughout the project lifecycle.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in construction cost estimating, strong leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of educational, public sector, or large-scale commercial construction projects.

Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Team Management

• Lead and supervise a team of estimators, assigning daily workloads and ensuring timely project delivery.

• Provide guidance, mentorship, and technical support to estimating staff.

• Conduct seminars and workshops related to school construction bidding procedures, contracts, and cost estimating practices.

Cost Estimating & Analysis

• Prepare and review detailed construction cost estimates based on drawings, specifications, and project requirements.

• Develop conceptual, schematic, design development, and final construction cost estimates.

• Prepare preliminary and final Independent Cost Estimates (ICE) to establish negotiating positions for PM/CM projects.

• Analyze contractor bids and proposals for completeness, accuracy, and competitiveness.

• Conduct studies and prepare reports when contractor bids significantly exceed estimated costs.

• Develop and maintain historical cost databases, cost records, reports, charts, and performance metrics.

Contract Administration & Negotiations

• Review construction cost estimates submitted by architects, engineers, and contractors.

• Collaborate with architects and engineers to resolve discrepancies between consultant and District estimates.

• Evaluate contract cost breakdowns and recommend approval or rejection for progress payments.

• Review, analyze, and negotiate change orders, extras, credits, and contractor proposals.

• Provide pricing support and cost analysis during contract negotiations.

• Prepare claims analyses and evaluate contractor claims for validity and accountability.

Budgeting & Project Controls

• Establish and manage project budgets for school construction and capital improvement projects.

• Analyze project cost trends and identify opportunities for cost savings and value engineering.

• Develop procedures for approval of plans and specifications and the public bidding process.

• Estimate costs associated with property damage resulting from fires, natural disasters, or vandalism incidents.

Grants & Funding Support

• Prepare and review cost estimates and documentation required to secure state and federal grants, loans, and school aid funding programs.

• Represent the organization in matters related to funding applications and cost-related discussions.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support Owner Authorized Representatives and project teams with cost-related analysis and recommendations.

• Assist other departments and project teams as needed.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum QualificationsOption 1

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.

• Minimum 14 years of professional experience preparing complete cost estimates for major and complex Type I, II, III, and V building construction projects.

• Minimum 3 years of experience supervising estimators.

• At least 5 years of experience working for a construction cost consulting firm.

Option 2

• Minimum 20 years of professional experience preparing complete cost estimates for major and complex Type I, II, III, and V building construction projects.

• Minimum 5 years of experience supervising estimators.

• At least 5 years of experience working for a construction cost consulting firm.

• Degree not required.

Required Knowledge & Skills

• Extensive experience preparing conceptual, pre-construction, and detailed construction cost estimates.

• Strong knowledge of school construction, educational facilities, and public sector projects.

• Expertise in independent cost estimating, change order pricing, claims analysis, and contractor proposal review.

• Strong understanding of local labor markets, material pricing, and construction cost trends.

• Ability to develop scope and pricing from RFIs, RFCs, drawings, and project documentation.

• Experience comparing contractor proposals to independent cost estimates and identifying cost variances.

• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.

• Strong leadership and team management abilities.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Resume Submission Requirements

Candidates must provide:

• Detailed resume outlining professional experience.

• List of educational achievements.

• Professional licenses and certifications.

• Awards and recognitions received.

• Complete employment history, including:

  • Employer name and contact information

  • Employment dates (Month/Year)

  • Positions held

  • Key responsibilities and accomplishments

• Detailed project experience, including:

  • Project name and location

  • Project value

  • Role and responsibilities

  • Contributions and achievements

Company Description

W3Global was established in 2006 in Fremont, CA with a vision: simplify the recruiting process and develop an industry-disrupting platform to connect candidates with clients. Our cutting-edge Applicant Tracking System enables us to find the right person for the right job, creating value for job seekers and employers. While W3Global initially focused on IT staffing, we have expanded the business to serve many other industries, including accounting and finance, legal, engineering, human resources, government and more.

We’re proud of the investments we’ve made in our team, having grown from four to 1000 employees and evolving into one of the leading recruitment and staffing solution providers in the industry. Our recruiters and account managers are passionate about connecting qualified professionals with the right positions in small, medium, and large companies.

Our Services
W3Global understands the natural ups and downs of an organization’s staffing needs. We are continuously adapting to industry and economic changes to find the right candidates.

We specialize in placing permanent, direct, contract, and temporary positions for companies of any size. Our recruiting services include sourcing, recruiting, screening, interview management, salary negotiations, training, and onboarding.

We are committed to helping organizations redefine their recruitment process by delivering our SaaS-based proprietary application tracking system software.

Our Expertise
W3Global has been delivering staffing solutions for nearly two decades; we know which recruiting strategies work best. Our expert team is committed to developing a customized solution to fit your company’s unique needs.

As a W3Global client, you’ll also receive personalized assistance from a seasoned team of staffing specialists. We are committed to providing both technical support and industry expertise to simplify the hiring process. We know that your time matters. W3Global will help you streamline the hiring process, getting it done and getting it right.

Company Description

W3Global was established in 2006 in Fremont, CA with a vision: simplify the recruiting process and develop an industry-disrupting platform to connect candidates with clients. Our cutting-edge Applicant Tracking System enables us to find the right person for the right job, creating value for job seekers and employers. While W3Global initially focused on IT staffing, we have expanded the business to serve many other industries, including accounting and finance, legal, engineering, human resources, government and more.\r\n\r\nWe’re proud of the investments we’ve made in our team, having grown from four to 1000 employees and evolving into one of the leading recruitment and staffing solution providers in the industry. Our recruiters and account managers are passionate about connecting qualified professionals with the right positions in small, medium, and large companies.\r\n\r\nOur Services\r\nW3Global understands the natural ups and downs of an organization’s staffing needs. We are continuously adapting to industry and economic changes to find the right candidates.\r\n\r\nWe specialize in placing permanent, direct, contract, and temporary positions for companies of any size. Our recruiting services include sourcing, recruiting, screening, interview management, salary negotiations, training, and onboarding.\r\n\r\nWe are committed to helping organizations redefine their recruitment process by delivering our SaaS-based proprietary application tracking system software.\r\n\r\nOur Expertise\r\nW3Global has been delivering staffing solutions for nearly two decades; we know which recruiting strategies work best. Our expert team is committed to developing a customized solution to fit your company’s unique needs.\r\n\r\nAs a W3Global client, you’ll also receive personalized assistance from a seasoned team of staffing specialists. We are committed to providing both technical support and industry expertise to simplify the hiring process. We know that your time matters. W3Global will help you streamline the hiring process, getting it done and getting it right.