Metro Estimating Lead

Job ID: 200055185Posted: 2026-10-13Location: United States, Wisconsin, MilwaukeeSalary: USD $116,900 - $203,600 per yearEmployment type: Full-TimeWork site: 2 days / week in-officeRole type: Individual ContributorTravel: Less than 25%Profession: Real Estate, Facilities, & ConstructionDiscipline: Construction Project ManagementCompany: MicrosoftOverviewMicrosoft Cloud Operations + Innovation (CO+I) is the team behind the cloud. CO+I is responsible for delivering over 200 Microsoft web portals, Live and Online Services around the world including infrastructure, security and compliance, operations, globalization, and manageability. Our focus is on smart growth, high efficiency, and delivering trusted experience to customers and partners worldwide. We are looking for a passionate individual to help build the network that powers the world’s largest online services.  Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.     In alignment with our Microsoft values, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment for all employees to positively impact our culture every day. The Metro Estimating Lead is responsible for developing, maintaining, advising and reporting construction cost estimates for datacenter projects across the Americas region. Estimates will range from early-stage conceptual and parametric assessments through detailed design estimates to support project approvals, funding decisions, procurement, and project delivery. This role serves as a key interface between engineering, construction, procurement, finance, cost and operations teams to ensure scope, schedule, risk, and delivery requirements are accurately reflected in project estimates. The Estimator will partner with the Cost & Procurement teams to negotiate the GC awards and ensure that the scope, estimate, and buyout are aligned. The Metro Estimating Lead will report directly to the Regional Estimating Manager and will have dotted-line interactions with the Global Estimating Team to deliver accurate estimates that incorporate lessons learned. Being part of this team will offer you an excellent opportunity to join a rapidly growing business with global impact. ResponsibilitiesDevelop and maintain construction cost estimates for data center projects to support project planning, investment decisions, and delivery across the Americas region. Partner with cross-functional teams including design, engineering, construction, procurement, scheduling, finance, and operations to ensure alignment of project scope, schedule, risks, and budget assumptions. Present estimate to leadership and project teams with emphasis on the basis, assumptions, cost drivers and root causes (the why), risks, and opportunities. Analyze estimate to identify key estimate variances and present change reason codes. Create and maintain estimating databases and templates.  Prepare parametric and conceptual estimates using historical data and regional modifiers. Develop bottoms-up detailed estimates based on 30-60-90-IFC design packages. Partner with Cost for GC buyout and award negotiations to ensure fair pricing aligned to scope, schedule, and delivery expectations. Support, develop and improve estimating and cost management processes and procedures.    Drive standardization and consistency throughout the group. Manage commercial issues on all current, future, and past projects and report on these issues to regional leadership. Collaborate across all areas of the datacenter program and build trusted relationships with construction partners to successfully negotiate and execute large-scale construction contracts. Embody our culture and values. QualificationsRequired/minimum qualificationsBachelor's Degree in Construction Project Management, Architecture, Engineering, or related field AND 10+ years related experienceOR equivalent experience.Background Check Requirements: Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings: Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.Additional or preferred qualificationsBachelor's Degree in Construction Project Management, Architecture, Engineering, or related field AND 12+ years related experienceOR equivalent experience.12+ years experience working on large scale projects (data center, mission critical, semiconductor, industrial construction)Experience supporting projects across multiple geographic regions and construction markets.Experience partnering with project controls disciplines, including contracts, project planning, change management, risk management, and cost reporting.Experience leading estimating efforts across a portfolio of projects.#COICareers | #EPCCareers | #DCDCareers |Construction Project Management IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $116,900 - $203,600 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $148,400 - $222,600 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.