Project estimator

Job Title

Project Estimator

Job Description Summary

As a Project Estimator within our Project & Development Services team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the financial success of commercial real estate and construction projects. You'll be responsible for developing accurate, data-driven cost estimates across all phases-from conceptual design through final construction-by leveraging market intelligence, vendor relationships, and industry-standard tools. This role demands a strategic mindset, technical precision, and collaborative spirit to support project managers, clients, and senior leadership in making informed decisions that drive value, mitigate risk, and ensure project alignment with scope and budget.

In programs where Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) pricing, capital planning, and vendor coordination are central, you will also lead scenario-based pricing exercises, support long-range budgeting efforts, and maintain internal estimating tools that inform client investment decisions.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Preconstruction Strategy & ROM Development

• Lead development of Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimates for test fits, feasibility studies, and "what-if" scenarios.

• Build and maintain internal estimating tools using Excel and SharePoint to support rapid pricing and scope validation.

• Collaborate with program teams to prepare accurate ROMs for capital planning and client approvals.

• Capital Planning & Financial Forecasting

• Support client capital planning efforts with cost, schedule, and market analysis.

• Track budget vs. actuals, pricing trends, and regional cost shifts to inform investment decisions.

• Maintain internal pricing databases and forecasting models aligned with client expectations.

• Vendor & Subcontractor Coordination

• Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate bids from vendors and subcontractors to ensure cost-effectiveness and scope alignment.

• Manage bid processes and maintain master vendor/trade pricing databases.

• Coordinate with internal and client stakeholders to validate vendor pricing and performance.

• Estimating & Cost Analysis

• Prepare detailed cost estimates across all project phases: Conceptual, Schematic, DD, CD, and Hard Bid.

• Perform quantity takeoffs and analyze construction documents to determine scope and pricing.

• Leverage benchmarking tools (e.g., RS Means), historical data, and market trends for pricing accuracy.

• Reporting & Documentation

• Prepare pricing summaries, statements of work, and bid packages for internal and client review.

• Document pricing assumptions, dependencies, and data sources for transparency and auditability.

• Communicate regularly with internal teams, clients, and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and clarity.

• Project Support & Handover

• Assist execution teams with vendor proposal evaluations and final estimate assembly.

• Support technical compliance and handover processes during procurement and construction phases.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Analytical Thinking - Ability to interpret complex data and translate it into actionable cost insights.

• Technical Proficiency - Skilled in estimating software, Excel modeling, and construction documentation.

• Communication - Strong verbal and written skills for client reporting and cross-functional collaboration.

• Detail Orientation - High accuracy in takeoffs, pricing, and documentation under tight deadlines.

• Collaboration - Works effectively across project management, design, and vendor teams.

• Problem Solving - Capable of identifying scope gaps, pricing risks, and proposing cost-effective solutions.

• Time Management - Manages multiple priorities and deliverables with precision and accountability.

REQUIRED EDUCATION

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

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

• 5-7 years of experience in cost estimating, preferably in commercial construction or real estate development.

• Experience with tenant improvement and retail construction projects is preferred.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Proficiency in estimating software (e.g., CostX, Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff) and Microsoft Excel.

• Familiarity with RS Means, market benchmarking, and cost modeling tools.

• Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, building codes, and industry standards.

• Experience building and maintaining internal pricing tools and databases.

• Ability to read and interpret construction specifications and drawings.

• Highly organized, results-oriented, and cost-conscious.

• Willingness to travel as required.

Other Duties

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Conditions of Employment

All offers of employment are contingent upon: Legal documentation establishing identity and eligibility to work in the U.S., U.S. citizenship, drug testing, criminal background check, clean DMV record (for driving roles), education verification, and reference checks.

AAP/EEO STATEMENT

Cushman & Wakefield provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.

Cushman & Wakefield also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life, and disability insurance programs, and paid and unpaid time away from work. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees with competitive pay, which may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, total hours worked, job type, business line, and applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

The compensation that will be offered to the successful candidate will depend on factors such as whether the position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the geographic area in which the work will be performed, market pay rates in that area, and the candidate's experience and qualifications.

The company will not pay less than minimum wage for this role.

The compensation for the position is: $ 68,000.00 - $80,000.00

Cushman & Wakefield is an Equal Opportunity employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position at Cushman & Wakefield, please call the ADA line at 1-888-365-5406 or email [email protected] . Please refer to the job title and job location when you contact us.

INCO: "Cushman & Wakefield"