Cost Estimator, Data center construction

BCE Inc.; Regina; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Mental health benefits

Employee discount

Job summary

Bell is seeking a Cost Estimator for the AI Fabric program to plan and deliver scalable, mission-critical data centre infrastructure. You will create high-level capital cost estimates to support opportunity screening, business cases, and funding decisions.

Reporting to the Director, Program Controls, you will establish estimate assumptions, identify major cost drivers, and refine estimates as scope matures, coordinating with Engineering, Land Development, Procurement, and Finance.

Qualifications

• Experience in capital cost estimating or project controls.
• Ability to develop high-level estimates from limited information.
• Strong analytical and financial skills, including advanced spreadsheet modelling.
• Experience reviewing external estimates and communicating with executives.

Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual to Class C estimates for new projects and infra packages.
• Translate requirements into initial capital cost ranges.
• Prepare estimates using parametric models, benchmarks, unit rates and data.
• Update estimates at development gates as scope matures.
• Coordinate Basis of Estimate documents and ensure scope boundaries.
• Present cost recommendations to the Director and executives.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Financial analysis

Problem solving

Tools

Power BI

Primavera P6

SAP

EcoSys

Job description

Connection is everything. It drives us to innovate, explore, and stay close to what matters to us most. At Bell, we’re building a more connected future through world-class networks, AI-powered solutions, and digital experiences that elevate how people live, work, and play every day.

We believe in empowering people. That’s why we equip our teams with cutting‑edge technology, AI tools, and a collaborative environment that supports creativity and growth. Want to be part of a diverse team where your work makes a real impact? If you’re inspired by innovation that advances how people connect and transforms what’s possible, you belong on #TeamBell.

On the Bell Business Markets team, you’ll be a vital part of making innovation happen for enterprise‑scale customers. You’ll deliver advanced solutions in areas such as IoT, Mobility/5G, Cloud, Cyber Security, Voice, Collaboration & Contact Centre and Internet & Private Networks.

At Bell, your skills and expertise will help set us apart as we continue to be the leading provider of digital connections and next generation services to businesses and governments.

Summary

Bell's AI Fabric program is focused on planning and delivering scalable, mission-critical data centre infrastructure. The Cost Estimator will provide early-stage cost planning and estimating support when potential projects, sites, expansions, or major scope packages are first identified. Working with limited and evolving information, the role will develop high-level capital cost estimates to support opportunity screening, business cases, funding decisions, portfolio planning, and executive decision-making.

Reporting to the Director, Program Controls, the role will establish estimate assumptions, document the Basis of Estimate, identify major cost drivers and exclusions, recommend appropriate contingency, progressively refine estimates as scope matures, and independently review external estimates.

Key Responsibilities

• Early-Stage Project Estimating
  • Develop conceptual, order-of-magnitude, Class D, and Class C estimates for newly identified projects, sites, expansions, and major infrastructure packages.
  • Translate preliminary business, capacity, technical, site, and schedule requirements into an initial capital cost range.
  • Prepare estimates using parametric models, historical benchmarks, unit rates, allowances, and comparable project data.
  • Update estimates at project-development gates as scope, design, schedule, procurement strategy, and market information mature.
  • Compare alternative sites, capacities, phasing plans, technical solutions, and delivery strategies.
• Basis of Estimate & Scope Definition
  • Prepare Basis of Estimate documents covering scope, methodology, assumptions, inclusions, exclusions, qualifications, escalation, contingency, and estimate accuracy.
  • Coordinate with Engineering, Land Development, Procurement, Construction, Operations, Finance, and Project Delivery to validate inputs and scope boundaries.
  • Develop cost breakdown structures aligned with the program WBS and cost-control framework.
  • Identify scope gaps, interfaces, owner-furnished equipment, enabling works, temporary works, utility requirements, and operational-readiness costs.
• Cost Planning, Benchmarking & Risk
  • Maintain cost models, historical data, unit rates, benchmarks, escalation assumptions, and estimating templates.
  • Normalize costs across sites, capacities, locations, delivery models, and estimate dates.
  • Identify uncertainty, cost risks, opportunities, and major cost drivers.
  • Recommend contingency appropriate to scope and design maturity.
  • Perform sensitivity and scenario analysis for capacity, phasing, schedule, escalation, site conditions, equipment strategy, and utility scope.
• Market Intelligence & Estimate Validation
  • Coordinate budget quotations for major equipment, construction packages, professional services, and long-lead items.
  • Monitor relevant labour, material, equipment, logistics, and construction-market trends.
  • Review consultant, contractor, designer, and vendor estimates for completeness, consistency, and reasonableness.
  • Reconcile estimate versions and explain changes in scope, quantities, rates, escalation, contingency, and exclusions.
• Business Cases, Governance & Reporting
  • Provide cost inputs for business cases, capital plans, funding requests, and executive decision materials.
  • Prepare concise estimate summaries showing cost range, assumptions, exclusions, contingency, risks, and principal cost drivers.
  • Present recommendations to the Director, Program Controls, project leaders, Finance, and executive stakeholders.
  • Support the Director, Program Controls in launching and implementing estimating processes, standards, templates, tools, and governance routines.
  • Maintain an estimate register showing status, maturity, version, approval basis, and next update.
• Estimate Handover to Cost Control
  • Provide the approved estimate, Basis of Estimate, cost breakdown, assumptions, exclusions, escalation, contingency, risk allowances, and reconciliation history.
  • Map the estimate into approved cost codes, control accounts, and reporting structures with Cost Control.
  • Support initial budget baselining and clarify estimate assumptions during execution planning.
  • Use actual costs and variances from Cost Control to improve future benchmarks and estimates.

Critical Qualifications

• Experience in capital cost estimating, cost planning, quantity surveying, project controls, commercial management, construction management, or a related discipline.
• Ability to develop credible high-level estimates from limited and evolving information.
• Understanding of conceptual, Class D, Class C, and progressively detailed estimating methodologies.
• Experience preparing Basis of Estimate documentation and identifying assumptions, exclusions, allowances, escalation, contingency, and cost risk.
• Strong analytical and financial skills, including advanced spreadsheet modelling and cost analysis.
• Ability to review external estimates, challenge assumptions constructively, and communicate with executives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting data centre, mission-critical, telecommunications, industrial, energy, or large infrastructure projects.
• Familiarity with data centre site development, design, procurement, construction, commissioning, operational readiness, and handover.
• Knowledge of electrical, mechanical, cooling, utility, building‑shell, white‑space, network, and security infrastructure.
• Experience with estimating software, cost databases, Power BI, Primavera P6, SAP, EcoSys, or similar tools.
• Professional designation or certification such as CCP, CEP, PQS, RICS, PMP, or equivalent.

Adequate knowledge of French is required for positions in Quebec.

Additional Information:

Position Type: Management

Job Status: Regular - Full Time

For work arrangements that are ‘Hybrid’, successful candidates must be based in Canada and report to a set Bell office for a minimum of 3 days a week. Recognizing the importance of work‑life balance, Bell offers flexibility in work hours based on the business needs.

We know that caring for our team members is at the heart of a healthy, positive and thriving workplace. As part of our team, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes a competitive salary and a wide range of benefits to support the well‑being of you and your family. As soon as you join us, you'll be eligible for medical, dental, vision and mental health benefits that you can tailor to your specific needs. Plus, as a Bell team member, you'll enjoy a 35% discount on our services and access exclusive offers from our partners.

At Bell, we are proud of our focus on fostering an inclusive and accessible workplace where all team members feel valued, respected, supported, and that they belong.

Bell is committed to clarity in our hiring process. All roles posted are opportunities we’re actively recruiting for, unless stated otherwise. We also want to make sure that everyone has an equal opportunity to join our team. We encourage individuals who may require accommodations during the hiring process to let us know. For a confidential inquiry, email your recruiter or [e-mail] to make arrangements. If you have questions or feedback regarding accessibility at Bell, we invite you to complete the Accessibility feedback form or visit our Accessibility page for other ways to contact us.

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