Lead Maritime Estimator – Fleet Modernization

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC); Miami, Northern (FL, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Royal Caribbean Group is seeking a Lead Estimator to develop accurate cost estimates for fleet modernization, revitalization, dry docks, and refurbishment programs. The role will establish estimating processes, tools, and cost databases to improve budgeting and forecasting across complex projects.

The ideal candidate has extensive estimating experience, strong analytical capabilities, and a deep understanding of construction and shipbuilding environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor7s degree in engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, Finance, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in cost estimating, project controls, construction, shipbuilding, refurbishment, capital projects, or related project environments.
• Experience developing estimates from conceptual planning through execution phases.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, labor, scheduling, cost drivers, and project lifecycle management.
• Experience reviewing technical drawings, specifications, scopes of work, and contractor/vendor proposals.
• Advanced analytical skills with experience building cost models, budgets, forecasts, and reporting tools.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel; experience with estimating software, project management systems, AutoCAD, Power BI, or similar tools preferred.
• Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams, vendors, contractors, and leadership stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate technical and financial information into actionable insights.
• Highly organized with the ability to prioritize competing demands across multiple projects.
• Demonstrates ownership, accountability, attention to detail, and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Shipbuilding, maritime, hospitality, construction, or large-scale renovation experience preferred.
• This position may require travel to and from ships, shipyards, and/or vendor facilities located in Europe, Asia, and North America (b1 25%).

Responsibilities

• Drive the development and continuous improvement of estimating processes, methodologies, tools, and cost databases supporting fleet modernization, revitalization, and dry dock projects.
• Develop detailed cost estimates, budgets, forecasts, and financial models based on project scope, specifications, schedules, drawings, vendor information, and historical cost data.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to review project requirements, validate assumptions, evaluate alternatives, and identify cost impacts throughout project development and execution.
• Analyze shipyard, contractor, and vendor proposals to support cost validation, benchmarking, and decision-making.
• Review architectural, technical, and construction documentation to determine quantities, materials, labor requirements, timelines, and cost considerations.
• Track and analyze cost trends, project performance, estimate accuracy, and lessons learned to enhance future forecasting capabilities.
• Maintain cost databases, benchmarks, and reporting tools to provide visibility into historical spend and support future project planning.
• Support budget development activities by providing cost scenarios, risk analysis, and recommendations.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners to identify opportunities for cost optimization and process improvements.
• Prepare executive-level summaries, reports, and presentations highlighting cost assumptions, risks, opportunities, and recommendations.
• Balance multiple projects across various ships, locations, vendors, and timelines while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Travel as required to support ship visits, dry docks, vendors, and project execution activities.

Skills

Cost estimation

Cost modeling

Analytical skills

Budgeting & forecasting

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelore2s degree in engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, Finance, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

AutoCAD

Power BI

Estimating software

Job description

Royal Caribbean Group is seeking a Lead Estimator to develop accurate cost estimates for fleet modernization, revitalization, dry docks, and refurbishment programs. The role will establish estimating processes, tools, and cost databases to improve budgeting and forecasting across complex projects.

The ideal candidate has extensive estimating experience, strong analytical capabilities, and a deep understanding of construction and shipbuilding environments.