Lead Maritime Estimator - Fleet Modernization & Costs

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. seeks a Lead Estimator to develop accurate cost estimates for fleet modernization, revitalization, dry docks, and refurbishment projects.

You will establish estimating processes, maintain cost databases, and deliver data-driven insights across cross-functional teams including vendors, shipyards, and leadership. The role emphasizes evaluating scope, identifying cost drivers, building models, and driving continuous improvement in estimating practices while managing

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s 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 (≤ 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.

Job description

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. seeks a Lead Estimator to develop accurate cost estimates for fleet modernization, revitalization, dry docks, and refurbishment projects.

You will establish estimating processes, maintain cost databases, and deliver data-driven insights across cross-functional teams including vendors, shipyards, and leadership. The role emphasizes evaluating scope, identifying cost drivers, building models, and driving continuous improvement in estimating practices while managing