Lead Project Cost Estimator

Padcomdcm; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Retirement plan

Professional development

Job summary

PADCOM Design & Construction Management Services seeks a Lead Project Cost Estimator to head estimating efforts for Los Angeles Unified School District facilities projects. You will oversee a team, develop independent cost estimates, and review contractor estimates to support negotiations and budgeting.

The role emphasizes cost analysis throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring financial accountability for major school construction initiatives.

Qualifications

• Fourteen (14) years of full-time professional experience preparing complete cost estimates for major and complex building construction projects.
• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management.
• Three (3) years of experience supervising estimators.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience working for a construction cost consulting firm.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a team of estimators, including assigning and monitoring daily workload.
• Plan, develop, and review construction cost estimates for building and infrastructure projects based on drawings, specifications, and project requirements.
• Prepare and review cost estimates and supporting documentation for state and federal funding programs.
• Review contractor cost breakdowns and recommend acceptance or rejection for progress payment purposes.

Job description

PADCOM is deeply invested in our employees; we look at our team as a family.

About the Role

PADCOM Design & Construction Management Services is seeking a Lead Project Cost Estimator to lead construction estimating efforts in support of LAUSD’s Facilities Services Division.

This role is responsible for overseeing a team of estimators, developing independent cost estimates, reviewing contractor and consultant estimates, supporting negotiations, and providing cost analysis throughout the project lifecycle. The Lead Project Cost Estimator plays a critical role in ensuring accurate budgeting, cost forecasting, and financial accountability for major school construction projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a team of estimators, including assigning and monitoring daily workload.
• Plan, develop, and review construction cost estimates for building and infrastructure projects based on drawings, specifications, and project requirements.
• Prepare and review cost estimates and supporting documentation for state and federal funding programs.
• Review construction cost estimates prepared by architects, engineers, and consultants for accuracy and completeness.
• Coordinate with architects and engineers to resolve discrepancies between consultant and District estimates.
• Negotiate and establish agreed-upon preliminary construction cost estimates.
• Conduct cost studies and prepare reports when contractor bids significantly vary from estimated costs.
• Review contractor cost breakdowns and recommend acceptance or rejection for progress payment purposes.
• Analyze change orders and determine appropriate approval or rejection of cost adjustments.
• Prepare and review independent cost estimates for project planning and negotiations.
• Establish and maintain procedures related to cost estimating, bidding, and project approvals.
• Develop and maintain estimating databases, cost records, charts, and reporting tools.
• Conduct seminars and workshops related to school construction bidding procedures and cost estimating practices.
• Estimate damages to District facilities resulting from fire, natural disasters, or vandalism.
• Establish project budgets and support financial planning efforts.
• Prepare preliminary and final independent cost estimates to support negotiations with designers and contractors.
• Prepare change order estimates and support Owner Authorized Representatives during negotiations.
• Assist with contractor pricing negotiations and claim evaluations.
• Review contractor claims and proposals for merit, accountability, and cost validity.
• Support other Facilities Services Division functions as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates may qualify through one of the following pathways:

Option 1

• Fourteen (14) years of full-time professional experience preparing complete cost estimates for major and complex Type I, II, III, and V building construction projects.
• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management.
• Three (3) years of experience supervising estimators.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience working for a construction cost consulting firm.

Option 2

• Twenty (20) or more years of full-time professional experience preparing complete cost estimates for major and complex Type I, II, III, and V building construction projects.
• Degree not required.
• Five (5) years of experience supervising estimators.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience working for a construction cost consulting firm.

Skills & Knowledge

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Extensive experience developing conceptual and pre‑construction cost estimates.
• Strong knowledge of construction estimating practices for complex educational facilities projects.
• Ability to prepare detailed estimates in a fast‑paced environment.
• Knowledge of current local labor and material costs.
• Extensive experience preparing and evaluating change order estimates.
• Ability to identify discrepancies between independent estimates and contractor proposals.
• Strong understanding of cost analysis, budgeting, and financial forecasting.
• Ability to develop detailed scopes of work from RFIs, RFCs, and project documentation.
• Strong negotiation and analytical skills.
• Proficiency with estimating software and Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting K–12 educational facility construction programs.
• Experience with public‑sector capital improvement programs.
• Experience reviewing contractor claims and dispute resolution matters.
• Professional certifications related to cost estimating, construction management, or project controls.

Work Conditions & Requirements

• Onsite position supporting active school construction projects throughout Los Angeles County.
• May require attendance at meetings across multiple District locations.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary Range: Competitive, commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Schedule: Full‑Time
• Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, and professional development opportunities

Job Duration

• Start Date: ASAP
• Assignment End Date: September 30, 2027
• Position End Date: September 30, 2028

Submission Requirements

To be considered, applicants should submit:

• Resume highlighting cost estimating and leadership experience.
• List of educational achievements.
• Professional licenses and certifications (if applicable).
• Awards and professional recognitions (if applicable).
• Detailed employment history including:
  • Employer names and locations
  • Employment dates
  • Positions held
  • Project experience, project values, responsibilities, and contributions