Senior Estimator & Cost Lead – Life Sciences Projects

Actalent; Hillsboro (OR); On-site; USD 83,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an experienced Estimator/Senior Quantity Surveyor/Cost Manager to lead end-to-end cost management on large capital projects in life sciences. You will develop detailed estimates, manage budgets and forecasts, review change orders, and provide commercial guidance across design and construction phases.

The role requires strong contract administration, cost control, and stakeholder collaboration skills, with a focus on accurate reporting and value optimization within a

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in estimating, quantity surveying, cost management, or construction cost consulting.

Responsibilities

• Review project documents, drawings, and specifications to develop detailed and accurate cost estimates.
• Lead cost management and commercial oversight for assigned projects throughout design and construction phases.
• Prepare and maintain project cost plans, budgets, and forecasts, ensuring alignment with project objectives and constraints.
• Evaluate change orders, assess cost impacts, and review subcontractor and vendor pricing for accuracy and competitiveness.
• Manage contract administration activities, including reviewing contract terms, tracking obligations, and supporting contract negotiations.
• Monitor and manage project financial performance, identifying variances and recommending corrective actions as needed.
• Provide commercial and pricing expertise to project teams, advising on cost control, risk management, and value optimization.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients, subcontractors, vendors, and project stakeholders.
• Support business development efforts by contributing to proposals, presentations, and maintaining existing client relationships.
• Mentor and guide junior cost management professionals, sharing best practices and supporting their professional development.
• Deliver regular project cost and commercial reports to leadership and stakeholders, clearly communicating status, risks, and opportunities.
• Collaborate with project teams to support construction delivery methods, procurement strategies, and commercial management processes.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of estimating, cost control, and reporting tools and methodologies within the consultancy.

Skills

Cost estimation

Quantity surveying

Cost management

Contract administration

Change management

Budget management

Data analysis

Client communication

Tools

Excel

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Job description

Actalent is seeking an experienced Estimator/Senior Quantity Surveyor/Cost Manager to lead end-to-end cost management on large capital projects in life sciences. You will develop detailed estimates, manage budgets and forecasts, review change orders, and provide commercial guidance across design and construction phases.

The role requires strong contract administration, cost control, and stakeholder collaboration skills, with a focus on accurate reporting and value optimization within a