Senior Level Senior Cost Estimator Jobs
Senior level senior cost estimator jobs put experienced professionals in charge of project-wide cost strategy, final estimate accountability, and the junior estimators or cross-functional teams that support delivery. Openings concentrate across Consulting & Professional Services, Construction & Real Estate, and Technology & Software, with a mix of on-site, hybrid, and remote positions, and employers like Connico, Turner & Townsend, and Leland Saylor Associates hiring at this level now.
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Job Description
We are looking for an outstanding Lead Project Cost Estimator to lead and supervise a team of Estimators assigned by our client, Los Angeles Unified School District with an extensive knowledge and experience in developing conceptual and Pre-construction cost estimates for complex school building projects. The lead Project Cost Estimator with the ability to prepare cost estimates quickly in a fast-paced working environment will have extensive experience in developing and estimating the scope of work for change orders, ability to compare the independent cost estimate with contractor proposal to quickly identify differences with a good oral and written communication skills.
Daily Duties
- Plan, supervise, and participate in the preparation of construction cost estimates of buildings or other structures from drawings, outlines, and specifications.
- Prepare and review cost estimates and forms and other materials submitted to secure state and/or federal grants and loans from school aid programs and represents the District on matters pertinent to securing such funds.
- Check construction cost estimates submitted by commissioned architects and engineers for accuracy and completeness and compares them with District estimates.
- Confer with commissioned architects and engineers to resolve differences in their cost estimates and District estimates for each project and negotiates agreements on preliminary estimates of construction costs.
- Make studies and prepares reports when contractors' bids vary widely from the agreed construction cost estimate.
- Check segregation of contract costs as estimated by building contractors and recommends acceptance or rejection as a basis for progress payments.
- Analyze change orders on construction work under contract and approves or rejects extras or credits submitted.
- Prepare or review cost estimates for projects.
- Establish and maintain procedures for approval of plans and specifications for building projects and submission of approved projects to public bidding.
- Develop methods for maintaining data used in records, charts and graphs reflecting estimated construction costs compared with actual costs.
- Conduct and participates in seminars and workshops with staff and minority contractors relative to school construction bidding procedures, contracts, and cost estimating.
- Estimate costs of damages to District property caused by fire, natural disasters, and major acts of vandalism.
- Establish budgets for school building projects.
- Assists other branches with related functions.
- Prepare preliminary and final independent cost estimates of projects for comparison with designer or contractor for PM/CM to establish a negotiating position.
- Prepare change order estimates for Owner Authorized Representatives to establish a negotiating position.
- Ability to develop the scope of work based on RFI/ RFC answers and estimates the detailed costs of those scopes of work independent of the contractor proposal
- Provide support in price negotiations.
- Prepare claim analyses and estimates.
- Review contractor's claims and proposals for merit and accountability.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Graduation from a recognized college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
- 15 years full time paid professional experience in quantity surveying and the preparation of Pre-construction and cost estimates for type I, II, or III, and V building construction as defined by the State building code, including three years in a supervisory capacity.
- Knowledge of current local construction labor and material costs.
Featured Benefits
401(k), Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, 100% employer-paid premiums
Additional Information
For over 50 years, Leland Saylor Associates (LSA) has been a nationally recognized construction consulting firm providing expertise in the areas of estimating, scheduling, value engineering, and construction management. Saylor is a great place to work where your opinion matters, where you can grow with a supportive staff and make a difference in our project outcomes. We are proud to be an advisor on some of the largest, most technically complex projects in the nation.
We seek like-minded professionals who have a passion for estimating, drive to achieve results, creative problem-solving ability, and a dedication to client service and relationship management. We want our people to succeed both in work and life. To support this we promote a healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance. Come join us and partner with our world-class team and do your best work.
Saylor is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.
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Who's Hiring
- Connico5

- Turner & Townsend5

- Leland Saylor Associates5
- Turner & Townsend Pty Limited3
- McMillen2M
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services19
- Construction & Real Estate11
- Technology & Software2
- Retail1
- Manufacturing1
Senior Level Senior Cost Estimator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a senior level senior cost estimator job?
Employers hiring at this level want candidates who have led full project estimates from concept through closeout, not just contributed to one phase. Demonstrating that you have owned cost models, defended numbers to stakeholders, and caught errors that saved a project budget sets you apart. Certifications like the AACE Certified Estimating Professional and a portfolio of complex, high-value projects also signal readiness for a senior role.
Which companies hire senior level senior cost estimators?
Companies hiring senior level senior cost estimators right now include Connico, Turner & Townsend, and Leland Saylor Associates, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. At this level, hiring tends to come from large general contractors, engineering and construction management firms, and owner organizations running capital-intensive infrastructure or industrial programs.
Are there remote senior level senior cost estimator jobs?
Yes, though availability varies by industry and project type. About 32% of senior level senior cost estimator openings are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, with fully remote positions most common in owner-side and program management roles where site presence is not required day to day.
What makes a senior cost estimator role senior level?
Senior level roles carry full ownership of the estimate process, including scope development, subcontractor analysis, risk contingency, and executive presentation. At this stage, you are expected to set methodology standards, review and approve the work of junior estimators, and advise project managers on cost exposure. The scope is broader, the stakes are higher, and independent judgment replaces close supervision.
Which industries hire the most senior level senior cost estimators?
Senior level senior cost estimator roles concentrate in Consulting & Professional Services, Construction & Real Estate, and Technology & Software, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. These sectors drive demand because their projects are capital-intensive, schedules are long, and the financial consequences of estimate errors are significant enough to justify experienced, senior-level estimating talent.