Lead Project Cost Estimator

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

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.

• 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.

Candidates may qualify through one of the following pathways:

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…