Lead Project Cost Estimator - Los Angeles, CA

Lead Project Cost Estimator – Los Angeles, CA

Full-Time | On-Site | Los Angeles, CA

Every day at CMTS, our team delivers infrastructure projects that positively impact lives and communities. With over 42 years of industry experience, CMTS has built a strong foundation for continued success, providing project and construction management services to public and private clients nationwide.

We value our employees by fostering a culture of learning, professional development, and collaboration. CMTS is committed to maintaining a work environment that emphasizes integrity, accountability, and teamwork while supporting work-life balance and employee well-being. Our teams are empowered to grow, contribute, and make a meaningful impact through the work they do.

CMTS is seeking an experienced Lead Project Cost Estimator to lead and supervise a team of estimators supporting major capital construction projects. This role is responsible for preparing, reviewing, and managing construction cost estimates throughout all phases of project development, including conceptual estimating, design review, change order analysis, claims evaluation, and budget management.

The Lead Project Cost Estimator will serve as a key resource for project teams, providing independent cost analyses, supporting negotiations, reviewing contractor proposals, and ensuring cost estimates are accurate, comprehensive, and aligned with project objectives. This position also collaborates with architects, engineers, contractors, and public agencies to support successful project delivery and funding efforts.

Candidates must meet one of the following qualification requirements:

Option 1

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field from a recognized college or university
• Fourteen (14) or more years of full-time paid professional experience preparing complete cost estimates for major and complex Type I, II, III, and V building construction projects
• Three (3) or more years of full-time paid experience supervising estimators
• Five (5) or more years of experience working for a construction cost consulting firm

OR

Option 2

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

• Extensive experience preparing conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction cost estimates
• Strong knowledge of current local construction labor and material pricing
• Experience developing independent cost estimates for large-scale school or public infrastructure projects
• Ability to analyze contractor proposals and identify pricing discrepancies
• Experience preparing and evaluating change order estimates and claims analyses
• Knowledge of construction contracts, bidding procedures, and procurement processes
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Experience supervising and mentoring estimating staff
• Proficiency with construction estimating software and Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to collaborate effectively with project teams, consultants, contractors, and stakeholders
• Preferred Qualifications
• Experience supporting K-12 school construction programs
• Experience with PM/CM project delivery methods
• Experience securing or supporting State and Federal funding applications
• Professional certifications related to cost estimating, construction management, or project controls
• Experience reviewing contractor claims and participating in negotiations

• Lead and supervise a team of estimators, including assigning daily work activities and providing technical guidance
• Plan, prepare, and review construction cost estimates for buildings and other structures based on plans, specifications, and project requirements
• Prepare and review documentation required to support State and Federal grants, loans, and funding opportunities
• Review cost estimates prepared by architects, engineers, and consultants for accuracy, completeness, and consistency
• Coordinate with architects and engineers to resolve estimate discrepancies and establish agreed-upon project costs
• Conduct cost studies and prepare reports when contractor bids differ significantly from established estimates
• Review contractor cost breakdowns and recommend approval or rejection for progress payments
• Analyze change orders and evaluate proposed additions, deductions, and credits
• Prepare and review independent cost estimates for assigned projects
• Develop and maintain procedures related to cost estimating, project approvals, and public bidding processes
• Maintain cost databases, historical records,…