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Director of Estimating

CBRE Government and Defense Services

Remote · USJob$130–170K/yrSeen 1mo agoSeen in employer's feed 2 days ago

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At a glance

Compensation
$130–170K/yr
Location
Remote · US
Work Authorization
Not specified

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Requirements

Credentials this posting asks for.

Secret clearanceBachelor's degree

Job overview

The Director of Estimating leads the estimating team, sets performance expectations, establishes standards, owns cost estimate quality, develops labor build‑up methodology, oversees subcontractor quotes, collaborates with pricing, improves tools, conducts post‑award reviews, ensures DCAA audit readiness, and represents the function in proposal kickoffs and leadership briefings.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

FAR Part 15 Cost EstimatingBOE Documentation StandardsDCAA Audit ExpectationsSCA Wage DeterminationsConstruction Cost Estimating MethodologiesRS MeansPAXUSDavis‑Bacon Act ComplianceMicrosoft ExcelDeltek CostpointAnalytical SkillsAttention to DetailWritten CommunicationLeadership

Qualifications

Bachelor's DegreeMaster's DegreeDegree in Finance, Accounting, Business or Related Field10 Years Experience5+ Years ExperienceMicrosoft CertificationsActive Secret Clearance

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Full job description

Description

Job Summary

The Director of Estimating reports to the Finance Director and owns the estimating function end to end: cost model inputs, BOE quality, SCA compliance, subcontractor quote evaluation, and the standards that govern how every number in a proposal is developed and documented. You will lead a team of Estimators supporting a diverse portfolio of FFP, CPFF, T&M, and construction task order contracts across DoD installations. This role requires a leader who sets high standards, enforces them consistently, and develops their team's capability over time — not someone who simply manages workflow.

Primary Job Functions

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Lead the Estimating team: set performance expectations, conduct regular work product reviews, and hold each team member accountable to BOE and cost model quality standards.

  • Establish and enforce estimating standards across all contract types: BOE format requirements, source citation rules, estimating method documentation, and cost model version control protocols.

  • Own the quality of every cost estimate that advances to the Pricing team — estimates that leave this function must be complete, traceable, and audit-ready on day one.

  • Develop labor build-up methodology and maintain the labor category architecture, including SCA Wage Determination application standards for all covered positions.

  • Oversee subcontractor quote solicitation processes; ensure price reasonableness determinations are complete, documented, and defensible.

  • Designate and develop construction estimating specialists within the team; maintain close working relationships with construction Operations as a technical input source while preserving Finance independence.

  • Partner with the Director of Pricing to ensure seamless, documented handoff between estimating inputs and pricing outputs at each proposal tollgate.

  • Lead the development and continuous improvement of the team's estimating tools, templates, and data library.

  • Conduct post-award cost model accuracy reviews: compare proposed vs. actual costs on awarded contracts and use findings to improve estimating methodology.

  • Manage the estimating function's contribution to DCAA audit readiness; ensure BOE documentation always meets audit standards.

  • Represent the estimating function in proposal kickoffs, tollgate reviews, and leadership briefings.

Education, Experience and Certification

Required/Preferred

Education Level

Description

Required

Preferred

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree

Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business or a related field.

Advanced degree in related field.

Required/Preferred

Years of Experience

Description

Required

Required

10 years

5+ years

Experience in cost estimating experience in a GovCon environment with direct ownership of BOE development and cost model quality.

Experience in a team leadership role with demonstrated ability to set and hold standards across a team

Required/Preferred

License/Certification

Description

Preferred

Preferred

Certification

N/A

Microsoft Certifications

Active Secret Clearance or ability to obtain.

Working Conditions

  • Remote role with standard business hours; additional time may be required during peak periods.

  • Occasional travel may be necessary for leadership meetings or audits.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Deep knowledge of FAR Part 15 cost estimating requirements, BOE documentation standards, and DCAA audit expectations.

  • Hands-on expertise with SCA Wage Determinations and their application to labor cost development across multiple contract sites.

  • Experience with construction cost estimating methodologies, including unit price books (RS Means, PAXUS, or equivalent) and Davis-Bacon Act compliance, strongly preferred.

  • Demonstrated track record of improving estimating quality — not just managing output but measurably raising the standard of what the team produces.

  • Proficiency in Excel-based cost modeling; experience with Deltek Costpoint or comparable GovCon ERP.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel including formula-based analysis, pivot tables, and structured data management.

  • Strong analytical skills and attention to detail; ability to identify and flag inconsistencies in cost data.

  • Strong written communication skills; ability to produce clear tables, summaries, and supporting narratives.

  • Facilities management or operations and maintenance GovCon experience strongly preferred.

Financial Responsibilities

Yes

People Management

Yes

Travel Requirements

  • Up to 10 %

Disclaimer

CBRE Government Services thrilled at the opportunity for you to apply to one of our roles. The base salary range for this position is $130,000- $170,000. This position may also be eligible for a wide range of competitive benefits that can include but not limited to: medical, well-being, financial planning and short-term incentives benefits.

This description is not intended to be an “all inclusive” list of the accountabilities of the job described. Rather, it describes the general nature of the job. In addition, some aspects of this job may change over time, according to business needs, and these changes may not be recorded immediately. The requirements stated represent the minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities to qualify and satisfactorily perform this job.

THIS DOCUMENT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS CREATING A CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT BETWEEN J&J WORLDWIDE SERVICES AND ANY OF ITS EMPLOYEES OR OTHERWISE ALTERING AN EMPLOYEE’S AT WILL EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP WITH J&J WORLDWIDE SERVICES.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.

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