[Hiring] Director of Estimating @CBRE Government & Defense Services

Role Description

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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business or a related field (Required)
• Master’s Degree in a related field (Preferred)
• 10 years of cost estimating experience in a GovCon environment with direct ownership of BOE development and cost model quality (Required)
• 5+ years of experience in a team leadership role with demonstrated ability to set and hold standards across a team (Required)
• Microsoft Certifications (Preferred)
• Active Secret Clearance or ability to obtain (Preferred)

Requirements

• 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.

Benefits

• Base salary range: $130,000 - $170,000
• Eligibility for a wide range of competitive benefits including medical, well-being, financial planning, and short-term incentives benefits.

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.