Special Projects Estimating Lead

Overview

Microsoft Cloud Operations and Innovation (CO&I) is the team behind the cloud.  Within CO&I, the Engineering Procurement & Construction (EPC) organization is responsible for delivering core datacenter infrastructure for Microsoft’s cloud business. The MS portfolio consists of complex, multi-disciplinary, large scale, multi-year datacenter construction and lease projects. We are looking for a passionate, high-energy individual to help build the cloud datacenters that power the world’s largest online services.

“Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.”

The Special Projects Estimating Lead directs cost estimating and cost management for assigned strategic, innovative and first-of-a-kind global technology and datacenter projects. The portfolio includes Lease Negotiations, Lease Fit-Out PORs, TSS support, operational requests, AGC support, and IPE labor and market intelligence feasibility studies. Assignments may span new technology, Lease, CTO, Azure and other first-of-a-kind programs, from early options and feasibility through delivery and commercial closeout.

Lead global estimating across lease negotiations, fit-out PORs, operational upgrades, IPE feasibility studies, and first-of-a-kind technologies, providing cost intelligence that enables informed investment and delivery decisions. Drive estimate development, validation, benchmarking, and change assessments by evaluating scope, labor, market conditions, risk, contingency, CAPEX/OPEX impacts, and delivery constraints.

Ensure consistent, transparent, and data-driven estimating through annual DC model baselining, regional alignment, market calibration, and disciplined reconciliation, delivering actionable cost options, negotiation strategies, and reliable estimates that support Microsoft’s global data center portfolio.

The position reports directly to the Global Director of Estimating, with dotted-line interactions with Regional Project Estimators and Cost Managers to exchange lessons learned, validate assumptions and maintain consistency. It serves as the internal and external estimating point of contact for its assigned portfolio, partnering with engineering, construction, security, networking and operations.

This role is located either in one or all hub locations - Atlanta, GA, Redmond, WA, San Antonio, TX or Phoenix, AZ. Relocation support will be provided, and successful candidates must ​relocate or reside within 50 miles of the hub office location. This role is eligible for hybrid work, up to 25%

Responsibilities

• 10 years’ experience managing the estimating or commercials on a major construction portfolio.
• Deep commercial knowledge of construction internationally.
• Good communication skills, ability to collaborate with all other areas of the data center program, being able to think strategically, ability to build the trust of our construction partners needed to agree very large construction contracts.
• Must possess a clear understanding of the full Construction Life Cycle
• Capability to perform all forms and types of estimates from parametric to bottoms up and high level what-if scenarios.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving skills beyond estimating practice.
• Develop, maintain, and report out on project scope, schedule, and budget with cost as the main driver in those conversations.
• Strong analytical, creative thinking, written, and verbal communications skills.
• Cross-group collaborator and influencer across teams and organizations with proven success in participating in cross-functional teams to deliver on key projects.
• Should be able to work within a dynamic team of full-time employees and consultants.
• High personal standard to deliver a thoughtful, polished, and quality work estimate &/or any other report-out deliverable.

Qualifications

• Required Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Construction Project Management, Architecture, Engineering, or related field AND 12+ years related experience OR equivalent experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Construction Project Management, Architecture, Engineering, or related field AND 15+ years related experience OR equivalent experience.
• 15+ years experience working on data center projects.
• Background Check Requirements: Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings:
• Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.
• #COICareers | #EPCCareers | #DCDCareers

Construction Project Management IC6 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $130,900 - $277,200 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $165,600 - $303,600 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.