Estimator/Quantity Surveyor– Infrastructure Solutions – AMER
Position Summary
The Estimator / Quantity Surveyor is responsible for developing, validating, and managing project cost estimates to support strong cost control and optimal financial performance across the project lifecycle. This role leverages deep construction, estimating, and commercial expertise to provide accurate cost planning, bid analysis, and change order support for complex data center and mission‑critical infrastructure projects. The Estimator / Quantity Surveyor collaborates closely with Engineering, Construction, Operations, Finance, and Sales to ensure cost accuracy, competitiveness, and financial discipline.
Responsibilities
Cost Estimating & Market Analysis
- Research and analyze regional labor and material pricing using published indices, supplier data, and market intelligence.
- Prepare accurate and detailed construction cost estimates in collaboration with functional engineers across all project phases (conceptual, budgetary, and detailed).
- Establish estimate Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) aligned with project budgets and cost reporting systems.
- Maintain estimating assumptions, scope clarifications, and exclusions to support estimate transparency and auditability.
Bid Analysis & Commercial Reviews
- Prepare detailed bid comparisons and analyses for internal and external review.
- Lead or support estimate and bid review sessions with project teams and senior management.
- Perform peer reviews of estimates developed by other Vertiv functional teams supporting data center project solutions.
Change Order & Claim Management
- Manage the change order process from a financial and commercial perspective, including:
- Reviewing, developing, and validating change order claims
- Negotiating with suppliers and customers to achieve the best financial outcome
- Review, negotiate, and approve contractor progress claims in alignment with contract terms and project status.
- Ensure approved changes are fully reflected in project cost plans and financial forecasts.
Procurement Support
- Process and support RFPs, RFQs, and internal pricing requests.
- Collaborate with Sourcing, Construction, and Operations teams to ensure cost efficiency and competitive supplier pricing.
Cost Planning & Reporting
- Work with Finance and operating departments to develop and maintain a robust, integrated cost plan.
- Establish, maintain, and continuously improve a historical cost database to support future data center solutions and benchmarking.
- Partner with the Program Manager to prepare monthly project reports related to estimating activities, trends, and risk areas.
Additional Responsibilities
- Apply sound knowledge of general construction methods and best practices.
- Collaborate with Vertiv Engineering and Manufacturing teams to understand customized modular data center solutions and cost drivers.
- Maintain and promote a professional Vertiv brand image with customers, suppliers, and industry partners.
Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Construction Management or a related field
- Professional certifications are preferred (e.g., MRICS, PMP, Chartered Engineer, or equivalent)
- 7+ years of experience in a senior estimating or quantity surveying role
- Demonstrated success producing cost estimates for large, complex commercial or industrial facilities
- Strong experience in data centers, mission‑critical facilities, and MEP‑intensive projects
- Proven background managing:
- Bid and tender evaluations
- Contractor’s progress claims
- Financial and commercial change orders
- Experience supporting internal clients and managing external vendors in a matrixed environment
Technical Skills
- Advanced knowledge of general construction, with strength in:
- Data center technologies
- Electrical, mechanical, and plumbing (MEP) systems
- Proficiency in estimating and project controls software, including:
- AccuBid (or similar estimating tools)
- BlueBeam
- Primavera P6 and/or MS Project
- +MS Office, particularly Excel for cost modeling and analysis
- Working knowledge of project scheduling concepts and schedule‑to‑cost integration
- High attention to detail with a strong focus on numerical accuracy
Commercial & Analytical Skills
- Strong negotiation skills with demonstrated commercial judgment
- Able to clearly communicate complex technical and financial concepts
- Effective public speaker in both formal presentations and impromptu discussions
- Demonstrates professionalism, diplomacy, and tact in high‑pressure environments
- Well‑organized, able to prioritize work, and meet aggressive deadlines
- Strong customer‑focused mindset with a collaborative working style
Key Interactions
- Suppliers: Drive cost efficiency and support commercial negotiations
- Customers: Support revenue optimization and transparent pricing
- Internal Teams: Construction, Sourcing, Operations, Engineering, Finance
- Sales & Sales Management: Provide estimating and pricing support for pursuit and sales activities
- Industry Contacts: Stay current on tools, cost data, technologies, and construction market trends
Working Conditions
- Domestic role with partial site assignment during construction phases
- Variable working hours, including occasional after‑hours support
- This description reflects the general scope of the role and is not intended to be exhaustive
Additional Eligibility Requirements
- Valid Driver’s License
- Eligible to obtain a passport
- Willingness to travel up to ~50% during construction phases
The successful candidate will embrace Vertiv’s Core Principals & Behaviors to help execute our Strategic Priorities.
OUR CORE PRINCIPALS: Safety. Integrity. Respect. Teamwork. Diversity & Inclusion.
OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
- Customer Focus
- Operational Excellence
- High-Performance Culture
- Innovation
- Financial Strength
OUR BEHAVIORS
- Own It
- Act With Urgency
- Foster a Customer-First Mindset
- Think Big and Execute
- Lead by Example
- Drive Continuous Improvement
- Learn and Seek Out Development
- Promote Transparent & Open Communication
At Vertiv, we offer the stability of a global leader in a growing industry and the opportunity of a startup. We design, manufacture and service the mission-critical infrastructure technologies for vital applications in data centers, communication networks and commercial and industrial environments. With $8.0 billion in sales, a strong customer base and global reach in nearly 130 countries, our move to establish a standalone business enables us to deliver greater value to our customers and create new opportunities for our people.
Vertiv is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We promote equal opportunities for all with respect to hiring, terms of employment, mobility, training, compensation, and occupational health, without discrimination as to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression (including transgender status or sexual stereotypes), genetic information, citizenship status, national origin, protected veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, you can request help by sending an email to help.join@vertivco.com . If you are interested in applying or learning more about this role, please visit the company’s career page located on Vertiv.com/Careers
Work Authorization
No calls or agencies please. Vertiv will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, or TN or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.
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