Overview In this role you drive cost governance and estimating excellence for the Port Authority's multibillion-dollar capital program. You lead the Engineering Estimating function, shaping cost accuracy, transparency, and decision-support across projects from terminals to bridges and PATH modernization. You collaborate with engineering, PMO, and leadership to embed cost intelligence throughout planning and delivery. This is a mission-driven leadership opportunity to advance resilient, large-scale infrastructure. You will guide digital estimation practices and risk-informed budgeting to enable informed procurement and project success.
Compensation / Benefits- hybrid work options
- competitive benefits package
- career development opportunities
- professional environment
- recognition of achievement
Responsibilities- Set the estimating strategy, standards, and long-term vision for the organization
- Provide executive guidance on cost implications, budget validation, and project feasibility
- Support capital planning and financial forecasting through cost intelligence
- Develop and maintain standardized estimating methodologies, tools, templates, and workflows
- Oversee conceptual, preliminary, and detailed estimates for projects
- Conduct independent estimate reviews for high-risk or high-value programs
- Maintain cost database with historical data, benchmarks, and market trends
- Monitor escalation factors, commodity pricing, and supply-chain conditions
- Provide cost modeling, quantity takeoffs, risk analysis, and contingency development guidance
- Identify cost drivers, scope gaps, and estimate risks with project teams
- Collaborate across engineering, PMO, finance, procurement, and leadership
- Participate in design reviews, kickoff meetings, and bid evaluations
- Provide input during contract negotiations and procurement planning
- Lead cost-risk assessments and scenario modeling for informed decisions
- Recommend contingencies and risk-mitigation approaches
- Support project controls in monitoring cost performance and variances
- Manage, mentor, and develop the estimating team; provide training on tools and trends
- Champion adoption of BIM-integrated estimating, cost-modeling automation, and digital delivery workflows
- Collaborate with Digital Solutions to enhance data-driven estimating practices
Key requirements- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or related field
- 15+ years of experience on large-scale engineering or infrastructure projects with multi-disciplinary cost estimating
- 10+ years of progressive supervisory experience managing senior to mid-level staff
- Experience with estimating software (e.g., HCSS, Bluebeam)
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office; strong Excel modeling and data analytics
- Experience with BIM-linked estimating, WBS structures, and historical cost databases
- Independent cost validation for billion-dollar programs and integration with design and digital tools
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Understanding of government service and cost governance
- Familiarity with infrastructure construction in New York City area
- Preferred certifications like CPE or equivalent (ASPE/AACE/RICS)
- Strategic leadership
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Effective communication
- Cost estimation and modeling
- Cost governance and QA processes
- Risk analysis and contingency development
