Job Details

Cost Estimator - San Francisco, CA

Salary: $90,000 – $130,000

Fortiva are partnering with a leading Owner's Representative and construction consultancy to appoint a Cost Estimator to support a diverse portfolio of projects across multiple sectors.

This is an excellent opportunity for a detail-oriented professional to play a key role in delivering accurate cost advice and supporting financial decision-making across the full lifecycle of construction projects.

Position Overview

The Cost Estimator will be responsible for delivering independent cost management services across multiple projects of varying scale and complexity. This includes developing estimates, reviewing change orders, supporting feasibility studies, and providing ongoing cost analysis to ensure projects remain aligned with budget and commercial objectives.

You will work closely with project teams and clients, providing insight, identifying risks, and highlighting opportunities to enhance value and improve project outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare conceptual, schematic, and detailed cost estimates
• Develop and maintain cost plans and budgeting strategies
• Review and assess change orders, variations, and contractor bids
• Conduct quantity take-offs from drawings and specifications
• Support value engineering, life cycle costing, and sustainability analysis
• Analyze labor, material, and time requirements to produce accurate estimates
• Identify cost risks and provide recommendations to mitigate impact
• Produce cost reports, benchmarking data, and financial summaries
• Maintain and update cost databases and historical cost information
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure alignment
• Present findings and cost advice clearly to clients and project teams

Candidate Profile

We are seeking a commercially aware and technically capable professional with a strong foundation in construction estimating and cost planning.

• Degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or related discipline
• Experience in cost estimating, cost planning, and cost control within construction
• Background across commercial, institutional, or industrial sectors, particularly vertical construction
• Strong understanding of both early-stage estimating and detailed pricing
• Experience with procurement processes such as CMGC/GCCM is advantageous
• Proficiency in estimating software, on-screen takeoff tools, and BIM environments
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills

Professional certifications are considered a plus.

Why This Role

• Opportunity to work across diverse, high-impact construction projects
• Collaborative, client-focused consultancy environment
• Strong exposure to both preconstruction and live project cost management
• Clear pathway for professional development and progression