Cost Estimator, Data Center Construction

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SummaryBell's AI Fabric program is focused on planning and delivering scalable, mission-critical data centre infrastructure. The Cost Estimator will provide early-stage cost planning and estimating support when potential projects, sites, expansions, or major scope packages are first identified. Working with limited and evolving information, the role will develop high-level capital cost estimates to support opportunity screening, business cases, funding decisions, portfolio planning, and executive decision-making.
Reporting to the Director, Program Controls, the role will establish estimate assumptions, document the Basis of Estimate, identify major cost drivers and exclusions, recommend appropriate contingency, progressively refine estimates as scope matures, and independently review external estimates.
Key Responsibilities
Early-Stage Project Estimating
Develop conceptual, order-of-magnitude, Class D, and Class C estimates for newly identified projects, sites, expansions, and major infrastructure packages.
Translate preliminary business, capacity, technical, site, and schedule requirements into an initial capital cost range.
Prepare estimates using parametric models, historical benchmarks, unit rates, allowances, and comparable project data.
Update estimates at project-development gates as scope, design, schedule, procurement strategy, and market information mature.
Compare alternative sites, capacities, phasing plans, technical solutions, and delivery strategies.
Basis of Estimate & Scope Definition
Prepare Basis of Estimate documents covering scope, methodology, assumptions, inclusions, exclusions, qualifications, escalation, contingency, and estimate accuracy.
Coordinate with Engineering, Land Development, Procurement, Construction, Operations, Finance, and Project Delivery to validate inputs and scope boundaries.
Develop cost breakdown structures aligned with the program WBS and cost-control framework.
Identify scope gaps, interfaces, owner-furnished equipment, enabling works, temporary works, utility requirements, and operational-readiness costs.
Cost Planning, Benchmarking & Risk
Maintain cost models, historical data, unit rates, benchmarks, escalation assumptions, and estimating templates.
Normalize costs across sites, capacities, locations, delivery models, and estimate dates.
Identify uncertainty, cost risks, opportunities, and major cost drivers.
Recommend contingency appropriate to scope and design maturity.
Perform sensitivity and scenario analysis for capacity, phasing, schedule, escalation, site conditions, equipment strategy, and utility scope.
Market Intelligence & Estimate Validation
Coordinate budget quotations for major equipment, construction packages, professional services, and long-lead items.
Monitor relevant labour, material, equipment, logistics, and construction-market trends.
Review consultant, contractor, designer, and vendor estimates for completeness, consistency, and reasonableness.
Reconcile estimate versions and explain changes in scope, quantities, rates, escalation, contingency, and exclusions.
Business Cases, Governance & Reporting
Provide cost inputs for business cases, capital plans, funding requests, and executive decision materials.
Prepare concise estimate summaries showing cost range, assumptions, exclusions, contingency, risks, and principal cost drivers.
Present recommendations to the Director, Program Controls, project leaders, Finance, and executive stakeholders.
Support the Director, Program Controls in launching and implementing estimating processes, standards, templates, tools, and governance routines.
Maintain an estimate register showing status, maturity, version, approval basis, and next update.
Estimate Handover to Cost Control
Provide the approved estimate, Basis of Estimate, cost breakdown, assumptions, exclusions, escalation, contingency, risk allowances, and reconciliation history.
Map the estimate into approved cost codes, control accounts, and reporting structures with Cost Control.
Support initial budget baselining and clarify estimate assumptions during execution planning.
Use actual costs and variances from Cost Control to improve future benchmarks and estimates.
Critical Qualifications
Experience in capital cost estimating, cost planning, quantity surveying, project controls, commercial management, construction management, or a related discipline.
Ability to develop credible high-level estimates from limited and evolving information.
Understanding of conceptual, Class D, Class C, and progressively detailed estimating methodologies.
Experience preparing Basis of Estimate documentation and identifying assumptions, exclusions, allowances, escalation, contingency, and cost risk.
Strong analytical and financial skills, including advanced spreadsheet modelling and cost analysis.
Ability to review external estimates, challenge assumptions constructively, and communicate with executives.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting data centre, mission-critical, telecommunications, industrial, energy, or large infrastructure projects.
Familiarity with data centre site development, design, procurement, construction, commissioning, operational readiness, and handover.
Knowledge of electrical, mechanical, cooling, utility, building‑shell, white‑space, network, and security infrastructure.
Experience with estimating software, cost databases, Power BI, Primavera P6, SAP, EcoSys, or similar tools.
Professional designation or certification such as CCP, CEP, PQS, RICS, PMP, or equivalent.
Adequate knowledge of French is required for positions in Quebec.
Additional Information:Position Type:
Management
Job Status:
Regular - Full Time
For work arrangements that are ‘Hybrid’, successful candidates must be based in Canada and report to a set Bell office for a minimum of 3 days a week. Recognizing the importance of work‑life balance, Bell offers flexibility in work hours based on the business needs.
We know that caring for our team members is at the heart of a healthy, positive and thriving workplace. As part of our team, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes a competitive salary and a wide range of benefits to support the well‑being of you and your family. As soon as you join us, you'll be eligible for medical, dental, vision and mental health benefits that you can tailor to your specific needs. Plus, as a Bell team member, you'll enjoy a 35% discount on our services and access exclusive offers from our partners.
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