Sr. Project Estimator (Domestic and International Opportunities)
About this role
This is an evergreen posting to express interest in upcoming opportunities. While there may not be an immediate opening at this time, applications submitted through this posting will be reviewed and considered as positions become available.
At Universal Creative, we design, develop and deliver the most compelling entertainment experiences imaginable to drive growth for Universal Parks & Resorts worldwide. Our innovative attractions, immersive theme parks and world-class resorts fuse art and technology to create new standards in the themed entertainment industry.
Our Team Members are the driving force behind Universal Creative. With their diverse skills and forward-thinking ideas, our team pushes us beyond the boundaries of what’s possible to achieve the extraordinary. Together, we’re creating a Universe of fun, always ensuring the next thing we do is better than the last thing we did.
JOB SUMMARY:
Generates project estimates for all projects ranging from new attractions, retail, restaurants, and resort hotels to entirely new theme parks. Completes subsequent estimating activities as projects progress through design and construction, to compare to budget. Manages the estimating process for large scopes of work. Responsible for all components of the project to include Facility, Show, Ride, Soft Costs and other project costs.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Collaborates on project estimates for projects including estimate refinements prepared by the individual project estimators or outside estimating firms. Reviews continually evolving design documents and estimates to ensure the projects are tracking on budget.
- Assists project team with contractor and vendor change order negotiation.
- Performs function of lead estimator for large scopes of work, which requires supervision of in-house or contracted estimating resources, as scope of work indicates.
- Develops RFP cost breakdowns for Facility, Show and Ride bids. Works with project team to establish bid alternates. Provides post-bid cost analysis and award recommendation.
- Works with project team to identify project trends/risks and provides estimated values. Leads the management of risk throughout project lifecycles.
- Works with Finance to establish proper budget breakdown and associated budget codes for management and reporting.
- Works with project team to establish work package/buyout plan.
- Prepares budget estimate summaries and presents to Senior Leadership.
- Participates in Contractor subcontractor buy-out process, providing owner representation/oversight.
- Researches market conditions for cost trends and local means and methods (both locally and internationally). Develops location cost factors and escalation factors. Analyzes Universal Creative historical costs and disseminates to appropriate year and location. Incorporates current and historic costs into a central database. Develops comparisons for various attractions and non-attraction facilities.
- Creates “value engineering” (VE) components with the project team to mitigate cost overruns.
- Identifies, tracks and records key project metrics for input into UC historical database.
- Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UDX policy, procedures, training and team member involvement activities.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Individual must be capable of presenting cost estimates to upper management positions and third-party clients, including the Executive Project Director, Senior Vice President of Attraction Development, and the President of Universal Creative.
EDUCATION:
Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineer in related business fields is required. Master’s degree in Construction Management or Business Administration preferred.
EXPERIENCE:
7+ years’ on-site construction and estimating experience on retail, food, hotel, theme parks and themed entertainment projects, knowledge of show and ride estimating, and facility impacts required. 10+ years’ on-site construction and estimating experience for owners and/or contractors for in the Resort/Entertainment field of commercial construction; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Your talent, skills and experience will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package.
Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2026 Universal Studios. © 2026 Universal Orlando. All rights reserved. EOE
Company at a glance
For years, we’ve been creating a legacy of unforgettable experiences for our Guests. Our Guests are immersed into the sights and sounds of some of the greatest movies and most legendary stories, and our Team Members are the ones who help make those incredible experiences come alive. Our Team Members realize that delivering world-class service is more than just an expectation… It’s The Universal Way. It’s who we are. It’s what we do. And it’s the reason we strive to be recognized as the number one entertainment destination in the world.
As a part of the COMCAST NBCUniversal family, we are as committed as ever to continuing to build spectacular experiences based on the most compelling and dynamic movies, books and TV franchises in the universe. We are poised for growth and success and are focused on the future. Our Team Members not only deliver experiences of a lifetime, they create them!
At Universal Orlando Resort™, we create a balanced and rewarding work environment while encouraging individual growth and development. As a Team Member, we’ll partner with you to help identify your personal goals and provide career guidance. Best of all, it’s our philosophy to always try and promote from within first. Now, what could be more promising than that!
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