Job Function:
Project/Program Management Group
Job Sub Function:
Project/Program Management
Job Category:
Professional
All Job Posting Locations:
Malvern, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Job Description:
J&J E&PS is recruiting for a Sr Manager, Project Controls (Estimator), to be located in Malvern, PA.
A pre-identified candidate for consideration has been identified. However, all applications will be considered.
The Senior Estimator will provide specialized cost estimating and preconstruction leadership for life science facilities. This role works within the E&PS Team to develop accurate, defensible budgets for build-outs, renovations, and new construction that meet regulatory, process, and operational requirements typical of cGMP and highly controlled environments.
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform complete quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for life science projects, including cleanrooms, laboratories, aseptic processing, GMP production suites, and specialized utilities (WFI, pure steam, process chilled water, clean utilities).
- Develop detailed trade-by-trade cost breakdowns, assemblies, and unit-price estimates reflecting life science technical requirements (stainless process piping, pharmaceutical finishes, HVAC systems, gowning areas, pass-throughs, containment systems, etc.).
- Incorporate validation, qualification, and commissioning activities into estimates (IQ/OQ/PQ, FAT/SAT, startup support), and quantify time and resource impacts for validation teams and 3rd-party vendors.
- Coordinate with process engineers, facility managers, quality/validation leads, and owners’ representatives to clarify scope, acceptance criteria, and sequencing that impacts cost and schedule.
- Provide detailed cost support required for TVD/DTV process.
- Lead constructability reviews and value-engineering sessions focused on maintaining compliance while optimizing cost and schedule.
- Maintain and expand life science–specific historical cost databases, material/unit cost libraries, and estimating templates; track pricing trends for critical components (stainless piping, lab casework, HVAC filtration).
- Support post-award activities including buyout support, change order pricing, and reconciliation of estimates to actuals.
Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor’s or equivalent university degree in Construction Management, Mechanical/Civil Engineering or Architecture is required.
Experience and Skills:
Required:
- 6-8 years of progressive estimating experience with a minimum of 4–5 years focused on life science, pharmaceutical, biotech, or laboratory construction projects.
- Vast experience with the 21Tab structure.
- Have vast experience using the Indent Technique in MEP estimating.
- Demonstrated knowledge of cGMP facility requirements, cleanroom classifications, and validation/commissioning cost drivers.
Preferred:
- Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) or equivalent certification (AACE, ICEAA).
- Experience estimating modular skids, prefabricated systems, and vendor-supplied process equipment for life science use.
- Familiarity with project delivery methods common in life sciences (design-build, EPC, CMAR) and owner-led capital programs.
- Understanding of local and international regulatory expectations impacting facility design/cost (FDA, EMA, PIC/S) and environmental controls.
- Proficiency reading and interpreting mechanical, electrical, process, and architectural drawings and specifications for process-centric facilities.
- Strong experience with takeoff and estimating tools (e.g., On-Screen Takeoff, PlanSwift, or equivalent) and advanced Excel modeling.
- Proven ability to price complex MEP systems, process piping, HVAC filtration/pressurization, and specialty finishes.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; experience preparing executive-level estimate summaries and presenting to technical and commercial stakeholders.
- Strong analytical, negotiation, and time-management skills; ability to work under bid pressure and manage multiple priorities.
Other:
- Willingness to travel to job sites, vendor locations, and manufacturing facilities as required.
Required Skills:
Preferred Skills:
Agile Decision Making, Agility Jumps, Analytics Insights, Business Alignment, Continuous Improvement, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Leadership, Organizational Project Management, Organizing, Program Management, Project Management Methodology (PMM), Project Management Office (PMO), Project Management Tools, Project Reporting, Statement of Work (SOW), Technical Credibility
