Program Planning Estimator (PH/IA)

The Program Estimator serves as a strategic cost leader for the Disney Cruise Line Islands & Destinations Planning Portfolio, producing multi-level construction estimates with an emphasis on conceptual and early-stage planning. This role enables informed decision-making by aligning cost, scope, and schedule across complex facility development programs. The position partners closely with project teams, Integrated Facility Planning (IFP), and executive stakeholders to drive cost accuracy, market alignment, and disciplined change management throughout the project lifecycle—from concept through closeout, including contractor negotiations and final settlements. This is a temporary assignment with no guarantee of permanent placement.

Responsibilities

• Cost Planning & Estimating
  • Develop ROM, conceptual, design development, and construction estimates for facility renovations, modifications, and new builds
  • Provide cost guidance during design reviews, identifying risks, gaps, and opportunities to inform scope decisions
  • Support long-range program forecasting in partnership with IFP and project teams
• Project Integration & Decision Support
  • Collaborate cross-functionally to align scope, budget, and schedule assumptions across projects
  • Identify key decision points and trade-offs impacting cost and program delivery
  • Contribute to scope development, bid strategies, and procurement requirements
• Change Management & Commercial Strategy
  • Lead the financial evaluation of change orders, ensuring compliance with contract terms and alignment with fair market value
  • Analyze contractor cost breakdowns and negotiate equitable settlements for scope changes
  • Review and validate contractor schedules of values and pricing structures
• Market Intelligence & Reporting
  • Maintain awareness of market conditions, cost trends, and regional factors (including Caribbean/Bahamas considerations)
  • Conduct cost benchmarking and statistical analysis using historical and industry data
  • Produce reports and insights to support leadership decisions and portfolio performance tracking
• Stakeholder Leadership & Governance
  • Build and maintain strong partnerships with internal stakeholders, consultants, and contractors
  • Manage external estimating consultants to ensure consistency and quality of deliverables
  • Support development of estimating standards, operating guidelines, and performance metrics
  • Influence and communicate effectively with executive leadership

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in engineering, construction management, or commercial construction estimating
• Proven experience in quantity surveying and multi-discipline estimating (including MEP exposure)
• Strong understanding of contracting strategies, negotiation practices, and commercial terms
• Knowledge of construction methodologies, sequencing, and schedule integration
• Experience with project planning and cost management tools/software
• Background in facility management or infrastructure projects
• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, related field or equivalent experience

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of building codes and regulatory requirements
• Experience estimating projects in the Bahamas, Caribbean, or similar remote/island environments

Pay

The hiring range for this position in Celebration, FL is $110,000 to $147,500 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.