Program Planning Estimator (PH/IA)
Job Summary:
Every day at Disney Cruise Line we take pride in bringing the magic of Disney to life. We find joy in creating cherished memories and form genuine connections with our guests. We hold each other to the highest degree and always act responsibly while ensuring the safety of fellow cast, crew and guests. United by our Disney values, we work toward excellence in all we do. As a part of our team, you can work in a diverse and inclusive environment amidst a professional and supportive community. If you are ready to create unforgettable experiences and grow as a person and as a professional, apply today.
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
Required 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
Desired Qualifications
Knowledge of building codes and regulatory requirements
Experience estimating projects in the Bahamas, Caribbean, or similar remote/island environments
Education
Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, related field or equivalent experience
#DCLPJ
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.
About Disney Cruise Line:
A leader in the cruise industry, Disney Cruise Line provides a setting where families can reconnect, adults can recharge and children can experience all the magic that Disney has to offer. Guests can sail out of ports around the world on exciting itineraries to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska and Europe, among others. Aboard our growing fleet of ships and Disney’s island destinations in The Bahamas, our exceptional crew and cast members provide legendary Disney service and enchanting entertainment to our guests that only Disney can deliver.
About The Walt Disney Company:
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
This position is with Magical Cruise Company, Limited, which is part of a business we call Disney Cruise Line.
Magical Cruise Company, Limited is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.
To learn more about Disney's policies on the use of AI for candidates, click here.
DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS
The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, visit the Disney candidate disability accommodations FAQs. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.
Having technical issues? View the FAQs for help.
BENEFITS AND PERKS
Because our employees and cast members are at the heart of everything we do, Disney offers a competitive total rewards package that includes pay, health and savings benefits, time-off programs, educational opportunities and more.
*Benefits and eligibility may vary by business and location
"Working for Disney Cruise Line is a great way to gain skills and knowledge in the cruise industry and grow your career within The Walt Disney Company."
Danielle, Recruiter
Related Jobs
Related Content
-
-
Job Resources BenefitsBenefits - Disney Cruise Line Shoreside Roles -
Employee StoriesFrom Shore to Sea: Simon, Manager, Fleet Operations Training
-
Company Values
Our values are our guiding beliefs and principles that serve as the foundation for everything we do including how we lead and care for our people across the globe. At Disney, we have integrity and do what we say. At our core, we are a creative company that is driven by our boundless imagination. We collaborate with each other because we know that together we are better and we contribute to our community because we care. And all of this is possible because we are inclusive and welcoming to everyone.
Learn more -
Inclusion
At Disney, we want everyone to belong and thrive. Creating a welcoming and respectful environment for our employees and guests is core to our company culture and our business. We strive to build supportive work environments that drive innovation and reinforce a culture in which all employees feel welcome, respected, and valued.
Learn more -
Citizenship and VoluntEARS
Through charitable grants and collaborations, we strive to increase access to the entertainment industry, including nurturing future generations of diverse storytellers and innovators.
Learn more -
The Walt Disney Company Benefits
Learn more
Sign Up for Job Alerts
Get the latest job opportunities as they become available.
SHARE
Links open in new tabs.