Capital Projects Execution - Principal Estimator

Be an essential element to a brighter future. 

We work together to transform essential resources into critical ingredients for mobility, energy, connectivity and health. Join our values-led organization committed to building a more resilient world with people and planet in mind. Our core values are the foundation that make us successful for ourselves, our customers and the planet. 

Job Description

Albemarle is seeking a seasoned capital project professional to lead and enhance estimating along with benchmarking practices across its global manufacturing sites. This newly integrated role combines strategic oversight of site capital estimating processes with hands-on support for project teams, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and alignment with corporate goals. The successful candidate will collaborate across multiple functions and manufacturing sites, driving continuous improvement, compliance, and data-driven decision-making. This role is hybrid and will require being in-office 3 days per week, and is located in Charlotte, NC.

What You Will Do

• Ensure adherence to Albemarle’s safety culture and Core Values.

Estimating Leadership & Support

• Develop and implement standardized estimating procedures and tools across sites.

• Support site teams in developing bottom-up estimates (as necessary) for Category 3 & 4 projects (<$25M TIC).

• Act as the primary point of contact for all manufacturing sites regarding estimating-related queries.

Benchmarking & Data Analytics

• Create and maintain estimating databases and metrics for benchmarking across sites.

• Engage with industry benchmarking partners (e.g., IPA, McKinsey) to assess estimate health.

• Utilize tools like IHS Markit, Alpha Resources, and internal systems to compare cost metrics.

Process Ownership & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor and improve estimating processes for accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.

• Maintain SOPs and process documentation; identify and implement process optimizations.

• Lead change management initiatives related to scope and cost estimation.

Training & Collaboration

• Provide training to site capital teams on estimating best practices and tools.

• Represent the estimating function in PEER reviews and corporate initiatives.

• Collaborate with other Estimators and Project Controls teams to align strategies.

What You Bring

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Construction Management, or related field; Or 12+ years of relevant work experience.

• 7–12 years of estimating experience comprised of small to medium projects in petrochemical, chemical, or mining industries.

• Ability to work with all levels of the organization to influence and achieve desired results.

• Capacity to work independently with minimal direction and collaboratively in a team environment.

• Excellent communication and executive presentation skills with a demonstrated ability on understanding technical information to ensure progress communicated appropriately to internal and external stakeholders (i.e. technical and management).

• Strong understanding of project lifecycle phases (Business Planning to Operate).

• Expertise in conceptual and detailed estimating (±50% to ±10% accuracy).

• Proficiency in Cleopatra, Aspen Tech ACCE, Excel, and SAP.

• Demonstrated leadership in project estimating and benchmarking.

• Intellectual curiosity and commitment to continuous learning.

• Ability to organize complex data and foster cross-functional collaboration to successfully manage competing priorities, maintain a high standard of accuracy, precision, and attention to detail, and meet deadlines.

• Travel (25%) domestically (and internationally as needed).

Preferred

• Certification in estimating or project controls (e.g., AACE, PMP).

#LI-CJ1

Benefits of Joining Albemarle

• Competitive compensation

• Comprehensive benefits package

• A diverse array of resources to support you professionally and personally.

We are partners to one another in pioneering new ways to be better for ourselves, our teams, and our communities. When you join Albemarle, you become our most essential element and you can anticipate competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, and resources that foster your well-being and fuel your personal growth. Help us shape the future, build with purpose and grow together.