Lead Cost Engineer

Job description

In the role of Lead Cost Engineer you will support cost planning, budgeting, forecasting, cost control, change management and financial reporting throughout the project lifecycle. You will develop and maintain project budgets and cost plans. Monitor project costs, commitments, expenditures and forecasts. Track budget utilization and identify cost variances, trends and financial risks. Prepare cost estimates, cash flow forecasts, expenditure plans and funding requirements. Ensure alignment of project scope, Work Breakdown Structure and schedule with cost data. Produce periodic cost reports, dashboards and financial summaries. Perform cost variance analysis, identify trends, opportunities and recommend corrective actions. Support preparation of Estimate at Completion (EAC) and Estimate to Complete (ETC). Develop project performance metrics and executive reports. Maintain accurate cost records, supporting documentation and databases. Evaluate design changes, variations and scope modifications. Review contractor quotations from a cost engineering perspective. Coordinate with Planning, Commercial, Procurement, Engineering, Finance and Project Controls to ensure consistent cost reporting. Support Earned Value Management (EVM) analysis and cost performance measurement. Participate in project reviews, progress meetings and cost workshops. Contribute to value engineering and cost optimisation initiatives. Monitor cash flow requirements and expenditure trends. Support project audits, financial reviews, governance and compliance activities. Assist with final account preparation, project close‑out reporting and financial reconciliation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Cost Engineering, Finance or related field
• Minimum 20 years experience in Cost Engineering, Project Controls, Quantity Surveying or Commercial Management
• Knowledge of project budgeting, cost planning and financial reporting principles
• Familiarity with Earned Value Management (EVM) principles and project controls methodologies
• Strong analytical, numerical and problem‑solving skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders
• Experience supporting large‑scale construction, infrastructure, industrial or capital projects
• Experience monitoring project costs, commitments, expenditures and forecasts
• Experience supporting cost variance analysis and performance reporting
• Experience maintaining cost records, change registers and commercial documentation
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in financial reporting
• Experience using project controls and cost management software preferred.

Skills