Cost Controller

John Holland Pty Ltd; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Flexible work arrangements

18 weeks paid parental leave

Job summary

John Holland is seeking a Cost Controller to join the North East Link - Hoddle to Burke project in Melbourne. You will lead cost control activities, develop forecasts, monitor budgets, and provide financial insights to maximise profitability while upholding HSEQ values.

Candidates will hold a tertiary qualification in Engineering, Construction Management or Quantity Surveying, with proven cost estimating, budgeting and Excel skills.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or equivalent demonstrated experience in project controls/cost control.
• Demonstrated experience in cost estimating, cost control, cost analysis, forecasting, and project cost monitoring.
• Advanced MS Excel and strong computer systems skills, with the ability to analyse and interpret complex financial data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels

Responsibilities

• Lead project cost control activities, including cost analysis, forecasting, budgeting, and financial reporting.
• Monitor project costs and performance, identify variances, and recommend corrective actions to maintain budget and profitability targets.
• Prepare and review monthly cost reports, forecasts, KPIs, and financial schedules to support management and statutory reporting requirements.
• Manage daily project costing processes and digital cost-tracking systems to ensure accurate and timely financial data.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to support project decision-making and stakeholder reporting.
• Drive continuous improvement in cost control processes, reporting accuracy, and financial efficiency

Skills

Cost control

Forecasting

Budgeting

MS Excel

Stakeholder comms

Education

Engineering/Construction Management/Quantity Surveying degree

Tools

CostX

Job description

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John Holland is looking for aCost Controller to join our North East Link - Hoddle to Burke project

Eastern Hoddle Bourke Alliance (EHBA), comprising John Holland, Seymour Whyte, Mott MacDonald and Jacobs, in partnership with MRPV, is delivering a major upgrade of Melbourne's Eastern Freeway as part of the North East Link Project. The project includes:

• 6km of freeway widening with additional lanes in both directions
• 3km dedicated busway separated from mainline traffic
• Major bridge and structural works, including a new Yarra River bridge
• Installation of retaining walls, drainage, noise walls, ITS, lighting and signage

As a Cost Controller, you will control project financial performance by providing accurate cost estimates, monitoring expenditure, analysing cost trends, and preparing forecasts to support informed business decisions and maximise profitability, while actively demonstrating NEL's Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ) values to contribute to a safe, compliant, and sustainable project environment.

Role responsibilities

• Lead project cost control activities, including cost analysis, forecasting, budgeting, and financial reporting.
• Monitor project costs and performance, identify variances, and recommend corrective actions to maintain budget and profitability targets.
• Prepare and review monthly cost reports, forecasts, KPIs, and financial schedules to support management and statutory reporting requirements.
• Manage daily project costing processes and digital cost-tracking systems to ensure accurate and timely financial data.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to support project decision-making and stakeholder reporting.
• Drive continuous improvement in cost control processes, reporting accuracy, and financial efficiency.

About You

• Tertiary qualification in Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or a related discipline, or equivalent demonstrated experience in project controls/cost control.
• Demonstrated experience in cost estimating, cost control, cost analysis, forecasting, and project cost monitoring.
• Advanced MS Excel and strong computer systems skills, with the ability to analyse and interpret complex financial data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels

We offer

• Competitive salary and benefits, including salary continuance and salary sacrifice options
• Flexible work arrangements and generous leave, including 18 weeks paid parental leave
• Career development through technical, leadership and emerging talent programs
• Opportunities to work on some of Australia's most iconic projects
• A diverse and inclusive culture where everyone feels they belong
• Wellbeing support and benefits designed to help you thrive

At John Holland, our purpose is simple: we transform lives with everything we do

We know infrastructure is about people - our customers, our employees and the communities we work in every day. That's what sets us apart: deep expertise, proven capability and a genuine commitment to creating better outcomes for people along the way.

With expertise spanning engineering, construction and operations, we're delivering the projects and services that keep communities moving. From rail, roads and bridges to hospitals and stadiums, we've helped shape Australia through iconic projects. You'll even see us operating buses, trains and trams.

Be part of a team that's up for the challenge of transforming lives.

John Holland does not accept any speculative or unsolicited CV's from agencies that have been sent to our internal recruitment team or hiring managers