Cost Planning Director

Redpath Partners Pty Ltd; Sydney; On-site; AUD 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Redpath Partners has been engaged to recruit a Cost Planning Director for Sydney Water's Infrastructure Delivery division. This leadership role shapes cost intelligence across the asset lifecycle and drives data-led decision making from concept to benefits realisation.

You will establish an enterprise-wide cost planning framework, embed cost realism, and oversee benchmarking systems, governance, and independent cost assurance to optimise capital delivery.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of infrastructure or major project experience.
• Proven leadership in cost planning or estimating.
• Experience contributing to business cases, investment submissions and governance processes.
• Expertise in cost benchmarking and data analytics.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead an enterprise-wide cost planning framework with reliable, benchmarked cost intelligence.
• Embed cost realism and value-for-money into design, procurement and delivery decisions.
• Oversee development and enhancement of global rate databases and benchmarking systems.
• Provide independent cost assurance across business cases, gateway reviews and board submissions.
• Deliver insights on cost performance across the capital portfolio and identify improvement opportunities.
• Influence design and scope decisions through proactive cost analysis and scenario testing.
• Partner with engineering, program delivery, procurement, finance and risk teams to align cost outcomes with objectives.
• Build, lead and mentor a high-performing cost planning team.

Skills

Leadership

Cost planning

Cost benchmarking

Data analytics

Stakeholder management

Education

QS or Engineering degree

Job description

Redpath Partners have been engaged to recruit a Cost Planning Director on behalf of Sydney Water. This is a key leadership role within their Infrastructure Delivery division.

This is a standout opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping how one of Australia’s largest infrastructure organisations approaches cost, investment, and delivery across a significant capital portfolio.

The Opportunity

The Cost Planning Director will lead the development and embedding of an enterprise-wide cost planning and cost intelligence capability. This role is central to driving a shift from traditional estimating toward proactive, data-led cost management across the full asset lifecycle—from concept through to delivery and benefits realisation.

Operating at a strategic level, you will influence major investment decisions, support robust governance outcomes, and ensure value-for-money is achieved across Sydney Water’s infrastructure programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and lead an enterprise-wide cost planning framework that delivers reliable, benchmarked cost intelligence
• Embed cost realism and value-for-money principles into design, procurement, and delivery decision‑making
• Oversee the development and ongoing enhancement of global rate databases and benchmarking systems
• Provide independent cost assurance across business cases, Gateway reviews, and Board submissions
• Deliver insights on cost performance across the capital portfolio, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement
• Influence design and scope decisions through proactive cost analysis and scenario testing
• Partner with engineering, program delivery, procurement, finance, and risk teams to align cost outcomes with broader business objectives
• Build, lead, and mentor a high‑performing cost planning team

The Candidate

We are seeking a highly experienced cost planning or estimating leader with a strong background in infrastructure or construction.

You will bring:

• 15+ years’ experience across infrastructure or major project environments
• Proven leadership experience within cost planning or estimating.
• Strong track record contributing to business cases, investment submissions, and governance processes
• Expertise in cost benchmarking, data analytics, and performance improvement
• The ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive strategic outcomes
• Tertiary qualifications in quantity surveying, engineering, or a related discipline

Experience within regulated or public‑sector environments, and familiarity with NSW Treasury or Infrastructure NSW frameworks, will be advantageous.

Why Apply

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Shape and lead a critical capability within a major infrastructure organisation
• Influence large‑scale capital investment decisions
• Drive improved cost performance and value‑for‑money outcomes
• Work within a collaborative, forward‑thinking environment focused on sustainability and long‑term impact

Cost Planning Director – Sydney Water