Director of Costing Analytics & Benchmarking

Defence Australia; Canberra; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Defence Australia is seeking an EL 2 Director of Cost Analytics within the Capability Costing Branch to lead end-to-end costing for major capability programs. You will drive data-driven insights, oversee the 1 Defence Data (1DD) platform, and mentor a growing team of cost analysts across complex defence projects.

The role requires deep expertise in cost estimation, project finance, and reporting to senior leadership, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and deliver precise outcomes in a

Qualifications

• Experience with complex capital projects in government context.
• Strong cost estimation and project finance analysis.
• Proven ability to write reports and present findings to senior stakeholders.
• Ability to mentor and lead a team in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct retrospective analysis comparing historic cost estimates to actuals.
• Develop a data collection and insights system accessible to stakeholders.
• Govern information flow and store estimates, briefs and working papers.
• Liaise with external and central agencies to improve estimates and assurance.
• Mentor and develop cost analytics capabilities within the branch.

Skills

Capital project costing

Cost estimation

Data analysis

Report writing

Stakeholder communication

Team leadership

Tools

1 Defence Data (1DD) platform

Job description

Defence Australia is seeking an EL 2 Director of Cost Analytics within the Capability Costing Branch to lead end-to-end costing for major capability programs. You will drive data-driven insights, oversee the 1 Defence Data (1DD) platform, and mentor a growing team of cost analysts across complex defence projects.

The role requires deep expertise in cost estimation, project finance, and reporting to senior leadership, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and deliver precise outcomes in a