Lead Cost Controller

Inpex Corporation; Perth; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

16 weeks parental leave

Flexible working arrangements

Salary packaging options

Superannuation above standard

Wellbeing initiatives

Job summary

INPEX is seeking a Lead Cost Controller in Perth to drive cost performance for the Ichthys Phase 2C Offshore Development Project. You will oversee budgeting, forecasting and reporting, partnering with project leadership and contractors to ensure robust cost governance and informed decision-making.

The role emphasizes cost leadership, accuracy of cost information, and delivering high-quality cost control across the project lifecycle in a collaborative, safety-minded environment.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in project cost control within large-scale capital or development projects.
• Strong budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis and project reporting skills.
• Experience providing commercial insights to support project decision-making.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead project cost control activities, including budgeting, forecasting, cost reporting, cash flow management and expenditure tracking.
• Monitor cost performance, identify trends, risks and opportunities, and provide recommendations to optimise project outcomes.
• Partner with project teams, contractors and stakeholders to ensure effective cost governance, reporting and financial oversight.
• Review and validate contractor cost reports, invoices and value of work completed.
• Support project change management, contract administration and assurance activities.
• Drive continuous improvement across project controls systems and processes, while mentoring Cost Controllers.

Skills

Cost control

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial analysis

Reporting

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Tools

SAP

Job description

• Lead cost control activities for the strategically important Ichthys Phase 2C Offshore Development Project
• Drive project cost performance through robust cost management, forecasting, and reporting
• 3-year maximum term opportunity with competitive remuneration and industry-leading benefits

At INPEX, our energy is helping to shape a brighter future.

We are proudly supporting positive outcomes in Australian communities, through jobs, training, and social and economic benefits. Our Australian energy portfolio includes Ichthys LNG which we operate, plus participating interests in Prelude FLNG, Darwin LNG, Van Gogh and Ravensworth. We are actively pursuing carbon, capture, and storage opportunities to help provide a cleaner upstream business for Ichthys LNG.

Our inclusive culture is key to our success – valuing diversity and bringing us together as a connected and innovative team. As an international company, INPEX offers unique opportunities to collaborate with colleagues from across the globe. We are keen to attract and develop passionate, motivated, and safety-minded people from all backgrounds who want to help support society’s growing need for secure, affordable, and clean energy.

Lead all cost control activities for the critical Ichthys Phase 2C Offshore project. As a member of our Development team in Perth on a 3-year maximum term employee contract, you'll provide the cost leadership, forecasting expertise and commercial insight required to support confident decision-making and successful project delivery.

About the role:

This is a critical role supporting the successful delivery of the Ichthys Phase 2C Offshore project. Reporting to the Project Controls Manager, you will lead all cost control activities and provide the forecasting, governance and commercial insights required to support informed decision-making and effective project execution.

Working closely with project leadership, contractors and key stakeholders, you'll ensure robust cost oversight throughout the project lifecycle, identify risks and opportunities, and drive cost management outcomes that support successful project delivery. You will lead the delivery of high-quality cost control and reporting, ensuring confidence in project performance and the integrity of project cost information.

About the team:

You’ll join a collaborative and experienced Project Controls team supporting the delivery of strategic development projects across INPEX's Australian portfolio. Working closely with project leadership, planning, contracts, estimation and project delivery professionals, the team plays a critical role in providing the governance, reporting and commercial insights required to successfully execute major projects.

As Lead Cost Controller, you’ll work at the centre of project decision‑making, partnering with key stakeholders to drive cost performance, manage project risks and support the successful delivery of the Phase 2C Offshore project.

What's on offer?

• A critical leadership role supporting a major offshore development project.
• A 3-year maximum term opportunity with significant project exposure.
• Direct engagement with project leadership and key decision‑makers.
• Flexible working arrangements and a collaborative team environment.
• Competitive remuneration and performance‑based incentives.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead project cost control activities, including budgeting, forecasting, cost reporting, cash flow management and expenditure tracking.
• Monitor cost performance, identify trends, risks and opportunities, and provide recommendations to optimise project outcomes.
• Partner with project teams, contractors and stakeholders to ensure effective cost governance, reporting and financial oversight.
• Review and validate contractor cost reports, invoices and value of work completed.
• Support project change management, contract administration and assurance activities.
• Drive continuous improvement across project controls systems and processes, while providing leadership and guidance to Cost Controllers.

What we’re looking for:

We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences. If you're excited about this opportunity and have transferable skills or relevant experience, we'd love to hear from you.

You could be a great fit for this role if you have:

• Extensive experience in project cost control within large-scale capital or development projects.
• Strong capability in budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis and project reporting.
• Experience providing commercial insights and recommendations to support project decision‑making.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication and relationship‑building skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities, with the capacity to manage competing priorities.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including mentoring, coaching and supporting team members.
• A collaborative, proactive and outcomes‑focused approach

Helpful for success in this role:

• Experience working on major offshore, energy, resources or infrastructure projects.
• Experience within an operator environment.
• Familiarity with project controls and enterprise financial management systems, including SAP and project cost management platforms.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or a similar qualification.

Even if your experience doesn't align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply. We value diverse perspectives and recognise that skills can be gained through many different pathways.

This role is for applicants residing in or willing to relocate to Perth.

Closing date for applications is 4 October 2026. INPEX reserves the right to close applications early should a suitable pool of candidates be identified. Please note that direct feedback on applications will only be provided to interviewed candidates.

What We Offer:

Leave & Flexibility:

• 16 weeks of fully paid parental leave.
• Options to purchase additional leave.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• INPEX Foundation Day, discretionary leave, and community volunteering leave.
• Competitive remuneration package with performance‑based incentives.
• Superannuation above the standard guarantee.
• Salary packaging options, including novated leasing.
• Reward and recognition programs, including access to discounts from over 350 retailers.
• Structured leadership development programs with ongoing support.
• Study leave and ongoing learning opportunities.
• Access to wellbeing initiatives, including gym membership options and health resources.
• A supportive workplace focused on safety, balance and sustainable work practices.

We value diversity in our workplace – including beliefs, cultures, and lifestyles, so we can bring our true selves to work every day. If you believe that you have most but not all the requirements outlined above, we encourage you to still apply.

We welcome all candidates to advise us throughout the recruitment process if we can support you with accommodations to make this a more inclusive experience.