Lead Cost Controller - Major Projects

Fortescue Pre-Order Sales; Perth; On-site; AUD 160,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Fortescue is seeking an experienced Lead Cost Controller for our Major Projects team in Perth. You will own cost control for a major project, combining hands-on delivery with leadership of the cost control group.

You will mentor Cost Controllers, oversee budgeting, forecasting and EVM, and work closely with project leadership to provide clear visibility of cost performance and risks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Commerce, Finance or a related discipline
• Significant senior/lead cost control experience in complex environments
• Proven leadership of cost control for major projects or programs
• Strong budgeting, forecasting and cost reporting capabilities
• Experience mentoring Cost Controllers and lifting team capability
• Understanding of project controls governance across lifecycle
• Experience in major/mega projects with multiple contractors

Responsibilities

• Lead the cost control function for an assigned major project or program
• Balance hands-on delivery with delegation and team oversight
• Provide technical leadership, coaching and mentorship to cost controllers
• Lead project cost management systems including budgeting, forecasting and reporting
• Oversee WBS, baselines and reporting structures for cost management
• Manage month-end activities: VOWD, accruals, ETC/EAC
• Review forecasts, trends and cost risks with the project team
• Oversee contractor claims, purchase orders and cost impacts of changes
• Ensure quality and integrity of cost reporting and earned value management
• Collaborate with governance, commercial and procurement to support decisions

Skills

Cost control leadership

Budgeting

Forecasting

Variance analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Mentoring & coaching

Change management

Governance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Commerce/Finance

Tools

SAP

Omega PIMS

Job description

Work Location: Perth – Fortescue’s Perth office is located on the traditional lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people

Roster: Monday to Friday

Fortescue has multiple opportunities for an experienced Lead Cost Controller to join our Major Projects team, supporting a suite of significant projects and programs across the business.

Our Major Projects portfolio includes our decarbonisation program, energy projects and greenfield mining expansions. Each Lead Cost Controller will be aligned to a specific project or program pillar, providing dedicated cost control leadership and becoming a key partner to the project team.

This is a technical leadership role that combines hands-on delivery with delegation, oversight and team development. You will take ownership of the cost control function within your assigned project or program, personally managing complex and critical activities while coordinating work across the cost control team, reviewing outputs and maintaining high technical standards.

You will work closely with project leadership and the broader Project Controls function to provide clear visibility of project cost performance, emerging risks and opportunities. Just as importantly, you will provide technical guidance, coaching and mentorship to Cost Controllers and Senior Cost Controllers, building capability while creating a consistent and disciplined approach to cost control.

With several opportunities available, these roles offer the chance to take a leading position within some of Fortescue's most significant projects and programs while remaining close to the technical work.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the cost control function for an assigned major project or program, providing clear technical direction, ownership and accountability
• Balance hands-on delivery of complex cost control activities with effective delegation, coordination and oversight of work across the cost control team
• Provide technical leadership, coaching and mentorship to Cost Controllers and Senior Cost Controllers, building capability and consistent standards
• Lead project cost management systems, processes and procedures covering budgeting, forecasting, cashflow, progress reporting and performance analysis
• Provide oversight of project Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), cost baselines and reporting structures to ensure accurate and consistent cost management
• Lead month-end activities including Value of Work Done (VOWD), accruals, cost allocations, reconciliations, Estimate at Completion (EAC) and Estimate to Complete (ETC)
• Review forecasts, trends, variances and emerging cost risks, challenging assumptions and driving appropriate actions with the project team
• Provide technical oversight of contractor claims, commitments, purchase orders, payment certificates and cost impacts arising from project changes
• Own the quality and integrity of cost reporting, variance analysis and earned value management (EVM), ensuring project leadership receives clear insights and recommendations
• Partner with project leadership, Project Controls, commercial and procurement teams to strengthen governance, resolve complex issues and support informed project decisions.

Qualifications and Experience

• A bachelor's degree in Engineering, Commerce, Finance or a related discipline, with project management or recognised project controls certification desirable
• Significant experience in senior or lead cost control and project controls roles within complex construction, engineering, resources or renewable energy environments
• Demonstrated experience leading the cost control function for a major project, program or large-scale capital workstream
• Strong technical capability across budgeting, forecasting, cost analysis, cashflow, commitments, accruals, change management and performance reporting
• Proven ability to combine hands-on technical delivery with delegation, oversight, quality assurance and review of work completed by others
• Demonstrated experience mentoring and developing Cost Controllers and Senior Cost Controllers and lifting technical capability within a team
• Strong understanding of project controls governance across the project lifecycle, from study estimates and approved budgets through execution and close-out
• Experience operating within complex major or mega project environments involving multiple contractors, disciplines and stakeholders
• Strong proficiency with project cost control and finance systems, including SAP, with experience using Omega PIMS advantageous
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the confidence to challenge constructively, influence decisions and communicate complex cost information clearly.

About Us

Be part of something big. Fortescue is leading the world with our plan to decarbonise our iron ore operations, projects that harness renewable energy and the development of technology that will change our planet forever.

Our Commitment

Fortescue celebrates individual strengths and team members are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. Our global workforce drives and promotes an inclusive culture, both within our organisation and throughout the communities we interact with. Diverse backgrounds include First Nations Peoples, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ community, gender, neurodiverse, cultural diversity, all age groups, and those with an intersectional or multiple diverse characteristics. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

https://fortescue.com/careers