Project Cost Planner - EOI

Laing O'Rourke; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Specialised learning & development

Mental health program

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Laing O’Rourke is seeking a Project Cost Planner to join one of our major projects in Sydney. You will develop BOQs, perform quantity take-offs from drawings, and prepare cost estimates to support design and construction teams.

The role requires 5+ years in estimating/cost planning for large civil infrastructure; a degree in Civil/Structural Engineering or Quantity Surveying is preferred, with Candy, CostX and Bluebeam experience advantageous.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years industry experience in estimating/cost planning for large civil infra projects.
• Degree in Civil/Structural Engineering or Quantity Surveying is preferable.
• Experience with cost planning, risk identification and value engineering.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed Bills of Quantities (BOQ) for building projects from drawings and specs.
• Perform quantity take-offs from architectural, structural, and MEP drawings/3D models.
• Develop cost estimates, rate analyses, and material/labour quantities.
• Maintain CostX estimating models, templates and cost-control records.
• Coordinate with design, commercial and site teams to resolve scope discrepancies.

Skills

Estimating/Cost Planning

Risk Identification

Value Engineering

Education

Civil/Structural Engineering or Quantity Surveying degree

Tools

Candy

CostX

Bluebeam Revu

Job description

Laing O’Rourke is a $6 billion global engineering and manufacturing-led construction leader, delivering state-of-the-art infrastructure and buildings projects. In Australia, we’ve proudly operated under the Laing O’Rourke banner for over 20 years, building on more than 70 years of local expertise. Driven by our purpose - pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, in service of humanity - we create safer hospitals, cleaner water, secure defence facilities, and better-connected cities. We also build meaningful careers and inclusive workplaces where people thrive. Backed by global strength and deep local roots, our unique operating model combines cutting-edge technology with modern methods of construction to deliver certainty for clients and transform how infrastructure is engineered and built.

We also own two vertically integrated businesses: Select Plant Australia, the nation’s fourth-largest plant hire company, and Laing O’Rourke Rail Operations, supporting major projects and nationwide rail maintenance.

That’s the Power of Experience.

About the role

We are currently seeking expressions of interest for a Project Cost Planner to join one of our major projects based in Sydney.

We have a strong pipeline with many opportunities for career progression and offer market-leading benefits.

Make the move to a people-centric, privately-owned tier 1 constructor and international engineering enterprise.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare detailed Bills of Quantities (BOQ) for building construction projects.
• Perform accurate quantity take-offs from architectural, structural, and MEP drawings/ 3D Models.
• Measure and quantify structural works, including concrete, reinforcement, formwork, steel works, foundations, slabs, columns, beams, and other structural elements.
• Measure and quantify architectural works, including blockwork, plastering, flooring, tiling, painting, ceilings, doors, windows, waterproofing, finishes, and other associated works.
• Prepare quantities for MEP works, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, HVAC, and related services.
• Review drawings, specifications, schedules, and contract documents to identify scope and quantity requirements.
• Prepare cost estimates, rate analysis, and material/labour quantity calculations.
• Develop and maintain CostX estimating models, workbooks, assemblies, and measurement templates.
• Use Bluebeam Revu for drawing review, quantity take-offs, mark-ups, measurement, and document coordination.
• Coordinate with architects, structural engineers, MEP engineers, project managers, site teams, and subcontractors to resolve quantity and scope discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate measurement records, BOQs, quantity take-off sheets, and cost-control documentation.
• Identify discrepancies, omissions, and potential cost risks during the construction stage.
• Ensure all quantity surveying activities comply with project specifications, contractual requirements, and applicable standards.
• In collaboration with the Design Manager, undertake ongoing review of the developing design throughout all design phases and provide cost planning advice in order to ensure it is developing within budget allowances.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of the developing design and influence cost effective outcomes by attending design meetings and providing appropriate cost advice where required.
• Provide design consultants with budget informed direction in a timely manner to facilitate the design development process within the budget parameters.
• Explore, price and propose innovative and cost-effective value engineering and design options to the project team and maintain a register of these potential items throughout the course of the project.
• Identify, price and submit head contract variations to the client, and negotiate financial outcomes with the client’s representatives.
• Undertake regular quantity verification analysis on the developing design to ensure current scope does not exceed contractual scope and associated budget allowances.
• In conjunction with the Commercial Manager, develop the project Budget-to-Build to a suitable format for the project, ensuring it is mapped to the original tender budget.
• Assist the project Commercial Manager with budget reconciliations in preparation for subcontract trade package procurement.

About you

• Minimum 5 years industry experience in similar positions.
• Degree in Civil / Structural Engineering or Quantity Surveying preferable.
• Advanced experience in Estimating/Cost Planning, Risk Identification and Value Engineering, with knowledge and experience of large, complex civil infrastructure projects such roads, rail and bridges.
• Demonstrated estimating background in large scale construction projects.
• Demonstrated ability to review the detail of a developing design in accordance with budget requirements, and influence design outcomes accordingly.
• Sound technical construction knowledge.
• Estimating software experience in Candy and CostX preferable not essential.

We work hard to create an environment that brings out the best in our people. We believe in building careers through providing a safe, connected and innovative culture that supports ongoing growth and development.

• We offer industry-leading benefits such as specialised learning and development programs, a mental health and wellbeing program, industry leading paid parental leave policy, an additional purchased leave option and coaching programs for staff on parental leave.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diverse society in which we live and work. Laing O’Rourke is recognised as a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality in 2020, 2022, 2024 and 2026. We know that the right culture and purposeful innovation are key to delivering impact.

Laing O'Rourke actively supports a diverse workforce and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Download our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan at https://www.laingorourke.com/company/diversity-and-inclusion

Applications from recruitment agencies will not be considered.