Strategic Cost Planning Lead – Major Infrastructure

AusNet Services Ltd; Ballarat; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

AusNet Services Ltd in Australia is seeking a Senior Cost Planning Lead to establish and drive cost planning across large-scale infrastructure projects. The role requires guiding design development, quantities, and construction cost estimates, and coordinating with EPC contractors and project teams.

You will develop baseline quantities, monitor budgets, and provide cost planning insights to support decisions and governance. Western Victoria/Ballarat office presence is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Construction Management or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of Cost Planning roles within large scale projects.
• Cost engineering, estimating, forecasting and cost control on major infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of cost management methodologies, earned value principles and financial governance.
• Strong commercial and contract management capability.
• High level knowledge of engineering, procurement, contracts, construction, and startup processes.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead cost planning processes that align scope, design, quantities and estimates.
• Review and validate EPC cost plan against design, quantities, rates and assumptions.
• Support Change Management by documenting design scope changes and cost-plan assumptions.
• Evaluate design/delivery changes; compare options and provide recommendations.
• Maintain benchmarking files; include EAC and AOC details for future plans.
• Reconcile design development with baseline quantities and budget with EPC contractor.
• Provide cost planning reports explaining quantity movements and estimating confidence.
• Lead design-stage cost estimates, quantity-based assessments and change proposals.
• Manage cost planning aspects of AGJV ITC contract and PSDR requirements.
• Develop baseline quantities for all project work packages.
• Develop and validate quantity take-offs from design information.
• Provide early warning on cost risks, opportunities and pressures.
• Coordinate and present cost-plan updates at milestones.
• Review contract drafts for scope, quantity definitions and cost planning requirements.
• Prepare and present insights to AusNet and client as required.
• Develop and apply standards for cost planning and quantity measurement.
• Undertake ad-hoc tasks and analysis as required.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Construction Management or related field

Cost planning experience

Cost engineering & forecasting

Cost control on major infrastructure

Contract management capability

Engineering/procurement knowledge

Organisational skills under pressure

Tools

Earned value management

Budget governance

Job description

AusNet Services Ltd in Australia is seeking a Senior Cost Planning Lead to establish and drive cost planning across large-scale infrastructure projects. The role requires guiding design development, quantities, and construction cost estimates, and coordinating with EPC contractors and project teams.

You will develop baseline quantities, monitor budgets, and provide cost planning insights to support decisions and governance. Western Victoria/Ballarat office presence is expected.