Principal Cost Estimator (Mining)

Globe 24-7; United States; Remote; CAD 252,000 - 364,000; Full time

Job summary

Globe 24-7 is seeking a Principal Cost Estimator to lead capital and operating cost estimates for mining project studies. This remote role involves travel to the Balkan region occasionally and requires strong cost engineering expertise across PEA, PFS and Feasibility phases.

The candidate will prepare bottom-up estimates, verify classifications, and drive improvements in estimating practices, templates, and benchmarking tools. International travel may be needed to support major mining operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Quantity Surveying or related discipline.
• 7+ years in project cost estimation within mining/resources or heavy industry.
• Experience developing capital estimates across study phases and execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of capital and operating cost estimates across study phases (PEA, PFS, Feasibility).
• Prepare detailed bottom-up estimates using quantity take-offs, vendor quotes, and first-principles methods.
• Ensure estimates align with AACE classifications and are supported by basis-of-estimate docs.
• Review estimates from teams, consultants and contractors for accuracy and consistency.
• Develop contingency recommendations with risk and project controls teams.
• Develop estimating standards, templates, databases and benchmarking tools.
• Benchmark costs against historical data and industry standards for evaluations and decisions.
• Collaborate with engineering, procurement, finance and project development to deliver evaluations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Communication

Cost risk analysis

Project controls

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Quantity Surveying

Tools

CostMine

SHERPA

InEight

Job description

Globe 24-7, in partnership with a leading mining company, is seeking a Principal Cost Estimator to join their growing team. This is an exciting remote opportunity that will require travel to Balkan occasionally.

The Responsibilities

• Lead the development of capital and operating cost estimates across all project study phases, including PEA, PFS and Feasibility Studies.
• Prepare detailed bottom-up estimates using quantity take-offs, vendor quotations and first-principles estimating techniques.
• Ensure all estimates align with AACE estimate classifications and are supported by comprehensive basis-of-estimate documentation.
• Independently review and challenge cost estimates prepared by project teams, engineering consultants and contractors to ensure accuracy, completeness and consistency.
• Evaluate the cost impact of scope changes and support project change management activities.
• Develop and maintain cost estimating standards, templates, databases and benchmarking tools to improve estimating accuracy across the project portfolio.
• Benchmark project costs against historical data and industry standards to provide meaningful cost intelligence for project evaluations and investment decisions.
• Work closely with risk and project controls teams to develop contingency recommendations and support quantitative cost risk analysis.
• Provide estimating guidance to engineering consultants and project teams while promoting consistent estimating methodologies and best practices.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives through estimate-versus-actual reviews, lessons learned and process enhancements.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including engineering, procurement, finance and project development to deliver high-quality project evaluations.

The Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying or a related discipline.
• Minimum 7 years' experience in project cost estimation within the mining, resources or Heavy industrial sectors.
• Demonstrated experience preparing capital project estimates across study phases through to project execution.
• Strong knowledge of AACE estimating classifications, cost estimating methodologies, contingency development and project controls.
• Proven experience with mining and mineral processing projects, with underground mining experience highly regarded.
• Advanced capability using industry estimating software such as CostMine, SHERPA, InEight or equivalent, together with strong spreadsheet and data analysis skills.
• Experience developing estimating standards, systems and processes rather than simply maintaining existing frameworks.
• Ability to independently assess and challenge engineering consultant and contractor estimates while influencing technical stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to present complex cost information to both technical and executive audiences.
• Experience working within Owner's Teams, EPCM organisations or across both environments is highly desirable.
• Professional certification such as CCP or CEP is preferred, while P.Eng. or Quantity Surveyor registration would be advantageous.
• Willingness to travel internationally to project sites as required.

The Rewards

The position offers a competitive remuneration package and the opportunity to play a key role in supporting a major mining operation across Europe.