Estimating/Cost Planning DirectorHybrid

• Contribute to delivering multibillion-dollar water infrastructure programs, offering long-term involvement in complex, large-scale projects.
• Join a leading client organisation which is one of Australia’s largest deliverers of major infrastructure projects, shaping transformative water solutions.
• Work on world-class projects right here in Sydney, no airmiles required! Enjoy the flexibility of working hours to suit your needs.

Who we are:

Sydney Water is undertaking a 10-year multibillion dollar Infrastructure program to renew, expand & build infrastructure to support a more sustainable, resilient, and efficient water network for Sydney’s growing population. We provide safe drinking, recycled, wastewater, and stormwater services with a focus on reliability, affordability, and environmental sustainability. As a state-owned corporation, we prioritize customers and communities.

About the role:

As the Cost Planning Director you will lead Sydney Water’s cost intelligence and investment insight function, establishing a framework that shifts capital delivery from reactive estimating to proactive cost management. The role ensures reliable, benchmarked cost data and insights to drive efficient design, optimal delivery models, and value-for-money outcomes. By embedding cost planning as a core discipline, it connects estimating, market intelligence, performance, and design decisions making cost knowledge a strategic advantage for Sydney Water and a trusted resource for stakeholders.

Extensive experience in Cost planning for major construction and infrastructure projects is essential. Candidates with experience limited to IT, finance, or banking will NOT meet the role criteria.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead cost planning strategy by establishing and governing an enterprise-wide framework that delivers credible, benchmarked cost intelligence across all capital projects.
• Drive value-for-money outcomes through proactive cost analysis, scenario testing, and influencing design, procurement, and delivery decisions.
• Ensure robust governance and assurance by providing independent cost validation for business cases, investment reviews, and Board submissions, aligned with NSW Treasury and Infrastructure NSW requirements.
• Deliver actionable insights on cost performance and efficiency trends, enabling continuous improvement and productivity gains across Infrastructure Delivery portfolios.
• Build and mentor a high-performing team with expertise in estimating, benchmarking, analytics, and strategic advisory, fostering collaboration and innovation in cost intelligence.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Preferably a relevant qualification in quantity surveying, engineering, or a related technical discipline, combined with business or management expertise.
• Extensive experience (15+ years) in infrastructure or construction delivery, with a proven track record in cost planning, estimating, and investment assurance across the full asset lifecycle.
• Strong leadership capability, including experience managing cost planning or estimating functions and mentoring multidisciplinary teams.
• Advanced skills in cost analysis, benchmarking, and translating complex data into actionable insights for stakeholders, supported by proficiency in cost planning systems such as Cost X.
• Commercial acumen and stakeholder engagement skills to influence design and delivery decisions, align cost planning with enterprise strategy, and drive value-for-money outcomes.

Essential Requirements:  

·       Please note as part of the application process, you will be asked to undergo background checks which includes a criminal history check and a medical assessment either online or in person.  

·       You must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident at the time of submitting your application to be considered for this role. 

Please see the job profile for the role’s full accountabilities 

Dive into Our Great Benefits! 

• Competitive Remuneration: We’ll ensure that your skills and contributions are valued and rewarded appropriately. 
• Employee Networks: We proudly offer and support Employee Led networks, such as Women of Water, Pride, First Nations and Disability & Neurodiversity Networks 
• Continuous Professional Growth: We will invest in your career with leadership and development programs to propel your success in the direction you desire. 
• 24/7 Wellbeing Support: Access for you and your family to free and confidential mental health and general health support through our EAP portal. 
• Discounted Private Health Insurance: Unlock affordable access to top-tier health coverage with our discounted insurance plans. 
• Family First: Prioritise your family with up to 18 weeks of fully paid parental leave and a generous childcare allowance. 
• Fitness Passport: Achieve your physical fitness goals using our Fitness Passport, granting you access to a multitude of gyms and pools across NSW. 
• Novated Leasing: Get in the driver's seat of your financial future with our novated lease options. 

Closing Date: Monday 8th December at 11:59 PM AEST

We want to ensure you feel supported and informed throughout every step of our recruitment process. Please advise if you require any adjustments to actively participate in the application and recruitment process. Please contact deirbhile.neary@sydneywater.com.au for any further information.

Working at Sydney Water 

We welcome and encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTQIA+, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and veterans.  

As part of the application process, Sydney Water will be collecting your personal information to assess your suitability for the role. We will also use your personal information to establish a LiveHire talent profile in our Talent Community.  

Your personal information will be collected in accordance with LiveHire’s Terms,Privacy Policy and Sydney Water’s Privacy Collection Statement – Job Application. Please note as part of the application process, you will be asked to undergo background checks which includes a criminal history check.