Estimating Manager - Fixed Term

Role – Estimating Manager

• Join a dynamic, diverse and high performing team in an exciting time of growth and technology transformation.
• Parramatta base location – with flexible/hybrid working site.
• Fixed Term – Full Time 12 Months role
• Proudly making a difference to establishing a best-in-class, customer centred, client organisation

At Sydney Water, we’re passionate about making a difference to the lives of our customers and communities. 

About us 

We have a proud heritage and a progressive future, providing world class drinking water and beautiful waterways from the mountains to the sea. We see the world is changing so we are changing too. Our people and their jobs are as diverse as the communities we serve. 

About the role

The purpose of the position is to manage project cost estimation for projects delivered within Delivery Management, and to develop, implement, and manage estimating systems, databases, and tools to provide a basis for market competitive pricing, to deliver high quality information for project cost estimation and to provide assurance across the project lifecycle, identifying systemic issues arising from estimating analysis across projects. This role will have emphasis on development of SWC cost estimates and cost related commercial advice in planning and program optioneering.

The role is accountable for the development, implementation and maintenance of a robust Project Cost Estimation system, including all the required databases and tools to support the delivery of consistent and accurate cost estimation services to Delivery Management. Inclusive of leading innovative research and analysis of market data, working closely with suppliers and to provide a high level of cost assurance to Sydney Water.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Manage a team of cost estimators.
• Lead, develop, effectively communicate and maintain SWC cost plans.
• Coach and develop capability of team members to enable delivery against KPI’s and to facilitate function development.
• Performance management as required to ensure a high-performing culture is maintained.
• Cost Estimation Processes, Systems and Tools
• Develop and implement project cost estimation standards, procedures and tools aligned to Sydney Water objectives.
• Ensure that estimate and cost planning processes and procedures reflect compliance with legislation, statutes and codes of practice.
• Develop and implement systems and processes to ensure cost estimates are accurate and reflect current market including:
• Ensuring pricing schedules are prepared and maintained which are accurate and reflect the market.
• Keep track of performance against relevant publicly declared indices like RPI and wage inflation.
• Ensuring the preparation and maintenance of a benchmarking framework/database for projects, providing trend analysis and information to allow the improvement of cost methodologies.
• Ensuring benchmarking for cost comparison is carried out, including the use of first principles, past projects and other various sources.
• Ensure accuracy of cost planning is maintained via analysis of variances.
• Cost Estimation Service Delivery
• Review tenders with Project Managers, to identify project resource and construction timing requirements, for bid estimates.
• Ensure the preparation of Regional Delivery Consortia pricing schedules and project costing, is accurate and delivered in a timely manner, without compromising quality or safety.
• Develop cost estimates for various options during optioneering, and support cost estimates during other project phases, as required.
• Ensure cost estimations are conducted and incorporated for variations to business case.
• Ensure the accurate assessment and calculation of contingency costs associated with risks and opportunities are incorporated, including design development, procurement and price escalation.
• Ensure the review of tender costing associated with single source supply is carried out to identify anomalies in cost comparison.
• Ensure post project reviews are conducted to verify accuracy of cost estimation and take improvement action if required.
• Schedule project estimation programs to maximise efficient use of resources within the team and the timely delivery of recommendations and reports on budget.
•  Identify, develop, evaluate, and review procedures and task instructions for all estimating systems and project scoping processes.

What’s in it for you.

• Flexible/Hybrid working.
• Parking options available
• Childcare allowances
• Up to 18 weeks paid parental leave.
• Novated lease options
• Fitness Passport offering access to hundreds of gyms and pools around NSW.
• Flu vaccinations and discounted options on health insurance membership providers 

About you

• Tertiary qualifications in civil, mechanical or electrical engineering, or in Quantity Surveying / Construction management in a similar discipline or experience deemed equivalent - mandatory.
• Associated with the professional bodies like Engineers Australia (or equivalent in other countries), ACES, AIQS, RICS
• Project management qualifications - desirable
• 10+ years experience in project cost estimating and benchmarking.
• Demonstrated experience in delivering high quality cost estimations across the project lifecycle for civil infrastructure of high and low complexity.
• 5+ years experience in leading small teams technical specialists and professional staff
• Proven acumen and planning skills in project development and estimating.
• Demonstrated ability to assess needs, evaluate systems, create processes, and develop standardised systems.
• Strong conceptual, intellectual, and strategic ability, capable of clear innovative thought processes and solutions to complex issues
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills coupled with an understanding of market factors and stakeholder expectations.
• Extensive experience with project estimating software systems.
• Negotiation and presentation skills to effectively deliver presentations to management.
• Influencing, negotiation and investigation skills
• Effective verbal and written communication skills at all levels with internal and external stakeholders
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills
• Demonstrated ability to adopt a solution focused approach and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritise and deliver to tight or conflicting timescales.
• Strong grasp of financial analysis and management.

Does this sound like you? Apply now.

We support you through the application process and can modify as needed – let us know what you need.

Closing date: 5 July 2024

Please see the position description for the roles full accountabilities.

You must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident at the time of submitting your application to be considered for this role. For more information, you can contact sunil.nagarajan@sydneywater.com.au

Sydney Water welcomes you to apply if you feel you meet the selection criteria. The successful completion of a Criminal History Check and Medical Assessment form part of the application process.

Please advise if you require any adjustments to actively participate in the application and recruitment process.

We want your perspective and ideas to help us find better ways to delight our customers, so we encourage you to apply no matter your age, sex or culture. You can be part of a committed, highly skilled team who’ll appreciate what you bring to the table. You’ll set and achieve real goals and make decisions that matter, as together we help shape the lifestyle of greater Sydney.

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. We look at our Talent Community first when new opportunities come up when you apply for a role. Your personal information will be collected in accordance with LiveHire’s Terms, Privacy Policy and Sydney Water’s Privacy