Cost Estimator

An innovative industrial decarbonisation company with global ambitions is seeking a CAPEX Cost Estimator / Cost Controller to support the delivery of a major first-of-its-kind low-carbon industrial project.

The organisation aims to develop, own, and operate large-scale green production facilities powered by renewable and low-emission hydrogen, with plans to replicate this model internationally.

The company is currently developing its first flagship plant in Southern France, representing a multi-billion-euro capital investment.

Reporting line: PMO Lead

Role Purpose

The Cost Estimator & Cost Controller supports the Project Department by developing, validating, and maintaining robust cost estimates throughout all project phases.

During the pre-FID phase, the role focuses on CAPEX estimating, benchmarking, and investment decision support from concept studies through FEED and detailed design.

During the post-FID / execution phase, the role transitions into project cost control, ensuring delivery within approved CAPEX/OPEX budgets, maintaining forecasts, identifying variances, and supporting management decision-making through reliable financial analysis.

Key Responsibilities

A. Main Role Before FID

1. Estimating Activities

   • Develop AACE Class 2, 3, 4 & 5 CAPEX estimates for industrial / energy projects.
   • Prepare labour, material quantity, and installation cost estimates.
   • Define estimating scope and capture differences between competing concepts.
   • Produce detailed bottom-up estimates covering:
     • bulk materials
     • infrastructure
     • modularisation
     • transport & installation
     • site labour
     • commissioning
     • indirect labour
     • owner's costs
     • engineering & design
   • Validate estimate quality through benchmarking and peer review.
   • Prepare estimate basis documentation, assumptions, exclusions, and qualifications.
   • Maintain cost databases using current market pricing, supplier quotes, and benchmarks.

2. Project Coordination & Stakeholder Management

   • Work closely with engineering, project management, EPC/EPCm contractors, OEMs, and consultants.
   • Support preparation of investment approval files.
   • Present estimates to leadership teams and decision-makers.
   • Provide cost input during FEED, EPCm, and detailed design stages.

3. Continuous Improvement

   • Help establish estimating methodologies, standards, and tools.
   • Ensure integration with project controls systems.
   • Support best practice development, data management, and lessons learned.

B. Main Role After FID

1. Cost Planning & Budget Control

   • Support development of CAPEX and OPEX budgets.
   • Maintain Cost Breakdown Structures aligned to WBS.
   • Update project cost baselines.
   • Ensure cost allocation consistency across packages and contracts.

2. Cost Monitoring & Reporting

   • Track actual spend versus budget.
   • Monitor commitments (POs, contracts, variations).
   • Prepare monthly cost reports and dashboards.
   • Perform variance analysis and identify root causes.
   • Issue early warnings on potential overruns.

3. Forecasting & Financial Analysis

   • Maintain Estimate at Completion (EAC) forecasts.
   • Conduct trend and sensitivity analysis.
   • Support cash flow forecasting.
   • Contribute to project financial model updates.

4. Change & Risk Management

   • Assess financial impacts of change orders and variations.
   • Participate in risk reviews and contingency management.
   • Track contingency drawdown and residual exposure.
   • Align risk registers with cost forecasts.

5. Governance & Interfaces

   • Work closely with Project Management, Engineering, Procurement, and Contracts teams.
   • Support contract administration from a cost perspective.
   • Ensure compliance with internal procedures.
   • Support audits, lenders, and investor reporting when required.

6. Interfaces with Finance Team Finance remains accountable for:

   • Contract administration compliance and invoice validation.
   • ERP consolidation of actuals, commitments, progress, and budgets.
   • Cost accounting / general ledger reconciliation.
   • Consolidated cash flow reporting.
   • Executive and board-level financial reporting.

Candidate Profile

Education

• Degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Economics, or related discipline.
• Specialisation in industrial cost estimation or construction cost management.
• Knowledge of French construction standards desirable.
• EPC / EPCm project experience advantageous.

Experience

• 10-15 years' experience in cost estimating / cost control for major industrial capital projects.
• Experience in greenfield or mega-project environments.
• Strong FEED and detailed design estimating capability.
• Proven ability to develop bottom-up estimates across labour, materials, logistics, and owner's costs.
• Strong Excel and estimating software capability.
• Familiarity with AACE estimating practices.