Cost ManagerHybrid

• Contribute to delivering multibillion-dollar water infrastructure programs, offering long-term involvement in complex, large-scale projects.
• Be part of a client organisation delivering cutting‑edge water recycling and sustainable stormwater solutions that shape a greener, more resilient city.
• Enjoy flexible hybrid working arrangements.

About us

At Sydney Water, we’re delivering critical water infrastructure to support our communities now and into the future. As part of our billion dollar investments over the next 10yrs, we’re building sustainable water solutions that ensure Sydney’s growth is supported with safe and reliable services. This is your chance to be part of something truly impactful.

About the role

Cost Managers provide cost analysis and assurance across projects, focusing on planning, budgeting, performance tracking, and managing risks and changes. The role drives accurate forecasting, variation analysis, and consistent cost control to support effective project delivery.

Your Responsibilities:

• Lead the cost control team, ensuring accurate cost recording, baseline performance, variation analysis, corrective actions, and high‑quality reporting while developing team capability.
• Provide expert cost advice to project management, evaluating performance and forecasts to support informed decisions and deliver no‑surprises outcomes.
• Oversee quantity surveying activities across procurement and delivery, including estimates, tender reviews, contract administration, variation management and final accounting.
• Manage project budgets and cost plans, ensuring alignment with approvals, robust forecasting, variance analysis, cost‑saving opportunities and accurate data in cost systems.
• Lead monthly forecasting and progress reviews, oversee early warnings and compensation events, deliver timely cost reports, and drive opportunities for improved project outcomes. 

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• A relevant degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience (10+ years) managing complex project cost plans and systems, with 5+ years leading cost control or quantity surveying on infrastructure or construction projects.
• Strong capability in tender evaluation, forecasting, contract administration (including NEC familiarity), and applying cost control, budgeting and reporting methodologies.
• Proven ability to build trusted stakeholder relationships, provide commercial advice, and resolve complex issues across diverse project teams.
• Experience driving commercial improvements, strengthening governance and controls, and influencing stakeholders on project cost expectations and performance. 

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: Thursday 24th March 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.