Pretoria - Cost Engineer

Job Type: Contract, expected to work Full-Time hours

Job Description

This position involves managing and controlling costs related to mining projects to ensure financial efficiency and project success.

Required Qualifications:

• Cost Engineering qualification, preferably AACE® International Cost Control Professional (CCP)
• Bachelors degree in engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related field.
• Professional certifications such as CCP (Certified Cost Professional) or AACE (Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering) accreditation.
• Certification or training in project management (e.g., PMP certification) is preferred.
• Postgraduate qualification in a cost engineering or project management-related field (preferred)

Minimum requirements:

• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in cost engineering or cost control in industries such as construction, engineering, oil & gas, or infrastructure.
• Proven experience in managing project cost estimation, cost control, and forecasting processes on large, complex projects.
• At least 3 years of experience with cost management tools such as Primavera, SAP, or Oracle Primavera Unifier.
• Strong familiarity with Earned Value Management (EVM) principles and their application to cost control and reporting.
• Experience in working with cross-functional teams, including project management, procurement, and finance.

Software requirements:

• Microsoft Suite (Word, Excell, PowerPoint)
• SAP, Oracle, or Primavera P6
• Advanced knowledge of cost estimation software

Skill:

• Proficiency in cost management and financial analysis software such as SAP, Oracle, or Primavera P6.
• Advanced knowledge of cost estimation methodologies, including top-down, bottom-up, and parametric estimating.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills, with the ability to interpret data to create accurate cost forecasts.
• Excellent communication and report writing skills to present cost information to non-technical stakeholders.
• Solid understanding of financial principles, such as budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting.
• Advanced skills in Excel, including pivot tables, macros, and advanced financial modelling.
• Ability to assess risks and variances and implement corrective measures to maintain cost control.
• Advanced problem-solving skills

Responsibilities:

• Review of the cost estimate (incl. comprehensive understanding of the basis of estimate), cash flow forecast and alignment with scope, WBS and schedule
• The development of an integrated cost control plan incorporating all stakeholders and technical functions, with specific emphasis on integration with the Schedule Management Plan
• Set-up of the required cost controls elements (Data flow and integration from Engineering through to commissioning)
• Monitoring all cash-flow, providing accurate reports of progress, variance to plan, root cases and remedial actions
• Monitoring the greater environment to identify the potential risks to the cost and financial model

Behavioural:

• Attention to Detail:
• Must demonstrate a high level of precision in cost reporting and forecasting to avoid inaccuracies that may impact the project's financial health.
• Proactivity:
• Should actively monitor cost trends and implement corrective actions as soon as cost deviations or risks are identified.
• Critical Thinking:
• Ability to analyse data, foresee potential cost challenges, and propose solutions or alternatives that minimize financial risk.
• Effective Communicator:
• Able to present complex financial data in a clear and concise manner to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Integrity:
• Upholds high ethical standards in managing project costs, ensuring transparency and accountability in all financial activities.
• Team Collaboration:
• Must be able to work effectively with project managers, engineers, finance teams, and procurement to ensure alignment on cost control measures.
• Adaptability:
• Able to handle changing project scopes, requirements, or external economic factors with a flexible and solution-oriented approach.
• Resilience:
• Capable of managing pressure and competing priorities while maintaining focus on achieving cost control objectives.