Senior Specialist Cost Estimator

About the role

Rio Tinto is looking for a Senior Specialist Cost Estimator to join its Enterprise Project Management Office (ePMO) in Brisbane or Perth. The role provides independent cost and commercial expertise to validate vendor-provided estimates, pricing structures and commercial assumptions, supporting investment planning, governance and decision-making. It reports to the Senior Manager of Delivery within the ePMO.

Key responsibilities

• Validate vendor cost estimates, pricing structures and commercial assumptions for accuracy, completeness and alignment with agreed scope and delivery models
• Assess cost drivers, estimation methodologies and key assumptions to support investment and portfolio decisions
• Provide independent challenge and cost assurance, identifying risks, affordability concerns and estimation bias
• Support investment approvals, governance forums and stage-gate reviews with cost assurance insights
• Ensure estimates meet quality, transparency and evidence standards before progressing through governance
• Partner with project sponsors, commercial teams, procurement, finance, project controls and delivery partners
• Highlight pricing risks and cost exposure early in the initiative lifecycle, and identify recurring estimation issues to improve portfolio-wide cost visibility and forecasting

Required profile

• Advanced expertise in cost estimating, commercial analysis, investment planning, governance and risk management, able to independently review and challenge complex estimates
• Demonstrated experience validating third-party cost estimates and providing cost assurance in mining, resources, infrastructure, technology delivery or other large-scale capital environments
• Tertiary qualification in Project Management, Finance, Commerce or a related discipline
• Desirable: professional estimating or cost engineering certification such as AACE or ICEC

Required skills

• Structured estimation methodologies and financial analysis
• Governance frameworks and project controls practices
• Helpful: knowledge of portfolio, programme and project governance and stage-gate approval frameworks

What we offer

• Permanent position with a competitive base salary and annual incentive program
• Medical benefits including subsidised private health insurance for employees and immediate family
• Share ownership plan, company insurance and salary sacrifice and packaging options
• Career development and education assistance
• Family-friendly health and wellbeing support, and leave for vacation, parental and sick reasons
• Employee discounts