Reporting to the Senior Cost Control Manager Energy and Utilities, you will lead Cost Control delivery across an assigned line of business or portfolio, ensuring leaders and project teams have timely, accurate and consistent cost information to support effective decision making.
This is a people focused leadership role with a strong financial control foundation. You will lead and develop Cost Control resources, oversee budgets, actual costs, commitments, accruals and forecasts, and provide meaningful review and challenge across project and portfolio performance.
You will also play an important role in strengthening Cost Control practices across the business. Working closely with Project Management, Finance, Planning, Commercial, Procurement, Engineering and Delivery teams, you will support consistent application of approved standards, systems and governance requirements and help identify and address barriers to effective Cost Control.
Key responsibilities include
- Leading Cost Control delivery and resource allocation across the assigned portfolio
- Overseeing budget integrity, cost coding, commitments, actual costs, accruals, reconciliations and approved budget movements
- Leading monthly forecast reviews and challenging assumptions using project scope, commitments, quantities, risks and opportunities
- Maintaining clear visibility of cost performance, margin, contingency, cash flow, risks and opportunities
- Delivering concise and evidence-based project and portfolio reporting with material movements clearly explained
- Leading, coaching and developing assigned Cost Control resources and supporting capability and performance development
- Implementing approved Energy and Utilities Cost Control standards, processes, reporting requirements and systems
- Working collaboratively with operational and functional stakeholders to resolve Cost Control issues and improve ways of working
- Promoting strong Cost Control behaviours by constructively challenging poor practices and escalating material risks or unresolved issues
- Demonstrating visible leadership and behaviours that support our Zero Harm culture
What we’re looking for
You will be an experienced Cost Control professional who combines strong technical capability with the communication and leadership skills required to influence project and operational stakeholders.
Ideally, you will bring
- A tertiary qualification
- More than 10 years of relevant project Cost Control experience
- A strong finance background, particularly in financial control, forecasting and reporting
- Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of Cost Control practices and frameworks
- Demonstrated experience reviewing project information, challenging forecasts and supporting operational decision making
- People leadership experience with the ability to coach, coordinate and develop Cost Control professionals
- Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to work effectively across Project Management, Finance, Planning, Commercial, Procurement, Engineering and Delivery functions
- Experience with InEight will be highly regarded
- Exposure to data analytics and reporting tools such as Power BI will be advantageous
- Postgraduate studies demonstrating a commitment to ongoing learning will also be viewed favourably
What we offer
Downer is committed to delivering career opportunities and an inclusive workplace where people are respected, supported and able to contribute their best.
This role provides the opportunity to take a leadership position within a major Energy and Utilities environment, influence Cost Control performance across a portfolio and contribute to the continued development of Cost Control capability, systems and ways of working.
About Energy & Utilities
Downer’s Energy & Utilities business provides essential services and infrastructure solutions across the energy and utilities sector. Our teams work collaboratively to support safe, reliable and sustainable outcomes for our customers and the communities in which we operate.
How to apply
To apply for this opportunity, please submit your application through the advertised Downer recruitment process.
Downer is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds.
Please note that Downer does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies. Unsolicited resumes submitted by agencies without an agreed engagement will not be considered.
Skills Required
- Tertiary qualification
- More than 10 years of relevant project cost control experience
- Strong finance background, particularly in financial control, forecasting, and reporting
- Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of cost control practices and frameworks
- Experience reviewing project information, challenging forecasts, and supporting operational decision-making
- People leadership experience, including coaching, coordinating, and developing cost control professionals
- Strong stakeholder management skills across project management, finance, planning, commercial, procurement, engineering, and delivery functions
- Experience with InEight
- Exposure to data analytics and reporting tools such as Power BI
- Postgraduate studies demonstrating commitment to ongoing learning
Downer Group Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Downer Group and has not been reviewed or approved by Downer Group.
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Strong & Reliable Incentives — Overtime, penalty rates, and structured allowances are often viewed as strong earners that lift overall compensation, particularly in field and trade roles.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellbeing resources such as a 24/7 EAP, mental-health support, health checks, flu vaccinations, and retail discounts are consistently highlighted as valuable parts of the package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Leave options include parental leave and domestic-violence leave, contributing to a broader benefits offering across different life stages.
Downer Group Insights
What We Do
Downer Group is a leading provider of integrated infrastructure services across Australia and New Zealand, operating in sectors such as transport, utilities, facilities, and defense.
