Principal Adviser - Cost Estimator

Principal Advisor, Cost Estimator

Help shape the future of estimation within the business

Bring your curiosity and creativity

Perth based

About the role Finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs.

We’re looking for a Principal Advisor, Cost Estimator to be responsible for the supervision and delivery of all cost estimating services.

In this role, you’ll support the team with the implementation and ongoing support of all estimating systems and functions on the project. The scope of the Cost Estimating function includes (but is not limited to) cost estimating, reporting, developing benchmarking, reviewing cost estimates prepared by project teams, document controlling and managing relevant project processes and procedures.

This position will provide expert advice and support where the size and complexity of project / projects is significant enough to warrant strategic leadership of the function within the broader team.

You'll work closely with the Estimations team and bring structure, clarity, and creativity to the role.

Key Responsibilities

Proactive engagement and development of a service‑provider culture within Estimating, and having the strength and integrity to be firm on important issues and to escalate where necessary for the long‑term benefit of projects.

Assist the organisation to successfully deliver projects by ensuring the preparation of thorough cost estimates to appropriate levels of accuracy for each stage of the project life cycle.

Ensure all cost estimates produced on behalf of the business are consistent with standard procedures.

Assist other groups within the business with the preparation of cost estimates for project development.

Develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders and recognise the importance of this.

Enhance sharing and utilisation of knowledge.

Lead Conceptual, OOM, PFS, DFS and Definitive Estimates where required.

Proactively provide guidance and support to project teams and other areas of the business where appropriate.

Participate in TEG (Technical Evaluation Group) reviews as needed.

Assist in the development of others through training and mentoring.

What you will bring

10+ years’ experience in major project estimating with specialisation in process plants.

Technical understanding from a degree in engineering, construction trade qualification, quantity surveying or equivalent industry experience.

Understanding of the engineering, construction and mining industries.

Familiar with estimating software systems and advanced skills in Excel.

Takes ownership in delivering and communicating accurate and precise information and data.

In‑depth knowledge of estimating principles and industry best practices.

Analytical data skills.

Self‑motivated, reliable and able to work within a team.

Desirable

Estimating experience from resource mining and infrastructure construction background.

Well‑versed in bulk earthworks first‑principles estimating.

Advanced working knowledge of project management processes (cost management, risk management, contracts management, planning and scheduling) and the tools used to deliver a sound governance function.

Understanding benchmarking in a mining environment.

Knowledgeable in best practice people management.

Strong understanding of economic principles and how they affect costs.

About Rio Tinto Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities and nations to thrive.

We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it alone, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win‑win situations and meet opportunities.

Every Voice Matters At Rio Tinto, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, the LGBTI+ community, mature workers, people with disabilities and people from different cultural backgrounds.

We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable to be themselves. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or anything else that makes us different.

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