Manager Cost Management | Quantity Surveying | NSW Government
Our client is Australia's largest education system, supporting learners across early childhood, schooling and vocational education and training.
The infrastructure function supports the delivery of major capital works and construction projects across the Department, ensuring projects are effectively planned, governed and delivered with strong cost control and value for money.
Role Description:
We are seeking an experienced Manager Cost Management with a strong Quantity Surveying and construction cost management background to lead the development and implementation of cost management frameworks across a major infrastructure portfolio.
The role will provide specialist cost management, cost planning and commercial advice across the full project lifecycle, from initial scoping and business case development through procurement, construction and project closeout.
Working closely with senior executives, project teams, Quantity Surveyors, consultants and other stakeholders, you will provide independent advice on project costs, risks, variations, progress claims and cost control to support informed investment and delivery decisions.
This is a senior hands-on role requiring strong technical Quantity Surveying capability, sound commercial judgement and the ability to lead a small team while providing trusted advice across a complex capital works environment.
Responsibilities:
Lead the development and implementation of cost management frameworks, strategies and processes across the infrastructure project lifecycle
Provide specialist Quantity Surveying and cost management advice to senior executives, project teams and key stakeholders
Lead cost planning and cost control activities from initial project scoping through to project completion and closeout




Provide cost, risk and commercial advice during early project development and prior to site investigations
Develop and maintain cost management plans, systems, processes and governance requirements
Prepare and review pre-tender estimates, cost plans, cost forecasts and project cost reports
Review and assess variations, progress claims and cost impacts throughout project delivery
Undertake cost benchmarking, trend analysis and data analysis across major capital projects
Identify cost risks, opportunities, savings and efficiencies and provide recommendations to project teams
Provide independent peer review of external cost plans and internal cost advice through Final Business Case and investment stages
Analyse project cost data and prepare accurate management reports for senior stakeholders
Monitor cost performance, forecasts and emerging risks across multiple concurrent projects
Ensure cost management activities comply with relevant governance, policies, processes and controls
Develop and maintain strong working relationships with project teams, consultants, contractors and senior stakeholders
Lead, coordinate and provide technical guidance to a small team of Quantity Surveyors
Provide coaching and support to improve cost management capability across the broader project environment
Review and quality assure cost management outputs and recommendations




Identify opportunities to improve cost management systems, reporting and processes
Support transparent, evidence-based and value-for-money investment and delivery outcomes
Skills and Experience:
Formal Quantity Surveying qualification is essential
Significant experience in Quantity Surveying, cost management, cost planning and cost control
Demonstrated experience across major construction, infrastructure, property or capital works projects
Strong hands-on experience preparing and reviewing cost plans and pre-tender estimates
Demonstrated experience assessing variations, progress claims, cost forecasts and project cost performance
Solid understanding of construction costs, commercial risks and cost management principles
Experience with benchmarking, cost analysis, data analytics and management reporting
Demonstrated experience identifying cost risks, savings opportunities and efficiencies
Experience providing independent cost advice and peer reviewing external Quantity Surveyor / consultant outputs
Experience supporting projects through business case / investment approval stages highly regarded
Demonstrated ability to provide specialist advice to senior executives and diverse stakeholders
Experience leading, mentoring or providing technical guidance to Quantity Surveyors or cost management professionals
Strong understanding of governance, assurance and cost management controls within a complex organisation
Excellent analytical, written and verbal communication skills
Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills
Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities within tight timeframes
NSW Government, education infrastructure or major public sector capital works experience highly regarded

📌 Manager Cost Management | Quantity Surveying | Nsw Government (New South Wales)
🏢 AAR Consulting Group
📍 New South Wales