- Provide independent cost assurance and commercial insight that strengthens investment decisions across Rio Tinto's portfolio
- Influence major investment approvals, governance outcomes and portfolio planning while partnering with senior stakeholders and delivery partners
- A Brisbane or Perth based prospect, working within a collaborative and values-driven environment

We’re Finding Better Ways to provide materials the world needs, now and in the future. Our values – care, courage and curiosity – guide how we work and how we treat each other.

About the role

We are looking for a Senior Specialist Cost Estimator to help the Enterprise Project Management Office (ePMO) deliver robust investment planning, governance and decision-making.

In this role, you will provide independent cost and commercial expertise to validate vendor-provided estimates, pricing structures and commercial assumptions, ensuring investment decisions are transparent, defensible and aligned to business objectives.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys influencing complex decisions, applying commercial judgement and partnering with a broad range of stakeholders across major initiatives.

What you’ll be doing

Reporting to the Senior Manager of Delivery within the ePMO, and working in a collaborative project environment, you will:

- Validate vendor-provided cost estimates, pricing structures and commercial assumptions for accuracy, completeness and alignment to agreed scope and delivery models
- Assess cost drivers, estimation methodologies and key assumptions to support informed investment and portfolio decisions
- Provide independent challenge and cost assurance, identifying risks, opportunities,



affordability concerns and estimation bias
- Support investment approvals, governance forums and stage-gate reviews with high-quality cost assurance insights
- Ensure estimates meet defined standards for quality, transparency and evidence before progressing through governance processes
- Partner with project sponsors, commercial teams, procurement, finance, project controls and delivery partners to validate assumptions and improve cost confidence
- Highlight commercial implications, pricing risks and potential cost exposure early in the lifecycle of initiatives
- Identify recurring estimation issues and systemic inefficiencies to improve portfolio-wide cost visibility and forecasting capability

Required for Success

- A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team
- Advanced expertise in cost estimating, commercial analysis, investment planning, governance and risk management, with the ability to independently review and challenge complex estimates and proposals
- Demonstrated experience validating third-party cost estimates, reviewing commercial proposals and providing cost assurance within mining, resources, infrastructure, technology delivery or other large-scale capital environments
- A tertiary qualification in Project Management, Finance, Commerce or a related discipline.



Professional estimating or cost engineering certification (such as AACE, ICEC or equivalent) is desirable
- Experience applying structured estimation methodologies, financial analysis, governance frameworks and project controls practices to support investment decision-making

Helpful for Success

- Experience working with delivery partners, suppliers and contract management teams in complex delivery environments
- Knowledge of portfolio, programme and project governance processes and stage-gate approval frameworks
- Exposure to enterprise transformation, digital, technology or major capital investment portfolios
- Ability to build constructive stakeholder relationships while maintaining independence and objectivity

What we offer

Be recognised for your contribution, your thinking and your hard work, and go home knowing you've helped the world progress.

- A work environment where safety is always the number one priority
- A permanent position working directly for Rio Tinto
- A competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with annual incentive program
- Comprehensive medical benefits including subsidised private health insurance for employees and immediate family
- Attractive share ownership plan
- Company provided insurance cover
- Extensive salary sacrifice & salary packaging options
- Career development & education assistance to further your technical or leadership ambitions
- Ongoing access to family-friendly health and medical wellbeing support
- Leave for all of life's reasons (vacation/annual, paid parental, sick leave)
- Exclusive employee discounts (banking, accommodation, cars, retail and more)

Where you'll be working

📌 Senior Specialist Cost Estimator (Australia)
🏢 Riotinto
📍 Australia