Title:  Cost Control Lead

Cost Control lead

We bring the energy – through purpose and people

Not just through the infrastructure we operate, but through the way we show up for each other, our customers’ and our communities. The future of energy is in our hands. Let’s shape it together.

We all want a future of energy we can be proud of. With us you can.

We are looking for an experienced Cost Control Lead who will be responsible for establishing and leading cost control, earned value management (EVM), and cost analysis frameworks, processes, and procedures across the Western Renewables Link project.

The role provides timely and accurate financial insight to support effective decision making, budget governance, and strong project performance.

The Western Renewables Link (WRL) project team is the largest transmission build of its kind in more than three decades. WRL is a critical piece of transmission infrastructure required to deliver energy from wind and solar farms in western Victoria to homes across the state and to the National Electricity Market.

What you’ll be doing in this role:

• Ensure effective execution of budget and cost control programs across the WRL project
• Lead the cost function for all project activities and contractors
• Provide accurate, timely cost reporting, analysis, and forecasting to support project decision making
• Establish cost breakdown structures (CBS) aligned with project scope, WBS, and reporting requirements
• Direct preparation of project estimates, trends, change proposals, and project cost forecasts
• Lead analysis of contractor cost reports and earned value, escalating material risks, gaps, and trends
• Ensure actions are requested to contractors for gaps in progress, performance, or reporting
• Lead development of baseline budgets for all project work packages
• Manage monthly cost forecasting, variance analysis, and trend identification
• Provide early warning insights on cost risks, opportunities, and emerging pressures
• Manage the AGJV ITC contract and ensure compliance with cost control processes, management plans, and PSDR requirements
• Review contract drafts for adequacy of cost, scope definition, and Project Controls requirements
• Prepare, coordinate, and direct Project Controls data and presentations for contract negotiations and client requirements
• Lead, guide, and support the cost control team, with a focus on capability and capacity development
• Support the Project Controls Manager with staffing needs, ad‑hoc tasks, and analysis

You don’t need to check every box, however we’re looking for a good combination of:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Construction Management or related field
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in cost engineering roles within large‑scale projects
• Proven cost engineering, estimating, forecasting, and cost control on major infrastructure projects
• Strong understanding of cost management methodologies, earned value principles, and financial governance
• Advanced proficiency in cost control systems such as Prism, EcoSys, SAP, or similar (EcoSys preferred)
• Strong commercial and contract management capability
• High level of knowledge across engineering, procurement, contracts, construction, and startup work processes
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple tasks, set priorities, meet deadlines, and perform under pressure
• High attention to detail combined with strong commercial acumen
• Resilient, adaptable, and effective in rapidly changing environments
• Demonstrates a learning mindset with the ability to quickly grasp new or complex concepts
• Works positively and proactively within a team environment
• Willing to adapt to changing work volumes and track against project requirements

The AusNet experience is all about…

• Solving some of the most complex energy challenges of our time: We love unpacking complex challenges in clever ways and looking at things differently.   
• Building an energy future to be proud of: We’re a trusted leader, with deep expertise, driven to do what’s right for our communities and customers.  
• Being apart a team that cares deeply about each other: We share in the good times. We support in the tough times. And we’re humble through and through.

We’re committed to building an inclusive culture and a diverse workforce. We believe different perspectives are essential to our success, and we encourage all applicants to apply. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, we're happy to discuss how we can support you.

AusNet. We bring the energy. Want to be part of it too? Apply now.