CAPEX Cost Estimator (W/M)

GravitHy is an innovative French company born with a global ambition to decarbonize the steel industry. Our goal is to produce large-scale, low-carbon green Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) using renewable and low-emission hydrogen. We aim to build, own, and operate our first green iron plant in southern France (2.3B€ Capex) , with the intention of replicating this model across Europe and beyond.

GravitHy is looking for a CAPEX Cost Estimator (W/M) .

The Cost Estimator & Cost Control supports the Project Department by developing, validating, and maintaining reliable cost estimates for GravitHy’s industrial project.

IN first phase of the project, He/She provides high-quality CAPEX estimates and benchmarking data across all project development phases, from early conceptual studies through FEED and detailed design, ensuring alignment with project objectives, budgets, and schedules.

In second phase, The Project Cost Controller is responsible for monitoring, controlling and reporting all project costs throughout the project lifecycle. He/She ensures that the project remains within approved budget (CAPEX/OPEX), provides accurate cost forecasts, identifies deviations early and supports management decision-making through reliable financial analysis.

The position is based in Paris, with possible travel to Fos-sur-Mer.

The Cost Estimator reports directly to the PMO Lead.

Key Responsibilities

A - MAIN ROLE BEFORE FID

• Develop AACE Class 2, 3, 4 & 5 CAPEX estimates for the energy and process industries, meeting tight budgets and timeframes.
• Perform in an Estimator capacity by developing estimates of labour, material quantities.
• Define and develop the estimating scope, ensuring all differences between competing concepts are captured.
• Produce bottom-up estimates derived from bulk material quantities, including infrastructure, modularisation, transport and installation, site labour (reflecting proposed constructability methods and practices), commissioning, indirect labour, client costs, engineering, and design.
• Assure the quality and consistency of estimates through checking, benchmarking, and validation processes.
• Write and maintain estimate plans, prepare and assemble estimate data, review estimates, and produce estimate basis documents with assumptions and qualifications.
• Maintain and continuously update cost and benchmarking databases with current costs, quotes, and market data.

2) Project Coordination and Stakeholder Interface

• Work in close collaboration with engineering and design disciplines, including project management, EPC contractors, OEMs, and third-party consultants.
• Contribute to the preparation of investment files in accordance with GravitHy’s internal standards.
• Present and discuss estimates with the Leadership Team to ensure confidence and transparency in cost evaluations.
• Support project execution strategy by providing cost insights during FEED, EPCm, and detailed design phases.

3) Continuous Improvement and Methodology Development

• Contribute to the establishment of estimating methodologies, standards, and tools within the Project Department.
• Ensure full integration with project control tools (budget tracking, planning, and reporting).
• Support the development of estimating best practices, data management, and cost knowledge capitalisation.

B - MAIN ROLE AFTER FID

1) Cost Planning & Budget Control

• Support the development of the project budget (CAPEX and OPEX).
• Follow the cost breakdown structures (CBS) aligned with the WBS.
• Maintain and update the project cost baseline.
• Ensure cost allocation consistency across packages and contracts.

2) Cost Monitoring & Reporting

• Track actual expenditures versus budget.
• Monitor commitments (POs, contracts, variations).
• Prepare monthly cost reports and dashboards.
• Produce cost variance analysis and identify root causes.
• Issue early warnings on potential overruns.
• Develop and maintain cost forecasts (Estimate at Completion – EAC).
• Analyze trends and perform sensitivity analysis.
• Support cash flow projections.
• Contribute to financial model updates where required.
• Assess financial impact of change orders and variations.
• Participate in risk reviews and contingency management.
• Track contingency usage and remaining exposure.
• Ensure alignment between risk register and cost forecast.
• Assess financial impact of change orders and variations.
• Participate in risk reviews and contingency management.
• Track contingency usage and remaining exposure.
• Ensure alignment between risk register and cost forecast.
• Work closely with Project Management, Engineering, Procurement and Contracts teams.
• Support contract administration from a cost perspective.
• Ensure compliance with internal financial procedures.
• Support audits and investor reporting when required.

6) - EXCLUSION and Interface with financial team:

Financial team will remain accountable on:

• Administrative compliance of contracts and amendments, including invoice validation, monitoring of retention payments, insurance, etc.
• Consolidation of scope data in the ERP system (actual costs, progress, commitments, budget, cost at completion)
• Reconciliation of cost accounting and general accounting
• Consolidation and validation of cash flow projections
• Consolidated financial reporting to top management and the board

Profile

Education

• Engineering degree in Quantity Surveying or equivalent relevant industry experience.
• Specialization in industrial cost estimation and French construction standards.
• Familiarity with EPC / EPCm project environments is an asset.

Experience

• 10 - 15 years of experience in cost estimating for large-scale industrial projects, including greenfield developments
• Proven expertise in EPC/EPCm estimating during FEED and detailed design phases
• Strong ability to develop bottom-up estimates from materials, labour, logistics, and client costs
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, estimating software tools, and AACE cost estimating practices
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and French

At GravitHy, we value diversity in all its forms.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all candidates, regardless of their background, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other personal characteristic. We believe that diversity is a strength and a driver of innovation, and we strive to create an inclusive and respectful work environment.