Cost Estimator

An innovative industrial decarbonisation company with global ambitions is seeking a CAPEX Cost Estimator / Cost Controller to support the delivery of a major first-of-its-kind low‑carbon industrial project.

The organisation aims to develop, own, and operate large‑scale green production facilities powered by renewable and low‑emission hydrogen, with plans to replicate this model internationally.

The company is currently developing its first flagship plant in Southern France, representing a multi‑billion‑euro capital investment.

Role Purpose

The Cost Estimator & Cost Controller supports the Project Department by developing, validating, and maintaining robust cost estimates throughout all project phases.

During the pre‑FID phase , the role focuses on CAPEX estimating, benchmarking and investment decision support from concept studies through FEED and detailed design.

During the post‑FID / execution phase , the role transitions into project cost control, ensuring delivery within approved CAPEX/OPEX budgets, maintaining forecasts, identifying variances and supporting management decision‑making through reliable financial analysis.

Key Responsibilities

A. Main Role Before FID

• Develop AACE Class 2, 3, 4 & 5 CAPEX estimates for industrial / energy projects.
• Prepare labour, material quantity and installation cost estimates.
• Define estimating scope and capture differences between competing concepts.
• Produce detailed bottom‑up estimates covering:
• bulk materials
• infrastructure
• modularisation
• indirect labour
• owner’s costs
• Validate estimate quality through benchmarking and peer review.
• Prepare estimate basis documentation, assumptions, exclusions and qualifications.
• Maintain cost databases using current market pricing, supplier quotes and benchmarks.

2. Project Coordination & Stakeholder Management

• Work closely with engineering, project management, EPC/EPCm contractors, OEMs and consultants.
• Support preparation of investment approval files.
• Present estimates to leadership teams and decision‑makers.
• Provide cost input during FEED, EPCm and detailed design stages.
• Help establish estimating methodologies, standards and tools.
• Ensure integration with project controls systems.
• Support best practice development, data management and lessons learned.

B. Main Role After FID

1. Cost Planning & Budget Control

• Support development of CAPEX and OPEX budgets.
• Maintain Cost Breakdown Structures aligned to WBS.
• Update project cost baselines.
• Ensure cost allocation consistency across packages and contracts.

2. Cost Monitoring & Reporting

• Track actual spend versus budget.
• Monitor commitments (POs, contracts, variations).
• Prepare monthly cost reports and dashboards.
• Perform variance analysis and identify root causes.
• Issue early warnings on potential overruns.
• Conduct trend and sensitivity analysis.
• Support cash flow forecasting.
• Contribute to project financial model updates.
• Assess financial impacts of change orders and variations.
• Participate in risk reviews and contingency management.
• Track contingency drawdown and residual exposure.
• Align risk registers with cost forecasts.

5. Governance & Interfaces

• Work closely with Project Management, Engineering, Procurement and Contracts teams.
• Support contract administration from a cost perspective.
• Ensure compliance with internal procedures.
• Support audits, lenders and investor reporting when required.

6. Interfaces with Finance Team

Finance remains accountable for:

• Contract administration compliance and invoice validation.
• ERP consolidation of actuals, commitments, progress and budgets.
• Cost accounting / general ledger reconciliation.
• Consolidated cash flow reporting.
• Executive and board‑level financial reporting.

Candidate Profile

Education

• Degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Economics or related discipline.
• Specialisation in industrial cost estimation or construction cost management.
• Knowledge of French construction standards desirable.
• EPC / EPCm project experience advantageous.

Experience

• 10‑15 years’ experience in cost estimating / cost control for major industrial capital projects.
• Experience in greenfield or mega‑project environments.
• Strong FEED and detailed design estimating capability.
• Proven ability to develop bottom‑up estimates across labour, materials, logistics and owner’s costs.
• Strong Excel and estimating software capability.
• Familiarity with AACE estimating practices .