Lead Cost Engineer

Job Description

Job Purpose / Overview

Working in the Cost Discipline of Integrated Project Controls (IPC), under the direction and leadership of the IPC Cost & Forecasting Manager, to take responsibility for all aspects of Cost within either one of the Programme Controls Teams or the Central Controls Team within the Project. To help lead the establishment, development, maintenance of timely, accurate cost data, and reports, including forecasts, performance analysis, earned value, cash flows, and monthly reports on the Actual Cost of Work Performed (ACWP). To support minimising the Estimate At Completion (EAC) for the Programme in accordance with best value.

It is the overarching objective of the Integrated Project Controls (IPC) Function to act as a centre of excellence: the intelligent owners of the single source of delivery performance information, operating as an integrated enabler for the successful delivery of the HPC Project.

Operating Environment

Thinking Environment:

• In order to understand the operating environment, the job-holder will be familiar with the following key documents:

• Company Manual - outlines the purpose of the company;
• Project Execution & Business Plan - describes the delivery strategy for the Project;
• Project Delivery Model - signposts readers to key procedures;
• Integrated Project Controls Manual - how work is undertaken in the Integrated Project Controls Function;
• Discipline-specific Procedures - detailed activity steps, interfaces, etc.

• The Nuclear environment is highly regulated by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR);
• Nuclear Safety Culture is of paramount importance to the Project and embedded throughout.

Key Interfaces include:

• Cost Discipline;
• Other Project Controls Disciplines (Estimating, Scheduling, Risk, Performance Measurement & Analysis, Project Controls Managers (PCMs));
• Project & Programme Managers;
• Programme Director;
• Supply Chain Function;
• Finance Function.

Principal Accountabilities

Team:

• Support the PCM or IPC Cost Manager in the development, implementation and maintenance of Integrated Project Controls processes for Cost, including the production of monthly reports, through the provision of intelligent information and analysis;
• Assist in leading, coaching and supporting all staff within the Cost Discipline;
• Collaborate with other Disciplines of Integrated Project Controls, as well as other Project Support Functions, to help deliver Project goals in keeping with the HPC principles of Trust, Transparency and Teamwork.

Core Processes:

• Responsible for the production and maintenance of accurate cost and cash forecasts in alignment with the Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS);
• Responsible for the accurate maintenance all cost data for the Programme within the financial control system (EcoSys), including monthly ACWP calculations;
• Oversee and provide timely and focussed cost reporting for the Programme to key stakeholders, to a defined reporting cycle;
• Responsible for the accurate assessment of the EAC for the Programme;
• Responsible for ensuring that earned value techniques and indices are correctly implemented in the Programme;
• Assist with the development of cost systems and reports capable of delivering the Project objectives;
• Lead and ensure the assessment of all changes and accurate representation of approved changes within the Programme budgets;
• Compare and analyse trends within the Programme and identify areas of risk and opportunities;
• Oversee the review, acceptance and integration of cost estimates and forecasts provided by Tier 1 Contractors and suppliers;
• Adhere to Project governance and Cost standards and procedures;
• Ensure all Project documents, in particular Sensitive Nuclear Information, are correctly protectively marked, and protected in accordance with EDF policies and procedures.

Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications & Experience

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

• Leadership capability;
• Detailed understanding of cost management methodologies and techniques;
• Technical and practical comprehension of engineering, procurement and construction methods and techniques in a UK context;
• Detailed understanding of earned value analysis;
• Ability to understand and interpret complex cost data;
• Ability to understand and use cost management software;
• Understanding of various contract types, in particular the NEC suite and FIDIC;
• Working knowledge of cost risk analysis techniques;
• Good commercial awareness;
• High level of analytical and numerical skills;
• Good attention to detail;
• High standard of interpersonal skills;
• Ability to build relationships both internally and externally;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills at all working and management levels.

Desirable

• Knowledge of estimating, scheduling and risk management techniques and associated software;
• Influencing skills;
• Ability to build relationships with Project stakeholders, and to act on behalf of the Programme Team as their representative;
• Working knowledge of French and/or Chinese languages an advantage.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Minimum of a degree in Engineering, Construction, Quantity Surveying or other related field;
• Professionally qualified with chartered or equivalent status;
• Proven relevant experience in a Project Management or Project Controls environment in a similar Cost role on a major construction project;
• Proven leadership experience;
• Experience in the use of cost management software systems such as EcoSys.

Desirable

• Experience in the use of a scheduling tool such as Primavera P6;
• Experience in the use of a risk management tool such as ARM;
• Experience in presenting complex information to senior executives and shareholders;
• Experience in the Nuclear sector.

Key Competencies

The jobholder will be expected to have a working level of knowledge of, and to use, the following (or similar equivalent) software tools:

• EcoSys (Cost, Changes, Earned Value Management);
• SAP (Financial Management);
• Microsoft Office software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint);
• Teamcenter (Document Control).

Rullion celebrates and supports diversity and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants.