Senior Specialist Cost Estimator

• 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 opportunity, 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 

About you  

We’re looking for someone whose experience aligns with the key requirements below. You do not need to meet every “helpful for success” item to apply. If you bring relevant experience and are excited by the opportunity, we encourage you to submit an application.  

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  

The Enterprise PMO (ePMO) supports the delivery of Rio Tinto's strategic enterprise projects through portfolio oversight, and commercial governance of key supplier partners. Working across a diverse portfolio with strategic suppliers and service providers, the team helps strengthen commercial performance, improve delivery confidence and ensure contractual commitments are effectively managed to deliver value for the business.  

About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.

We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.

Respect and Inclusion

At Rio Tinto, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, the LGBTQ+ community, mature workers, people with disabilities and people from different cultural backgrounds.

We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable to be themselves. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or anything else that makes us different.