Job Title: Cost Manager
Location:
Roles available in both Adelaide, SA and Canberra, ACT
Clearance:
Ability to obtain or maintain NV1 or Higher
Contract Type:
Full-Time Contractor
Role purpose:
We are seeking a Cost Manager or Cost Modeller to provide financial support to project teams across the organisation within Defence. This role requires strong analytical capabilities, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to financial planning and performance monitoring. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring financial integrity, supporting funding processes, and enhancing cost management practices across projects.
Key Responsibilities:
* Monitor project financial performance and provide monthly spend analysis and variance commentary within systems such as PPRIP/MRM.
* Prepare monthly forecasts based on stakeholder inputs, schedule updates, and risk assessments.
* Develop, review, and maintain cost models to support project planning, business cases, and investment submissions.
* Analyse contractor cost data, tender responses, and market intelligence to validate pricing and inform value-for-money assessments.
* Prepare and submit accrual data with supporting evidence.
* Support the development of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) estimates, including acquisition, sustainment, and disposal costs.
* Assist in the preparation of cost risk assessments, sensitivity analyses, and affordability studies.
* Provide input into the financial aspects of tender evaluations and contract negotiations.
* Coordinate Additional and Budget Estimate submissions and presentations for the Acquisition Program Review (APR).
* Manage contingency and management reserves and assist with project risk cost estimation.
* Collaborate with engineering, logistics, and commercial teams to ensure cost inputs reflect technical and operational realities.
* Develop financial tools tailored for Project Managers and Functional Leads.
* Define and document financial management processes and procedures for FISRSPO.
* Support financial change management activities, including training and capability uplift.
* Contribute to the development of cost estimation capability within the team by sharing knowledge and supporting training activities.
Attributes Sought:
* Strong analytical and financial modelling skills.
* Demonstrated experience in cost management within complex project environments.
* Ability to communicate financial insights clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
* Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outputs under tight deadlines.
* Experience in developing and implementing financial tools and processes.
* Collaborative mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and knowledge sharing
* Strategic thinking and commercial acumen in financial planning and procurement contexts.
Essential Experience and/or Qualifications:
* Demonstrated experience in financial performance monitoring, forecasting, and cost estimation.
* Familiarity with project financial systems such as PPRIP/MRM.
* Experience supporting funding submissions and financial reporting in a government or large enterprise context.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills.
* Qualifications in finance, accounting, project management, or a related field are highly desirable.
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If you have any questions, please email our Recruitment Team