Job Opportunities in New Zealand

Cost Manager - Structures
Are you an experienced cost manager who thrives in being involved in diverse and varied capital projects from initiation to closure?
Do you want to play a key role in achieving NPDC’s goals and making a meaningful impact for our community?
Ko wai mātou - Who are we
Te Kaunihera-ā-rohe o Ngāmotu - New Plymouth District Council is a local government organisation located in the heart of New Plymouth. Our vision is to be the Sustainable Lifestyle Capital, and our district boasts a spectacular natural beauty from Taranaki Maunga to the moana. In 2021, we were awarded the most liveable city (for a population between 75,000 and 150,000) by the International Awards for Liveable Communities. We work collaboratively with iwi, Government, not-for-profits and businesses to achieve outcomes that benefit our community.
Te āheinga - The opportunity
As a result of NPDCs Organisation Transformation Review, a number of new teams and roles have been created, including the Project Management Office (PMO). NPDC has over $1B of capital projects to deliver over the next decade and the PMO plays a crucial role in delivering this significant investment efficiently and effectively for our community.
We are looking for an experienced cost manager with strong commercial nous for the newly created Cost Manager – Structures role. Reporting to the Procurement and Commercial Services Manager, the role provides subject matter expertise to planning teams and project managers that support strengthening NPDCs cost planning and management practices, with emphasis on minimising whole of life costs and establishing high levels of project cost-certainty.
Tino takohanga - Key responsibilities:
Develop consistent approaches to cost planning across a range of project types to support options analysis and early planning including Whole of Life Cost and projected cashflows.
Support the Procurement and Commercial Services Manager with the ongoing development and implementation of the Cost Estimating Framework.
High quality cost planning support to projects and programmes including internal and outsourced costs for development of the Long Term Plan (LTP) and business cases.
Develop and maintain a cost planning database based on industry standard methods of measurement/elemental breakdowns to capture project data from delivery teams which can be used to inform future cost planning.
Providing QS/commercial input for tenders, from the initial preparation, evaluation and negotiation to support the application of robust commercial practices.
For select projects, provide full cost management support including estimating, qualitative risk assessment, establish cashflows, costs to complete, financial reports, reviewing progress claims, and contract management support where required.
Work closely with the Senior Scheduler to incorporate relevant cost information into the master programme and input to resource requirements and support programme optimisation activity.
Undertake carbon estimating for projects, including whole-of-life carbon from operations and compile carbon data reporting for Council’s annual emission inventories.
Ngā tino pūkenga me ngā wheako - Essential skills and experience:
You will ideally hold a relevant Tertiary Degree (or similar) in Quantity Surveying, engineering or related discipline, with cost planning and management experience gained from exposure to large and complex construction projects (substantially vertical construction and refurbishments / fit outs), plus:

• Strong written and oral communication skills and ability to communicate complex concepts to a range of stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work effectively with cross functional teams involving operations, consultants, project managers, procurement and other stakeholders.
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to understand and interpret contracts and commercial terms.
• Analytical and numerical skills with an outcome focus driven by continuous improvement.

Desirable

Experience working in a complex public-facing environment with working knowledge of Local Government legislation.
Good understanding and awareness of Treasury’s Better Business Case processes.
Membership of relevant professional body.
He aha ai a Taranaki? - Why Taranaki?
With the stunning Mt Taranaki as a backdrop and the warm iron sands along our coast, it is no wonder Taranaki is one of the best regions in New Zealand and the world. In Taranaki it's easy to achieve an enviable lifestyle without having to compromise your career. Our region's dynamic surf, multitude of parks and gardens, iconic walkways, major events calendar and mountain playground make this the place to live!
Ōu mātou rourou - What we offer
At the New Plymouth District Council we aim to create and sustain a truly rewarding workplace environment for our staff including solid career pathways, learning and development opportunities as well as personal and professional development.
You can expect to start in this permanent full-time role with us between $117,496 and $126,634.
We have also put together an 'Our Peoples Package' that spans wellbeing, development, benefits, culture and recognition.
If you think this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!
Applications close Sunday 6 October 2024.