Project Controller / Cost Engineer – Capital Projects
Portland | Victoria
Major Industrial Projects

Are you a detail-driven Project Controller or Cost Engineer ready to make a real impact on a $55M capital program? Join a high-performing team and play a pivotal role in delivering major brownfield projects at the Portland Smelter.

About the Role
Reporting to the Capital Program Manager, you’ll be embedded in an integrated project team supporting Project Managers and Team Leaders across the Capital Baseload Project Program. Your mission: ensure cost control, forecasting accuracy, and schedule alignment to drive successful project delivery.

This is a site-based role where your expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and cost engineering will directly influence the performance and outcomes of large-scale industrial projects.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead cost control, budgeting, and forecasting across the Portland Smelter’s capital project portfolio
• Maintain accurate records of committed, expended, and forecast costs
• Monitor cost trends and identify deviations early
• Validate contractor invoices, progress claims, and variations
• Review scope changes and assess time/cost impacts
• Audit contractor reports and ensure realistic forecasting
• Track project schedules and provide time-to-complete analysis
• Prepare performance reports, variation registers, and cash flow forecasts
• Support procurement strategy and definitive cost estimates
• Align cost breakdown structures with project management systems
• Drive forecasting accuracy and manage change control processes
• Collaborate with finance, engineering service providers, and procurement teams
• Facilitate asset capitalisation and post-project reviews

What You’ll Bring

• Proven experience in cost control for large brownfield industrial projects
• Strong analytical and reporting skills with attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills – written and verbal
• Ability to influence stakeholders and drive cost-conscious decision-making
• Experience in project controls systems and training others
• A collaborative, ethical, and results-oriented mindset

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a high-impact team delivering major capital projects
• Work in a dynamic, fast-paced industrial environment
• Enjoy a supportive culture that values continuous improvement
• Competitive remuneration and career development opportunities

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.