Cost Manager

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Job reference: 691999
Location: Adelaide CBD
Job status: Temporary appointment up to 24 months
Eligibility: Open to Everyone
PO2 $88,255 to $97,667 pa + superannuation

At the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, we are connecting South Australia to keep our State moving. We are responsible for delivering a multi-billion-dollar pipeline of transformative transport and social infrastructure projects, operating and maintaining thousands of kilometres of roads and managing our city's public transport network.

Our work encompasses every part of our State; from our cities to our regions, connecting and strengthening community.

We value diversity and inclusion and foster an environment of collaboration, flexibility, and support for our people.

The Opportunity
This is a key opportunity to contribute to the successful delivery of social infrastructure projects across South Australia. In this critical role, you will be at the centre of delivering high-value social infrastructure projects across South Australia. You will work in partnership with government lead agencies to manage the construction, refurbishment, and replacement of public buildings, office accommodation, and government employee housing.

As a trusted advisor and leader in cost management, you will work in close partnership with government agencies to ensure projects are financially sound, strategically planned, and effectively delivered. Your work will influence the success of infrastructure projects across the state through:

Leading the identification and management of cost and budget risks across a diverse project portfolio.

Driving consistency in cost assessment methodologies to support value-for-money outcomes.

Advising on cost strategies that shape project design, procurement, and delivery.

Promoting financial transparency and accountability throughout the project lifecycle.

You'll report directly to senior leadership and be a key contributor to ensuring South Australia's infrastructure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest standard. If you're passionate about making a measurable impact in the public sector and thrive in a complex, fast-paced environment - this is the role for you.

About You
You are a strategic thinker and trusted collaborator, known for your ability to navigate complexity and bring clarity to cost-related decision-making. With a background in cost management, you're confident in offering high-level advice that shapes project outcomes.

You'll bring:

Proven experience working with diverse teams and stakeholders to drive results and build a culture of excellence.

The ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines while maintaining a strong focus on quality and service.

Sound judgement, initiative, and confidence to operate independently, while contributing effectively within a team.

Excellent communication skills - both written and verbal - grounded in strong analytical and sector knowledge, allowing you to support time-critical work with confidence and precision.

You're driven by purpose and thrive when your work has a real-world impact. If you're ready to use your expertise to help deliver vital infrastructure for South Australians, we'd love to hear from you.

Qualifications/Experience

Appropriate degree in Building, Quantity Surveying or Construction Management accredited or recognised by the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors.

A current Drivers Licence.

Previous Experience

Demonstrated experience in costing and estimating building projects.

Undertook complex professional activities across a broad scope, including investigations, assessments, planning, and change or improvement functions.

Interacted with computer systems to develop resources, input and maintain client information, and effectively used communication applications.

Carried out professional duties of an innovative or critical nature, including research, analysis, and reporting to resolve complex issues and manage assigned programs, projects, assets, systems, or services.

Conducted information sharing, consultation, and negotiation processes with stakeholders and across government agencies.

Developed cost estimates and cash flow projections to support financial arrangements and asset strategy requirements, working closely with Project Managers to minimise risks to project budgets and costs.

Special Conditions

A National Police Check (NPC) is required prior to employment in the Department for Infrastructure and Transport which must be renewed every three years.

May be assigned to an area where the role is classified as a position of trust. A satisfactory criminal history / record check in line with departmental policies and procedures may be required.

Some out of hours and weekend work, along with some intra/interstate travel requiring overnight stays, may be required.

Application Instructions
Applications can be submitted online by clicking the 'Apply' button.

Applicants are required to submit a CV and a cover letter of no more than 2 pages addressing the selection criteria in the attached role statement.

Our Commitment
The Department for Infrastructure and Transport is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture across the department, planning for and promoting diversity and culturally safe workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from diverse community groups and ages including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities and other diversity groups. The Department recognises the benefits that such an approach brings for our staff and customers in delivering the future of South Australia.

As a WE'RE EQUAL organisation we are committed to treating everyone equally, proudly promoting our department, and all its spaces as safe places for everybody.

The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.

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