Redpath Partners have been engaged to recruit a Cost Planning Director on behalf of Sydney Water, a key leadership role within their Infrastructure Delivery division.
This is a standout opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping how one of Australia’s largest infrastructure organisations approaches cost, investment, and delivery across a significant capital portfolio.
The Opportunity
The Cost Planning Director will lead the development and embedding of an enterprise-wide cost planning and cost intelligence capability. This role is central to driving a shift from traditional estimating toward proactive, data-led cost management across the full asset lifecycle—from concept through to delivery and benefits realisation.
Operating at a strategic level, you will influence major investment decisions, support robust governance outcomes, and ensure value-for-money is achieved across Sydney Water’s infrastructure programs.
Key Responsibilities
- Establish and lead an enterprise-wide cost planning framework that delivers reliable, benchmarked cost intelligence
- Embed cost realism and value-for-money principles into design, procurement, and delivery decision-making
- Oversee the development and ongoing enhancement of global rate databases and benchmarking systems
- Provide independent cost assurance across business cases, Gateway reviews, and Board submissions
- Deliver insights on cost performance across the capital portfolio, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement
- Influence design and scope decisions through proactive cost analysis and scenario testing
- Partner with engineering, program delivery, procurement, finance, and risk teams to align cost outcomes with broader business objectives
- Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing cost planning team
The Candidate
We are seeking a highly experienced cost planning or estimating leader with a strong background in infrastructure or construction.
You will bring:
- 15+ years’ experience across infrastructure or major project environments
- Proven leadership experience within cost planning, estimating, or commercial functions
- Strong track record contributing to business cases, investment submissions, and governance processes
- Expertise in cost benchmarking, data analytics, and performance improvement
- The ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive strategic outcomes
- Tertiary qualifications in quantity surveying, engineering, or a related discipline
Experience within regulated or public-sector environments, and familiarity with NSW Treasury or Infrastructure NSW frameworks, will be advantageous.
Why Apply
This role offers the opportunity to:
- Shape and lead a critical capability within a major infrastructure organisation
- Influence large-scale capital investment decisions
- Drive improved cost performance and value-for-money outcomes
- Work within a collaborative, forward-thinking environment focused on sustainability and long-term impact
