Director of Cost Planning

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