The Principal Cost Management role sits within the Project Execution Review (PER) function and provides independent, enterprise-level cost assurance across BHP’s major capital projects portfolio.

Reporting to the Head of Cost Management & Risk, this role plays a critical part in providing senior leaders with confidence in project cost performance, forecast integrity, and risk exposure. The role contributes to Execution Phase Reviews (EPRs) greater than US$250 million and, where delegated, Definition Phase Study (DPS) Independent Peer Reviews (IPRs) for projects typically greater than US$100 million, including mega projects approved by the Global Investment Review Committee (GIRC).

This role requires a senior cost professional who can operate credibly with project directors, functional leaders, and executive stakeholders, while retaining the technical depth to identify optimism bias, embedded risk, and systemic weaknesses in cost forecasts.

Purpose of the Role:

To provide independent technical expertise across all aspects of cost management, supporting Project Execution Reviews. On behalf of the GIRC, the role assures the integrity, transparency, and delivery confidence of project cost positions. Where deviations are identified, the role continues the work to determine root causes and recommend actions to remedy or, where not possible, mitigate the impacts. This work enables Project Leadership to make high-quality decisions across the capital portfolio.

Key Accountabilities:

Execution Phase Reviews (EPRs):

• Contribute to the planning and delivery of structured, risk-based Project Execution Reviews and the selection of Independent Peer Reviews (IPRs).
• Prepare test plans for cost elements and work with project teams to identify and source relevant artefacts to enable high-quality reviews.
• Review and assure project cost forecasts, including accuracy of costs to go, approved and unapproved trends, growth allowances, and contingency.
• Investigate root causes where cost deviations are likely or possible.
• Evaluate cost management ways of working to ensure all project aspects are captured within cost controls.
• Prepare the cost section of EPR reports and functional findings for IPRs, with broader contributions to portfolio-level summary reporting.

Cost Assurance & Insight:

• Diagnose root causes of cost forecast erosion, optimism bias, and estimate drift where deterioration is possible.
• Work with project teams to shape recovery plans that eliminate or mitigate cost risks.
• Assess alignment between cost, schedule, and risk narratives.
• Support the development of credible mitigation and remedial actions.

Enterprise Value & Continuous Improvement:

• Translate review insights into portfolio-level themes and emerging risks.
• Support the Head of Cost Management and Risk in improving cost management standards, tools, and routines in partnership with the Project Centre of Excellence (PCoE).
• Strengthen enterprise-wide cost discipline and transparency.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build trusted and constructive relationships with project teams and senior stakeholders.
• Communicate complex cost issues clearly, confidently, and with appropriate influence.

You are a highly experienced cost professional with deep exposure to large, complex capital projects and the confidence to provide independent challenge in senior forums.

You will bring:

• Substantial experience in project cost management and forecasting.
• Proven exposure to major capital projects (typically greater than US$250 million).
• Strong analytical capability and structured problem-solving skills.
• Ability to identify systemic cost weaknesses and emerging risks.
• Confidence engaging with senior project and executive leaders.
• High professional integrity and sound judgment.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Finance, or a related discipline.
• Professional accreditation (AACE, AIQS, RICS, or equivalent) desirable.
• Experience in mining, energy, infrastructure, or similarly complex capital environments highly regarded.