Cost Planning Manager

MAKE IT MEANINGFUL

At Sydney Airport, the future of air travel is shaped by you.

As a team, we connect the world. More than just a hub of activity and boundless energy, we’re creating a destination of amazing experiences. Like seeing wonderful moments unfold in front of you, knowing “I made that possible!”.

Dynamic. Fast-paced. We thrive in a place where fresh challenges land daily. Backed by positive and supportive team players and inspiring leaders, we adapt to change. Driven to grow. Owning every action. To do things better.

As smart, problem-solvers, we are always learning and growing. And that’s easier to do alongside passionate experts, as we collaborate across teams readily sharing our knowledge.

Each day is a new journey, as we bring an exciting vision to life. With significant capital investment in new, improved infrastructure, there’s never been a better time to expand your potential at Sydney Airport. The range of responsibilities and diverse pathways you can take on with us, are surprising.

We are SYD. United in the pride that comes with welcoming the world at Australia’s premier gateway.

About the role

This is a high-impact leadership role at the heart of Sydney Airport’s development portfolio. As our Cost Planning Manager, you’ll be the subject matter expert and assurance lead for cost planning across all early-stage project activities — from initial concept through to detailed planning. You’ll shape the way we estimate, benchmark, and validate costs, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and strategic alignment across our capital works.

Reporting to the Cost & Commercial Lead, you’ll work closely with internal and external stakeholders to uphold governance standards, guide project teams, and drive continuous improvement in cost planning practices. This is a rare opportunity to influence major infrastructure projects from the ground up, in a role that blends technical expertise with strategic oversight.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to

• Lead cost planning assurance across early project stages, including formal review and endorsement of cost estimates before key investment decisions.
• Own and enforce the corporate Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS) and portfolio benchmarking library.
• Guide and support Project Managers and consultant Quantity Surveyors to ensure consistent application of standards.
• Lead cost assurance reviews and provide clear recommendations to senior leadership.
• Collaborate with Finance, sponsors, and external advisors to align cost plans with governance and benchmarks.
• Drive continuous improvement by integrating lessons learned and delivery actuals into estimating processes.

About you

You’re a credible and confident cost planning professional with a sharp eye for detail and a strategic mindset. You thrive in complex environments and know how to influence, challenge, and guide stakeholders toward better outcomes.

• Degree-qualified in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years’ experience in cost planning or quantity surveying, ideally in infrastructure or airport environments.
• Proven track record in cost assurance, benchmarking, and governance across early project phases.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Deep expertise in CBS structures, construction rates, and cost compliance frameworks.
• Experience leading consultant teams and driving consistency across large-scale projects.

What we offer

To find out more about the amazing work environment here at SYD, be sure to check out the Join us section of Sydney Airport’s website, where you can also see more about our flexible culture and work practices, alongside our other Employee benefits, or take a look at our LinkedIn Sydney Airport: Life page.

Make it Amazing

SYD is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages all suitably qualified applicants to apply, including First Nations Australians, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.