Senior Cost Advisor - Infrastructure

Are you an experienced cost professional looking to move beyond traditional quantity surveying and play a more strategic role in shaping major infrastructure investments? This is top tier project management and cost advisory consultancy seeking a Senior Cost Advisor to provide independent cost and commercial advice across some of New Zealand's most significant infrastructure programmes and projects. This is an opportunity to work with public and private sector clients at the front end of projects, helping them make informed investment decisions before major commitments are made. About the Role As a Senior Cost Advisor, you will operate primarily in the early stages of the project lifecycle, supporting clients with business case development, options analysis, procurement strategy, cost planning, and investment decision-making. You will provide credible and independent cost intelligence that helps clients understand project affordability, evaluate delivery options, manage risk, and optimise value outcomes. While the role is predominantly focused on strategic advisory services, you may also support project delivery through commercial advisory assignments including claims assessment, dispute support, and cost risk management. This is not a traditional Quantity Surveying position. Routine QS functions such as take-offs, measurement, and contract administration are generally outside the scope of the role. Key Responsibilities Develop strategic cost estimates and cost plans for infrastructure projects and programmes. Provide cost and commercial input into business cases and investment decisions. Support options assessments, affordability analysis, and value-for-money evaluations. Advise clients on procurement strategies and commercial delivery models. Undertake cost benchmarking and market analysis. Facilitate and contribute to cost risk workshops and quantitative risk assessments. Prepare independent estimate reviews and assurance reports. Support commercial dispute resolution, claims evaluation, and cost risk management activities where required. Present findings and recommendations to clients and senior stakeholders. About You You are a commercially minded cost professional who enjoys solving complex problems, working with uncertainty, and influencing strategic decisions. You will bring: A relevant tertiary qualification in Quantity Surveying, Construction Economics, Engineering, or a related discipline. Approximately 10+ years of experience in cost management, cost planning, infrastructure advisory, or related commercial roles. Experience across both contractor and client/consultant environments. Strong infrastructure sector experience across transport, water, energy, aviation, or other major capital programmes. Demonstrated experience providing early-stage cost advice, business case support, or options analysis. Working knowledge of risk-based estimating and cost risk assessment methodologies. Familiarity with NZ procurement frameworks and standard forms of contract including NZS 3910, NEC, and Alliance models. Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills. The ability to translate complex cost and risk information into clear, practical advice. Why Join Us? Work on some of New Zealand's most significant infrastructure projects. Influence major investment decisions before projects enter delivery. Join a highly respected project management and advisory consultancy. Collaborative, high-performing team environment. Genuine opportunity to shape and grow an emerging advisory capability. For further information, please call Matt on 0275544064 or email your details to matt.shortt@beyond.co.nz Ref: 133161