Project Cost Specialist

Role overview

Babcock is hiring a Project Cost Specialist to join the Program Controls team in Devonport, Auckland. This position sits within a fast-paced project setting where strong cost governance and financial analysis help drive successful delivery outcomes.

In this role, you will monitor project financial performance, keep budgets under control, and turn cost information into clear recommendations that support decision-making across complex programmes. You will work closely with project teams and contribute to major engineering and defence-related work, building your technical capability while helping deliver large-scale results in a collaborative environment.

What you will do

You will be responsible for analysing project costs, tracking performance against budget, and highlighting risks or variances that need attention. Your work will support accurate forecasting, informed reporting, and practical planning across active programmes.

You will also partner with project stakeholders to explain financial insights clearly, support resource and cost planning, and help improve how cost information is managed and used across the business.

Who this role suits

This opportunity is well suited to a detail-oriented cost professional who performs well in complex project environments. The ideal person can interpret financial data, spot issues early, and communicate findings in a way that is useful to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

You should enjoy solving problems, collaborating with others, and improving processes. A strong balance of accuracy, responsiveness, and stakeholder engagement is essential for success in this role.

Required experience and qualifications

The role calls for 3–5+ years of relevant experience in cost management or project finance. A bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related discipline is required, although a diploma in Project or Construction Management may be accepted as an alternative. PMP or PRINCE2 certification is considered an advantage.

Key skills and capabilities

• Project cost monitoring, control, and forecasting
• Earned Value Management reporting
• Financial analysis and variance interpretation
• Experience with ERP platforms such as IFS, Deltek, or comparable systems
• Checking and maintaining data accuracy
• Clear stakeholder communication and teamwork
• Resource planning and cost planning
• Resolving discrepancies and solving problems

What Babcock offers

Babcock provides a work-life integration policy that includes annual leave, wellbeing leave, paid parental leave, defence reservist leave, and more. The organisation also supports career development through a capability framework, self-led learning through LinkedIn Learning, and access to study leave.

Additional benefits include access to beRewarded discounts across retail, health, entertainment, and travel, along with novated leasing options and a corporate shares plan. Wellbeing support is available through the Munch, Mind, Move, Money program, an employee assistance program, and two personal leave days each year that can be used as wellbeing days.

Employees can also take part in the weRecognise recognition program, which celebrates contributions aligned to the company principles of being kind, collaborating, being curious, thinking outcomes, being courageous, and owning and delivering.

About the organisation

Babcock Australasia brings together local expertise and the wider 130+ year heritage of Babcock International Group, a FTSE 100 defence company. The organisation’s 1,800+ staff support critical services and assets across maritime sustainment, secure communications, helicopter missions, and fleet management, helping customers remain ready for their missions.

Additional information

Applicants must be legally allowed to work in New Zealand and able to obtain New Zealand Defence Force Security Clearance. If the application progresses, pre-employment screening may be required, which can include reference checks, Ministry of Justice checks, security checks, qualification verification, and right-to-work checks.

Babcock Australasia is a Circle Back Initiative employer and is committed to responding to every applicant. Job reference: 73857.