Graduate Cost Estimation
role overview
The graduate cost estimation supports the project team throughout all phases of project delivery by managing project budgeting, cost monitoring, forecasting, and financial reporting activities. The role plays a key part in ensuring projects are executed within approved cost baselines, while supporting effective cost control, variance analysis, and financial performance aligned with project scope and schedule.
Key responsibilities
Cost control & financial management
Development and maintenance of project cost budgets and forecasts
Cost tracking, expenditure monitoring, and variance analysis
Preparation of cost reports, cash flow forecasts, and financial dashboards
Support to change management, including evaluation of cost impacts
Understanding of earned value management (EVM) principles
Cost risk identification and mitigation
Analytical & technical skills
Strong numerical and analytical skills with high attention to detail
Ability to interpret financial data and identify cost trends
Accurate data validation and reconciliation
Advanced Excel and data analysis capability
Planning & coordination
Close coordination with project controls, planning, procurement, and construction teams
Support to project managers in cost-related decision making
Timely collection and consolidation of cost data from multiple stakeholders
Interface with finance teams for invoicing, accruals, and cost actuals
Communication & reporting
Clear and concise reporting of cost performance to project and management teams
Ability to explain cost variances and forecasts to non-financial stakeholders
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Professional attributes
High level of integrity, accountability, and ownership
Ability to manage priorities and meet reporting deadlines
Proactive, detail-oriented, and results-driven approach
Adaptable to fast-paced, multi-project environments
Qualifications and experience
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, quantity surveying, finance, cost engineering, or a related discipline.
Proven experience working on engineering, construction, energy, infrastructure, or industrial projects.
Strong proficiency in cost control and reporting tools such as SAP, Oracle, Excel, and project cost management systems.
Solid understanding of project cost management principles, including budgeting, forecasting, cost reporting, and variance analysis.
Experience in EPC, PMC, or owner’s engineer environments is highly preferred.
Professional certifications such as AACE (CCP), PMP, or related cost engineering credentials are an advantage.
About the company
Wood is a global leader in consulting, engineering, and operations for the energy and materials sectors. With 33,000 people in around 50 countries, Wood supports clients across the full asset lifecycle, delivering safe, predictable outcomes while enabling resilient operations and a lower carbon future. Wood forms the Energy & Materials pillar of Sidara - a global partnership uniting leading multidisciplinary engineering, design, and project management companies.
Diversity statement
We are an equal opportunity employer that recognises the value of a diverse workforce. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective criteria and without regard to the following (which is a non-exhaustive list): race, colour, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other characteristics in accordance with the relevant governing laws.