We are proudly supporting a major Canadian Energy construction project based in the Edmonton AB, and are seeking a senior, hands-on Cost Lead to join the site-based project controls team. This role is suited to an experienced cost professional who is currently active in a Cost Lead or equivalent role, has led cost teams on large-scale energy based construction projects, and brings strong field-based experience from within the Oil & Gas and Petrochemical industry.

The Cost Lead will work closely with the on-site Project Controls Manager and play a key role in coordinating cost activities across multiple disciplines, contractors, and stakeholders.

The Ideal Profile
This role is best suited to a project-oriented leader with a strong background in construction-phase cost control, who has demonstrated the ability to manage complexity, lead teams in the field, and deliver accurate, timely cost information on large capital projects from within the local Canadian Energy, Oil & Gas, Petrochemical market.
We are particularly interested in candidates who:

• Have 10 years of cost engineering experience, including recent experience as a Cost Lead or equivalent senior role
• Have led cost functions on large or mega construction projects (one major project or multiple large projects) from within the local Energy, Oil & Gas, Petrochemical Industry.
• Are currently hands-on in cost leadership, rather than relying on experience from earlier career stages
• Bring field-based construction experience
• Have led on-site teams and coordinated multiple direct and indirect reports in a complex project environment
• Are comfortable working closely with a team including Project Controls who oversees the broader control’s function

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership and coordination of on-site cost engineering activities
• Lead and mentor a team of cost professionals, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and accountability
• Manage the control budget, cost forecasting, and change management processes
• Develop and maintain cost reports, dashboards, and earned value metrics
• Integrate estimates, schedules, and risk analysis into forward-looking cost forecasts
• Validate and consolidate cost data from contractors, procurement, and vendors
• Perform proactive trend analysis and identify emerging cost risks and opportunities
• Support stakeholder reviews and cost performance discussions
• Collaborate closely with planning, scheduling, and change management functions

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Economics, Business Administration, or Accounting
• Minimum 10 years of relevant cost engineering experience within large construction projects
• Demonstrated experience leading cost teams on projects significantly exceeding mid-sized capital thresholds
• Strong working knowledge of SAP; experience with Omega 365 (PIMS) is highly preferred
• Familiarity with cost risk tools such as Acumen Fuse or similar
• Professional accreditation (PMI, AACE) considered an asset
• Advanced Excel and strong analytical skills
• Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement capabilities

Additional Considerations

• Experience working on large/mega Canadian construction Oil & Gas / Petrochemical projects is required
• Candidates must be legally eligible to work in Canada
• Preference will be given to candidates based in the Edmonton region or Western Canada, with strong local and current project experience
• Backgrounds focused primarily on midstream operations may be less relevant to this construction-focused role

Why This Role
This position offers the opportunity in a long term contract to take on a visible leadership role on a major construction project, working within an established project controls team and contributing directly to cost performance, forecasting accuracy, and project outcomes.

Our role in supporting diversity and inclusion
As an international workforce business, we are committed to sourcing personnel that reflects the diversity and values of our client base but also that of Orion Group. We welcome the wide range of experiences and viewpoints that potential workers bring to our business and our clients, including those based on nationality, gender, culture, educational and professional backgrounds, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, and age differences, job classification and religion. In our inclusive workplace, regardless of your employment status as staff or contract, everyone is assured the right of equitable, fair and respectful treatment.