GNI971 Estimation and Cost Intelligence Manager

Reporting to the Commercial Manager, the Estimation and Cost Intelligence Manager will be accountable for managing a team of Senior Quantity Surveyors and Estimation Specialists responsible for developing and assessing prioritised and optimised estimates, budgets, evaluation of Works Packages/Tender prices and cost related reporting, ensuring capacity and capability to provide commercial support to GNI.

The Portfolio Office function within Gas Networks Ireland(GNI) is responsible for providing strategic direction and oversight for the delivery of all capital and operational work within the organisation, enabling it to make key decisions that will optimise the overall delivery of GNI’s portfolio of work. The portfolio office provides support and oversight in the areas of Investment Planning and Governance, Assurance and Programme Management, Delivery Enablement, Connections Coordination, Land Management and Statutory Consents, and Commercial Management; whilst also acting as the gate keeper and critical interface between potential investment programmes and commercial opportunities; and the core departments responsible for the delivery, operation and maintenance of GNI’s assets.

• Lead a cost intelligence and cost management capability across the capital portfolio to ensure we are controlling costs, enhancing value and maintaining high commercial standards across the capital and operational portfolios as required.
• Support implementation/assessment of Networks Services and Works Contract (NSWC) and other key strategic contracts as required.
• Develop and promote effective working relationships with all parts of the business; with respect to high-level programme costing and estimation/cost reporting requirements throughout project development.
• Develop and roll out an enhanced estimation capability for portfolio, programme and project costs supporting the planning and delivery of the capital portfolio
• Support Delivery commitments with the Regulatory authorities in relation to Price Control allowances. Play a key role in Price Control submissions in relation to cost estimation.
• Manage quantity surveying cost frameworks to enable flexible external cost support requirements.
• Support team development in areas such as cross-skilling within Estimation and Cost Intelligence team, which allows greater resource flexibility whilst minimising requirement for external costs.
• Represent GNI at meetings with stakeholders including internal GNI approval forums, potential customers, consultants, local authorities, statutory bodies etc.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement across the team by incorporating industry best practices, comparator analysis insights, and lessons learned, ensuring ongoing evolution towards industry best practices.
• Develop repeatable cost estimation guidance and assurance to support Price Control cycles. Work with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure the best outcome for GNI.
• Research, adopt and implement any applicable emerging trends in relation to Cost Estimation and/or Governance.
• Oversee the establishment and maintaining of a Cost Intelligence Database based on market analysis of current pricing trends and contracting strategies and lookback on completed projects to inform future pricing requirements.
• Develop and sustain best in class cost management practices throughout the Capital Delivery Lifecycle.
• Develop and maintain cost estimation guidance, training, tools and cost assurance methodologies in line with current and future business requirements.
• Lead and direct team of Senior Quantity Surveyors and Estimation Specialists, managing their work, supporting their individual development and the development of a centre of excellence for cost intelligence in GNI.

• Ability to promote and reinforce a culture of safety compliance across GNI and its supply chain.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, capable of building and maintaining strong relationships across internal departments, external suppliers, and contractors.
• Strong analytical skills for cost estimation, budget management, financial reporting, and performance tracking.
• Minimum 7 years post qualification experience in a related role working in a large scale, complex utility.
• Demonstrated experience of managing a team with accountability for effective cost estimation, stakeholder and risk management.
• Relevant third level degree or equivalent accredited experience in Engineering / Business / Finance / Quantity Surveying or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in managing teams, fostering talent, enabling collaboration, and promoting a culture of high performance.
• Exceptional communication skills, able to clearly convey cost estimation decisions and assumptions to all stakeholders.

**Hybrid 2 days office** Cork or Dublin based** Permanent role**