Principal Cost Estimator

Job Description

Are you ready to support innovation in Cost Estimation while promoting sustainable energy solutions on a global scale? Can you contribute to a growing team with the goal of enhancing professionalism within the Cost Estimation process? Do you thrive off ensuring quality and working in an international environment?

If this sounds like you, then this role could be the perfect fit. Join our team as our new Principal Cost Estimator and help us close the gap to a sustainable future.

Your new Team

As our new Principal Cost Estimator, you will play a pivotal role in our Global Cost Estimation Competence Centre.

You’ll work alongside high-performing specialists to provide robust cost estimation support across the full project lifecycle - from tender and proposal stage through to monitoring and analysing costs at various stages of project delivery - ensuring our position as a trusted partner to clients worldwide.

​The Cost Estimation department is characterized by an informal and humorous collaboration, where we bring the individual strengths into play through close collaboration. The department is a Global Competence Centre and colleagues are therefore located in several locations. 

Your key tasks and responsibilities will be:

• Lifecycle Estimating:
  • Cost Estimation based upon AACE methodology (Class 1-5) across the full project lifecycle, from feasibility/FID to execution/delivery.
  • Perform cost reconciliation and lessons learned during project close-out.                   
  • Evaluate cost implications of green technologies and PtX solutions to support decarbonization goals.
  • Advise on CAPEX/OPEX trade-offs for sustainable design.
• Risk & Contingency Analysis:
  • Conduct quantitative risk analysis and develop contingency strategies aligned with AACE standards.
  • Support probabilistic estimating and scenario planning.
• Cost Control Integration:
  • Collaborate with project controls for cost tracking, forecasting, and earned value management.
  • Assess cost impacts of scope changes and variations during execution.
• Standards, Methodology,  Digital Tools & Innovation:
  • Drive automation and data analytics initiatives to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
  • Continuously update cost databases, guidelines, and procedures.
  • Apply AACE International Recommended Practices
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Working collaboratively with project managers and discipline leads and procurement teams.
  • Present estimates and assumptions clearly to senior management and clients.
  • Lead and participate in workshops to identify cost-saving alternatives without compromising functionality.

About you

We will support your personal and professional development from day one. For this role, the following qualifications and skills will set you up for success:

• Minimum 8 years of experience with cost estimation
• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering or related discipline.
• Preference for AACE CCP (Certified Cost Professional) or equivalent certification.
• Significant and measurable experience with cost estimation in the industrial or energy transition (green energy) sectors is essential, ideally within renewable projects such as hydrogen, CCS, chemical process industry and decarbonization projects. Candidates from closely related industries such as Offshore Oil & Gas will also be considered.
• Strong commercials skills in the areas of project finance and contractual matters.
• Support business development activities towards new and existing clients
• Experience with estimating software and database systems; ability to contribute to method development and digitalization.
• Good English skills – both verbal and written
• Right to work in the advertised location.

Personal qualities that will help you succeed in this role include proactivity, drive, client focus, collaborative, and ability to influence decisions effectively.

What we can offer you

• Investment in your development
• Leaders you can count on, guided by our Leadership Principles
• Be valued for the unique person you are
• Never be short of inspiration from colleagues, clients, and projects
• The long-term thinking of a foundation-owned company

Work at the heart of sustainable change

Ramboll is a global architecture, engineering, and consultancy company. We believe that the purpose of sustainable change is to create a thriving world for both nature and people. So, that’s where we start – and how we work. At Ramboll, our core strength is our people, and our history is rooted in a clear vision of how a responsible company should act. Being open and curious is a cornerstone of our culture. We embrace an inclusive mindset that looks for fresh, diverse, and innovative perspectives. We respect, embrace, and invite diversity in all forms to actively cultivate an environment where everyone can flourish and realise their full potential.

About Ramboll

Founded in Denmark, Ramboll is a foundation-owned people company. We have more than 18,000 experts working across our global operations in 35 countries. Our experts are leaders in their fields, developing and delivering innovative solutions in diverse markets including Buildings, Transport, Planning & Urban Design, Water, Environment & Health, Energy, and Management Consulting. We invite you to contribute to a more sustainable future working in an open, collaborative, and empowering company. Combining local experience with global knowledge, we together shape the societies of tomorrow.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion is at the heart of what we do

We believe in the strength of diversity and know that unique experiences and perspectives are vital for creating truly sustainable societies. Therefore, we are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive work environment where everyone can flourish and reach their potential. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and encourage you to contact our recruitment team to discuss any accommodations you need during the application process.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.