About Glencore Capital Projects Group (CPG)
The Capital Projects Group (CPG) is Glencore’s dedicated organisation for developing and delivering selected major capital projects across its global Commodity Departments. Working within the Life of Asset (LOA) management process, CPG will typically begin supporting selected major projects post concept development when a project is gated to the pre-Feasibility stage (PFS entry). Collaborating deeply with the respective Commodity Department and regional team, CPG is able to shape, develop and execute, major projects from PFS onwards, into Feasibility and then Execution and handover, deploying organisation capability and project management expertise to achieve targeted outcomes safely and with predictable capital productivity.
Operating with agility and deep expertise, CPG will collaborate with each Commodity Department to develop fit for purpose delivery models that leverage and maximise regional capabilities and skills for each project that it either supports or is accountable for. As Glencore’s portfolio and LOA plans evolve, CPG will strive to continue enhance its impact and influence, driving safe, responsible and sustainable project delivery to the business.
Cost Estimation and Control Lead – CPG
Location: Santiago, Chile
Division: Capital Projects Group
Reporting to: Global Functional Manager – Project Controls
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Finance, Construction Management, or related field.
- Postgraduate degree and/or professional certification (e.g., AACE Certified Cost Professional – CCP) is preferred.
- 7–10 years of experience in cost estimation and control for major mining or industrial projects. Background in owner or EPCM environments.
- Proven leadership across complex, multi-contractor portfolios. Willingness to travel frequently to remote, high-altitude sites (up to 4,000m).
- Commitment to Glencore’s safety, health, and environmental standards.
Main objective of the role:
Lead the preparation of cost estimates and ensure accuracy through the use of historical data, deep understanding of supply chain inputs, and application of industry best practices.
The role drives continuous improvement in cost planning and performance measurement to support informed investment decisions and cost certainty in project delivery. It also leads cost risk identification, quantification, and mitigation strategies in collaboration with technical, execution, and commercial teams. The role promotes a culture of transparency, traceability, and continuous improvement in all cost-related processes.
Operating context:
This role operates within the Capital Projects Group (CPG), supporting Glencore’s copper assets. The Cost Estimation and Control Lead works closely with internal stakeholders and external contractors to ensure consistent application of cost control standards across multidisciplinary portfolios, often in remote, high-altitude environments.
Control elements:
Capital Management Framework (CMF), Delegated Authorities, Monthly Project Reports, Authorized Project Capital Budget, Company Policies and Procedures.
Experience & skills:
- Strong ability to apply benchmarking data to validate cost estimates and performance targets.
- Proven track record in implementing continuous cost audits for compliance and transparency.
- Skilled in engaging stakeholders to align cost control practices with business goals.
- Experience supporting investment reviews, including sensitivity analysis and cost validation.
- Ability to integrate risk-adjusted forecasting and contingency planning across large projects.
- Knowledge of estimate maturity, traceability, and cost discipline standards.
- Proficiency in building and using historical cost data to improve future estimates.
- Familiarity with stage-gate methodologies (e.g., Toll Gates, IPR) is a plus.
- Technical skills:
- Proficient in EcoSys, SAP, PRISM, Oracle, and advanced Excel (macros/VBA). Strong command of cost structures (CBS/WBS), earned value management (EVM), EAC, and risk-based forecasting.
- Familiarity with Primavera P6 and benchmarking methodologies.
- Soft skills:
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking.
- Effective communication across diverse stakeholder groups.
- Leadership and mentoring capabilities.
- High integrity, proactive mindset, and resilience.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead the preparation, validation, and continuous improvement of cost estimates across projects.
- Ensure cost traceability and compliance with internal standards and audit readiness.
- Facilitate stakeholder alignment on cost exposure, forecasting assumptions, and mitigation strategies.
- Contribute to investment review stages with clear cost input and scenario analysis.
- Monitor and communicate cost risk trends, integrating contingency and exposure tracking.
- Analyze estimate-to-actual variances and apply lessons learned for future improvement.
- Maintain cost data repositories and leverage historical benchmarks to support new project planning.
Job structure and relationships:
Direct reports: Cost Control Superintendent.
Other key internal relationships: Project Management, Engineering, Procurement & Contracts, Finance, Construction.
Key external relationships: EPC/EPCM Contractors, Technology Vendors, Auditors, and Benchmarking Consultants.
Commitment to Inclusion and Diversity
At Glencore Capital Projects Group (CPG), we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment that encourages the active and full participation of all individuals within our organization, in alignment with fair labour practices.