Lead Cost Engineer - Port Elizabeth Upgrade Project NJ

Lead Cost Engineer - Port Elizabeth Upgrade Project NJ USA

APM Terminals is an integrated container logistics company working to connect and simplify its customers' supply chains. As the global leader in shipping services, the company operates in 130 countries and employs roughly 100,000 people.

APM Terminals has been lifting standards for developing and operating advanced ports and container terminals for over half a century. With 60 strategically located ports worldwide, the company continues to enhance efficiency, responsibility, connectivity and proactivity in the industry.

APM Terminals and the Port of New York and New Jersey recently reached an agreement on the lease extension for APM Terminals Elizabeth through 2062. This extension paves the way for major infrastructure investments to increase capacity and transport velocity, create jobs and strengthen the economy.

APM Terminals will invest significantly in Port Elizabeth over the coming years to decarbonize its operations and enhance cargo‑handling capacity at its 345‑acre terminal. The company has also committed to the replacement and maintenance of all wharf and berth structures. This investment supports the Port Authority's Port Master Plan 2050, which anticipates cargo volumes doubling or tripling by mid‑century.

Future upgrades include the optimization of the terminal layout, electrification of container handling equipment and future‑proofing container berths. APM Terminals Elizabeth is expecting to receive a sub‑award of a Clean Ports Program Grant to partially fund these developments, which must be actively managed and sustained for compliance and project success.

At APM Terminals, we foster a dynamic learning and training culture that empowers our employees to excel. Our commitment to continuous improvement is driven by LEAN principles, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to develop their skills and advance their careers. Join us to be part of an innovative environment where your growth is our priority.

The successful candidate will be a member of the project controls team, working closely with engineering, planning and finance disciplines to ensure consistent and accurate integration of cost and planning for the project.

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail‑oriented Cost Engineer. As a key member of the project delivery team, this role will develop, monitor, and analyze project cost data to ensure accurate forecasting, budgeting and reporting. The role requires a strong understanding of construction cost engineering principles, excellent analytical skills and the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

• Managing and maintaining cost control and forecasting on a large capital project;
• Support the development of project cost control systems and cost breakdown structures based on APM Terminals standards;
• Collaborate with engineers, package managers and procurement teams to assess cost impacts of changes;
• Challenge and align project budgets, cash flow projections based on time‑phased Value of Work Done (VOWD) and any project‑specific reports, tools, or spreadsheets;
• Ensure the basis of Estimate at Completion (EAC) is predicted using industry‑recognised approaches to provide accurate, reliable and consistent forecasting;
• Evaluate resource requirement, commitment data and productivity and cost variance reports developed by the delivery team;
• Support the implementation of Earned Value Management on the project;
• Prepare regular cost reports, forecasts to completion (ETC) and estimates at completion (EAC);
• Oversee the administration of contract agreements, purchase orders and issuance of contractor payment certification;
• Assist the Project Controls Manager with the project change management process, including development of high‑level estimates and overseeing the up‑issue of cost baselines;
• Close out cost management aspects upon completion of contracts;
• Participate in value engineering exercises and cost optimisation initiatives;
• Support risk management processes by identifying cost‑related risks and developing mitigation strategies;
• Coordinat…