Lead Analyst, Project Controls (Cost Estimating)

At Cheniere, we provide the world with safe, reliable energy. But more than that, we provide opportunities for our talented employees to impact their communities every day. Our diversity is key to our continued success and forges a path where our culture supports greater equity and inclusion—for our employees, customers and beyond. 

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Lead Analyst, Project Controls – Estimating reports directly to the Manager, Project Controls and is responsible for coordinating, preparing and/or reviewing the project cost estimates at different project stages ensuring the cost estimates produced and/or reviewed by the estimating team are complete, accurate, competitive, and meet the quality, cost, schedule and execution strategy requirements of the project plan.  This position will work closely with the Project Manager or Project Director to develop or validate EPC estimates and to develop Owner’s Costs Estimates. 

The Lead Analyst will actively lead and/or participate in the Project Cost Risk Assessment to estimate project contingency. The position will also maintain the Cheniere cost database, leading the Benchmarking and Market Intelligence report preparation for all Cheniere projects.

The Lead Analyst, Project Controls will lead the development and/or compilation of Major Project Reports, such as Project Close-out Report, Bid Evaluation reports, etc. Participate in Independent Peer Reviews (IPR) prior to project phase approval or during execution. Will oversee ongoing projects costs by accurately coordinating and assessing trends and scope changes, supporting cost forecasting when required, including schedule and cost risks impact. 

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

In-depth knowledge of the following:

• Developing Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Owner’s costs, reports and procedures in the oil and gas industry. 

• Estimating, cost/pricing development, risk analysis, cost benchmarking and oil & gas industry standards and language. 

• Computer-based cost, word-processing and computational spreadsheet software, including cost risk/range analysis software, change assessment and peer review of opportunities and projects.

• Project controls functions, processes and procedures as they apply to EPC projects including Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) development, planning and scheduling, staffing plan development, cost phasing and forecasting, risk analysis, benchmarking, escalation calculation methods among others.

Skills:

• Strategic thinker and an undeniable team player.

• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and time management skills. 

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and strong interpersonal skills. Must be articulate and have gravitas and organizational skills.

• Strong Excel skills and overall Microsoft Office suite. 

• Ability to work within a diverse cultural environment. 

• Demonstrated interpersonal/teambuilding skills. 

• Ability to develop reports and present information to leadership. 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Lead the development, implements, and follows the cost estimating best practices, procedures, and guidelines to be used in the development of Cheniere E&C project estimates.

• Coordinates, develops and/or reviews EPC estimates, assuring the estimates are accurate, competitive, and compatible with the requirements of the project plan.

• Participates in Contractor’s cost estimates kick-off meeting to establish all deliverables, including WBS cost structure, basis, formats and cost estimate review schedule.

• Keeps the engagement with the contractor’s Cost Estimator during the cost estimate development process to ensure all the Cost Estimating information is complete. Provides support during all cost reviews.

• Ensures alignment between the cost estimate, the project scope, schedule, and execution strategy.

• Interfaces with the project team, both Cheniere’s and EPC contractors, during the Cost Estimate preparation process to understand the scope of work to be estimated. Gathers proposals, drawings, specifications, and related documents ensuring that project scope is covered in the cost estimate and ensures that the execution strategy, sequence of operations, physical constraints, equipment needs, crew size, shipping delays, and allowance for waste and inclement weather conditions are considered in the estimate.

• Resolves discrepancies in estimates by collecting and analyzing information.

• Coordinates the development of the owner’s costs and forward escalation costs.

• Provides support to projects in execution, coordinating the trends and assessing change orders presented by contractors ensuring contractors’ adherence to all project agreements’ costs and conditions.

• Maintains the cost data of past, developing & ongoing projects to generate metrics for each cost element that may have an influence on total project cost. Such elements may include labor, materials, indirect costs, plant capacity, etc.

• Leads or supports the Cost Risk Analysis during the development of the Define stage cost estimates, ensuring alignment between schedule and Cost risks outcomes.

• Assists in determining the quantity of materials and labor required to successfully complete the project utilizing/providing quantity or “takeoff” templates to the engineering team.

• Develops and reviews bid forms to ensure they align with project WBS and cost metrics analysis

• Leads or supports the Project Close out Report preparation/auditing process.

• Prepares project cost summaries and reports to support project approval.

• Assist the project Cost Engineer in organizing the Cost Control Estimate. 

• Tracks the success of all estimates for comparison with internal and external projects metrics and approved budget.

• Coordinates/participates in the bid analysis process.

• Leads or supports the development of Project Services initiatives, as needed.

• The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time; or the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education and Certifications: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, mathematics, supply chain, or similar relevant field of study is preferred. Equivalent combination of education, work experience, certifications and training may be considered in lieu of degree. 

• Must be able to obtain and maintain TWIC credential. 

Experience: Minimum eight (8) years of relevant, progressive project controls/cost engineering/planning and scheduling experience within an oil & gas operating company and/or engineering and construction company. 

DIRECT REPORTS

None

FREEDOM TO ACT

Ability to multi-task and function in a highly dynamic atmosphere; must exercise discretion independently.

WORK CONDITIONS

• Job is performed in a typical office environment, but is subject to time pressures and constraints, and is also dependent on input from others; Often requires a sense of urgency. 

• Often exposed to stressful situations.

• Subject drug and alcohol testing, per applicable federal regulations.

• Occasional travel required to support remote office locations.

• Ability to work outside normal workdays and standard office hours.

ADA JOB REQUIREMENTS

Reasonable accommodations will be made to ensure that the essential functions of the job can be performed and not hinder the employee's performance due to physical, mental, or emotional disability.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Cheniere Energy, Inc. is an equal opportunity workplace. All employment decisions are made without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected categories. This includes providing reasonable accommodation if requested for disabilities or religious beliefs and practices.