Principal Cost Analyst - Multiple Locations
Locations: Wellington, Christchurch, or Auckland.
Help shape the future of Education
We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes
Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.
About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga
In 2019, the Ministry launched its Cost Management Initiative (CMI). The CMI looks to drive progress towards a greater level of ‘intelligence’ related to our financial data metrics for Ministry-led capital construction projects. The primary outcome is the ability to benchmark school building construction costs and understand the trends across the Ministry’s Capital Works Programmes.
The Principal Cost Analyst is the lead for this Initiative which is government-leading in its use of construction cost data. There is a balance between an understanding of technical cost data whilst also being able to build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and demonstrate clear leadership to push the Initiative forward. This role also acts as an interface between the Ministry’s Procurement team and our partners in School Property, including, but not limited to Capital Works, Asset Management and the Investment and Portfolio Management Office, where this role helps push forward our investment advice and the quality of our decision making.
As the Cost Management Initiative foundations are now well established, we are looking for someone to push this forward into the next evolution, guiding and re-shaping investment advice for the School Property portfolio at both a programme and project level.
Salary range: $118,371 - $143,760 per annum + 3% KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.
For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here Principal Cost Analyst
About you | Mōhou ake
You will be someone who is comfortable with construction cost data and has the ability to build effective working relationships with key stakeholders and the ability to prioritise and multi-task in an environment where workloads can escalate quickly, and the obstacles being navigated are often challenging.
To be successful in this role, you will offer:
A proactive and ambitious nature
Experience in a complex organisation and building relationships with senior staff to achieve business outcomes
A construction cost management background with at least 3 years industry experience
A proven ability to use data and insights to identify trends, risks and opportunities, to influence and guide organisational and system-level decision making
The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.
We are a tight-knit, collegial and truly collaborative team, that cares about your professional development and personal wellbeing. For the right candidate, this role will provide an opportunity to leave a positive mark on the school property portfolio, developing further the Ministry’s insights and intelligence when it comes to its construction cost data.
About our ministry, group, and team | Mātau rōpū ake
Te Pou Rangatōpū | Corporate group is responsible for delivering essential Ministry-wide statutory and corporate functions. We enable the organisation to operate effectively and help fulfil the statutory and reporting obligations of Te Tāhuhu.
The Insights team within the broader Procurement function sits within Te Pou Rangatōpū | Corporate and is a vibrant and diverse team, where no two days are the same. We work to establish data and intelligence which better informs and benefits our partners across the Ministry. This role’s specific support of the Cost Management Initiative enables our partners in School Property to deliver cost effective and well-informed solutions, which support the Ministry’s vision that all schools have quality learning environments as part of a well-managed and sustainable portfolio. This all contributes to helping deliver equitable and excellent outcomes for every child in our education system.
Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?
If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and CV by using the ‘apply' button below. In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values, your whakapapa or anything you'd like to share about your cultural identity. We're keen to know your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.
For further information, please contact Matt Horwell, Manager, Infrastructure Procurement at matt.horwell@education.govt.nz
Applications close midnight on Sunday 11 May 2025
We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.
