Planning and Costing Engineer

Job description

Our client, an energy and infrastructure development company operating in Zambia is seeking talented professionals to join their high-performing team developing a large‑scale power generation project in Southern Province.

Role Purpose

The Planning and Costing Engineer will be responsible for developing, monitoring, and controlling project schedules, budgets, and cost performance throughout the engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and handover phases of the project.

The role supports management decision‑making by providing accurate planning, forecasting, progress measurement, and cost control information to ensure the project is delivered on time and within budget.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain integrated project schedules using Primavera P6, including Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), baseline schedule, critical path analysis, resource loading, and progress tracking for all phases (FEED, EPC, commissioning, handover), including work breakdown structures, baselines, and critical path analysis.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates, project budgets, and cash flow forecasts covering civil, mechanical, electrical, balance of plant, transmission, and owner’s costs.
• Monitor project progress against approved schedules and cost baselines using Earned Value Management (EVM) techniques.
• Identify potential schedule delays, cost overruns, and risks, and recommend corrective and mitigation measures.
• Prepare regular project control reports, dashboards, and presentations for project management, investors, and other stakeholders.
• Support procurement and contract management activities, including bid evaluations, variation assessments, and claims analysis.
• Coordinate with engineering, construction, procurement, and finance teams to ensure accurate progress measurement and cost reporting.
• Assist in the development and implementation of project execution plans, risk registers, and change control procedures.
• Support planning for commissioning, testing, and final project handover activities.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or related discipline).
• Postgraduate qualifications or professional certifications such as PMP, PSP, or CCP will be an added advantage.
• Minimum 8–10 years’ experience in project planning, scheduling, and cost control.
• At least 5 years’ experience on large infrastructure, power generation, or heavy industrial EPC/EPCM projects.
• Demonstrated experience working on greenfield projects or major plant developments is highly desirable.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6 and good working knowledge of MS Project.
• Strong expertise in cost control, forecasting, variance analysis, and Earned Value Management.
• Solid understanding of EPC contracting models, procurement processes, and change management.
• Excellent analytical, reporting, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary project environment.
• High level of professionalism, attention to detail, and strong ethical standards.
• Strong commitment to health, safety, and regulatory compliance.

All applications must contain a CV and copies of relevant qualifications and certifications.