Capital Estimating, Cost Control & Benchmarking Lead- Capital Portfolio Planning and Controls Group

Role Purpose

Own and execute capital cost estimating, benchmarking, and cost control for Albemarle’s manufacturing capital portfolio. This role provides owner-side estimate credibility, forecast accuracy, and benchmarking discipline across FEL development and project execution for medium to small size projects (<$200MM TIC).

What You Will Do

• Estimating & Benchmarking
  • Own and apply standard estimating methodologies, tools, and accuracy expectations across global manufacturing sites.
  • Support development and validation of conceptual through definitive estimates for small to medium size projects.
  • Serve as the primary estimating point of contact for manufacturing sites.
  • Build, maintain, and use estimating databases and cost metrics for cross-site benchmarking.
  • Lead estimate and benchmark health checks using IPA and other industry frameworks.
  • Use external data tools (e.g., IHS Markit, Alpha Resources) and internal data to challenge scope, productivity, market conditions, and escalation assumptions.
  • Support and represent estimating in PEER reviews, FEL gate reviews, and governance forums.
• Cost Control & Forecasting (Execution Support)
  • Embed with active project teams as needed to support day-to-day cost control.
  • Own SAP PS cost structure integrity: WBS setup, budget loading, transfers, supplements, and change tracking.
  • Maintain visibility and control of budgets, commitments, actuals, accruals, forecasts, and EACs.
  • Review and validate contractor and vendor cost data for accuracy, completeness, and scope alignment.
  • Identify and escalate early cost and trend risks to project and leadership teams.
  • Partner closely with Construction, Procurement, Finance, and Project Controls to maintain cost discipline.
• Process Ownership & Capability Building
  • Maintain and enforce estimating and cost control SOPs and governance requirements.
  • Drive continuous improvement in estimating accuracy, forecast reliability, and data quality.
  • Support change management related to scope growth, estimate revisions, and forecast updates.
  • Train site teams on estimating methods, benchmarking interpretation, and cost control fundamentals.

What You Bring

• Required:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline.
  • 10-12 years owner-side (preferred) or EPC experience in both capital estimating and project cost control.
  • Hands-on experience supporting chemical, petrochemical, mining, or industrial facilities.
  • Demonstrated ability to work across the full project lifecycle (FEL0-Operate).
  • Strong working knowledge of: Capital project estimating practices, IPA Benchmarking, Cost control, forecasting, and EAC development, Change management and cost governance.
  • Advanced SAP Project Systems (PS) experience.
  • Advanced Excel capability; experience with estimating software (e.g., ASPEN ACCE).
  • Comfortable working independently and challenging assumptions with facts.
  • Clear, structured communicator able to engage engineers, project managers, contractors, and leadership.
• Preferred:
  • Owner-side project controls hands-on experience in estimating and cost control.
  • Experience with IPA benchmarking and FEL assessments.
  • Experience working with EPCM and contractor cost reporting.
  • Professional certification (AACE, PMP, etc.).

Benefits

Competitive compensation
Comprehensive benefits package
A diverse array of resources to support you professionally and personally.