Shaun Justin Simpson
Senior Cost Manager | Chartered Quantity Surveyor (MRICS)
8 Radcliffe Crescent, Mount Edgecombe Estate 2, Durban
Summary
Senior Cost Manager and Chartered Quantity Surveyor (MRICS) with 25+ years of global experience in Commercial and Cost Management in Shutdowns, Commissioning, and Construction Projects within the Energy (Oil & Gas) sector.
A Subject matter expert with proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, interface with Executive stakeholders, mitigate commercial risks, optimize cash flow, and deliver profitable project outcomes. Strong leadership style based on effective communication, motivation, and strategic influence. My leadership extends to steering project commercial and cost teams towards excellence, and with a robust foundation in cost estimation and proposals, my role interfaces with diverse high-level stakeholders, from Project Directors to Finance Directors, ensuring that commercial risks are mitigated and best practices upheld.
My strong analytical skills, and the ability to interpret complex data, identify trends, and support informed commercial and contractual decision-making is testament to my expertise and my commitment to driving favorable project cash flow and profitability through effective communication and strategic influence.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Cost Manager (Senior)
Novus Bolashak
10.2021 - Current
- Leadership role.
- Reporting to the Snr. Commercial Manager.
- Interface with various Functional Managers and support Project Leads.
- Form an effective Team of cost specialists to ensure the successful delivery of all cost related project deliverables.
- Leads the Project Cost team and accountable for all cost related matters for internal and external Stakeholders.
- Utilize a range of tools to ensure the successful achievement of project KPIs.
- Emphasis on cost-effectiveness and optimization to maximize value and efficiency.
- Ensure compliance with Company procedures and policies, and compliance with the Project LLOA (Lines and Limits of Authority).
- Review all cost and commercial deliverables to ensure accuracy and compliance (cost reports, cost forecasts, VOWD’s, cash-flow projections, payment applications, invoices, cost estimates, cost reconciliations).
- Maintain continuous and constructive client engagement throughout the project lifecycle to achieve mutual agreement on any cost-related disputes.
- Review, consult, and advise on contract amendments and compensation claims, while leading negotiations with the client to achieve successful outcomes.
- Focus on enhancing cash flow, minimizing unrecovered costs where possible, and driving profitability throughout the project lifecycle.
- Identify and mitigate commercial risks using strategic tools and proactive measures.
- FGP Project, Tengiz Oil Field (Commissioning Support Services) - Project Head Office Based (Atyrau, Kazakhstan)
Senior Manager, Commercial, Estimating, Proposals
Aurex Constructors/SNC Lavalin (previously Kentz)
06.2012 - 10.2021
- Company Overview: SNC Lavalin (formerly Kentz) - Various Projects in South Africa - Head Office Based (Durban & Johannesburg, South Africa)
- Leadership role.
- Reporting to the Regional Business Unit Director.
- Interface with various Functional Managers and support Project Leads.
- Lead the Commercial Team and the Bid Proposals Team.
- Full accountability for estimating, proposals, commercial, cost, and contract management across major projects.
- Led the end-to-end bid proposal process from initial 'Approval to Bid' through to final submission, covering scope definition, execution strategy, risk reviews, procurement coordination, subcontract pricing, estimating, pricing reviews, and contract evaluations in partnership with Legal.
- Post-bid, managed price and contract negotiations to secure favorable terms and reduce risk exposure.
- Ensured effective commercial support through the deployment of qualified resources and company tools to ensure the successful delivery Project KPIs and compliance with all contractual and corporate requirements.
- Review all cost and commercial deliverables to ensure accuracy and compliance (cost reports, cost forecasts, VOWD’s, cash-flow projections, payment applications, invoices, cost estimates, cost reconciliations).
- Provided strategic oversight for all commercial and contractual matters, including high-value or high-risk contract amendments, change orders, and claims.
- Focused on improving cash flow and profitability throughout the project lifecycle.
- Collaborated cross-functionally to identify, assess, and mitigate commercial risks, reducing financial exposure through innovative solutions.
- Delivered monthly cost reports to the Senior Leadership Team.
- Supported final account close-outs and partnered with Legal on complex contractual issues.
- Ensure compliance with Company procedures and policies, and compliance with the Project LLOA (Lines and Limits of Authority).
- Focused on People development, including training, upskilling, and career advancement initiatives.
- SNC Lavalin (formerly Kentz) - Various Projects in South Africa - Head Office Based (Durban & Johannesburg, South Africa)
Commercial Manager
Long O’Donnell Associates
08.2008 - 05.2012
- Management role.
- Reporting to the Project Commercial Director.
- Led the Commercial Team, managing all contract, commercial, procurement, and subcontract-related activities across the project ensuring alignment with project goals and compliance with project standards.
- Review all cost and commercial deliverables to ensure accuracy and compliance (cost reports, cost forecasts, payment applications, invoices, cost estimates).
- Prepared monthly cost reports for Senior Leadership Team (SLT).
- Prepared monthly cost forecasts for Client approval.
- Developed and maintained the Project Risk Register.
- In conjunction with the Planning Team and the Project Execution Team, we identified commercial risks and issued formal notifications to the client in accordance with contractual procedures and requirements (Early Warning Notifications).
- Drafted and submitted Early Warning Notifications (EWNs) and Compensation Events (CEs) in line with contract procedures.
- Ensured compliance with the Project LLOA (Lines and Limits of Authority).
Senior Quantity Surveyor
Gavin Smith & Associates
04.2008 - 08.2008
- Reporting to the Company Owner and Company Partner.
- Delivered Quantity Surveying services across multiple client projects, ensuring commercial integrity and accuracy.
- Provided Quantity Surveying services on behalf of various clients (contract reviews, preparation of Bills of Quantities for tendering purposes, contractor's interim payment assessments and final account assessments).
- Prepared detailed Bills of Quantities for tendering purposes.
- Assessed Contractor interim payment assessments, and final accounts.
Site Commercial / Contracts Manager
Gavin Smith & Associates
05.2007 - 04.2008
- Management role.
- Reporting to the Project Controls Manager.
- Provided commercial and contract support to our client, Botnia S.A. on behalf of Gavin Smith & Associates.
- Provided contract and commercial oversight for all client-appointed contractors and subcontractors across the project.
- Provided input on a wide range of contract and commercial matters, including progress claims, contract amendments, compensation claims, and final accounts.
- Worked cross-functionally with Project Execution Team, Project Controls, Planning, and Procurement teams to ensure commercial and contract compliance.
- Supported the evaluation and administration of progress claims and final accounts ensuring contractual compliance.
- Contributed to the resolution of compensation claims and final account settlements to support timely project close-out.
Site Contracts Manager
Kentech
03.2005 - 05.2007
- Management role.
- Reporting to the Operations Manager.
- Led the Commercial Team, with full responsibility for contract administration, commercial strategy, procurement, and subcontractor management.
- Oversaw all aspects of commercial and contract administration, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and internal procedures.
- Maintained active coordination with the Client’s Commercial and Contracts Team to ensure alignment and resolve issues efficiently.
- Interfaced closely with the internal Project Execution Team to support integrated project delivery and commercial performance.
- Accountable for the preparation of monthly internal cost reports and forecasts for senior management review.
- Prepared and submitted monthly progress claims and final account statements, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
Senior Quantity Surveyor
Michael J Lonsdale & Associates
03.2004 - 03.2005
- Reporting to the Commercial Manager.
- Worked closely with the QS Manager and Site Project Managers.
- Provided commercial administration support and Quantity Surveying duties across all projects.
- Prepared and submitted site progress payment applications for client review and approval, including conducting site walks to validate progress.
- Produced internal cost reports and cost forecasts to support commercial oversight and decision-making.
- Assisted the Estimating Department in compiling Bills of Quantities and developing unit rate build-ups for accurate and competitive pricing.
- Maintained effective communication and coordination with both site teams and the client to ensure contractual compliance and alignment.
- Supported interim progress payments and managed the preparation and agreement of final accounts.
- Drafted and negotiated compensation claims, and final account settlements.
Site Quantity Surveyor
Crown House Engineering
03.2003 - 03.2004
- Reporting to Site Commercial Manager.
- Provided commercial support on a remeasurable scope ensuring accurate tracking and valuation of work performed.
- Prepared and submitted site progress payment applications for client review and approval.
- Participated in joint site walks with the client team to agree on progress valuations and variations.
- Maintained close coordination with project engineering and management teams to ensure alignment on project progress and commercial matters.
- Drafted and submitted Early Warning Notifications (EWNs) and Compensation Events (CEs) in line with contract procedures.
- Assisted with internal cost reporting and cost forecasting to support commercial performance tracking.
Site Quantity Surveyor (Subcontracts)
CCS Plc
10.2002 - 03.2003
- Reporting to the QS Manager.
- Worked closely with QS Team and Site Execution Team.
- Supported commercial operations on a remeasurable scope project, focusing on subcontractor cost control and variation management.
- Prepared and submitted site progress payment applications for client review and approval.
- Compiled and managed the Subcontractor Variation Register, ensuring clear tracking and status updates.
- Negotiated and agreed subcontractor variations directly with the client, ensuring contractual compliance and alignment with project execution.
Site Quantity Surveyor
Kentz
08.2002 - 10.2002
- Reporting to the Site Project Manager.
- Prepared detailed monthly cost reports and forecasts to support financial visibility and project control.
- Collaborated with the Project Execution Team to identify scope changes and compiled a comprehensive Variation Log.
- Estimated and priced project variations for internal review and approval prior to client submission.
- Managed the preparation and submission of monthly progress payment applications for client approval.
- Tracked project variations, ensuring accurate valuation, timely documentation, and contractual compliance.
- Supported the Project Manager in cost-related decision-making and variation strategy.
Site Quantity Surveyor
Genrec
01.2002 - 08.2002
- Developed a web-based cost management tool in collaboration with an IT specialist to capture and measure all piping isometrics for pricing and commercial analysis.
- The tool enabled the Commercial Team to efficiently identify scope changes, forecast revenue to complete, estimate additional work, compile interim progress claims, and support preparation of the interim final account.
- Significantly improved accuracy, transparency, and turnaround time in project cost tracking and commercial reporting.
Site Quantity Surveyor / Junior Quantity Surveyor / Technical Assistant
Kentz
09.1995 - 09.2001
- Quantity Surveying duties (Site Measurements, Take-Offs, BOQ compilations).
- Cost Administration and Cost Control.
- Subcontract Administration and Cost Control.
- Cost Reporting and Cost Forecasting.
- Interim Progress Measures on Site.
- Prepared Progress Applications.
- Worked across Planning, Construction, Document Control, and Quality Departments.
Education
Chartered Quantity Surveyor (MRICS) -
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
Advanced Diploma in Management Practice -
Henley Business School Africa (Part of University of Reading - Triple Accredited: AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB)
Skills
- Commercial & Cost Management
- Proposal Develop & Bid Management
- Contract Negotiation
- Project Controls
- Risk Mitigation
- Strategic Cash Flow Management
- Analytical Thinker
- Problem Solver
- Critical Thinking
- Multitasker
- Attention to Detail
- Effective Communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Team Leadership & People Development
- Client Relationship Management
- MEIP disciplines (Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, and Piping)
Timeline
Cost Manager (Senior)
Novus Bolashak
10.2021 - Current
Senior Manager, Commercial, Estimating, Proposals
Aurex Constructors/SNC Lavalin (previously Kentz)
06.2012 - 10.2021
Commercial Manager
Long O’Donnell Associates
08.2008 - 05.2012
Senior Quantity Surveyor
Gavin Smith & Associates
04.2008 - 08.2008
Site Commercial / Contracts Manager
Gavin Smith & Associates
05.2007 - 04.2008
Site Contracts Manager
Kentech
03.2005 - 05.2007
Senior Quantity Surveyor
Michael J Lonsdale & Associates
03.2004 - 03.2005
Site Quantity Surveyor
Crown House Engineering
03.2003 - 03.2004
Site Quantity Surveyor (Subcontracts)
CCS Plc
10.2002 - 03.2003
Site Quantity Surveyor
Kentz
08.2002 - 10.2002
Site Quantity Surveyor
Genrec
01.2002 - 08.2002
Site Quantity Surveyor / Junior Quantity Surveyor / Technical Assistant
Kentz
09.1995 - 09.2001
Chartered Quantity Surveyor (MRICS) -
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
Advanced Diploma in Management Practice -
Henley Business School Africa (Part of University of Reading - Triple Accredited: AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB)
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