Hugo Zbinden

Senior Cost Estimating Professional | Expert in Capital Project Estimation, Benchmarking | Driving Cost Accuracy & Strategic Investment Decisions in Energy Sector

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

About

Welcome to my LinkedIn profile! My name is Hugo, and I’m a meticulous and detail-oriented professional whose career demonstrates a strong commitment to precision, efficiency, and strategic insight in the energy sector. Throughout my journey, I’ve built a solid track record of delivering accurate cost estimates, optimizing estimating processes, and supporting strategic investment decisions for large-scale and complex energy projects. One of my key strengths lies in my ability to transform complex data into actionable insights that drive business performance and enhance decision-making. I have extensive experience developing and reviewing third-party cost estimates (AACE Class 5 to 3) for capital projects across upstream, midstream, and downstream operations in the Oil & Gas Industry. My work consistently focuses on implementing best practices, and maintaining estimate accuracy and consistency in line with industry standards. Wide experience in managing an estimating team. Beyond technical expertise, my career also highlights my dexterity in leadership and collaboration—whether it’s mentoring estimators, leading cross-functional teams, or integrating data-driven benchmarks to elevate reporting, planning, and operational efficiency. Let’s explore how my analytical mindset and strategic approach can contribute to building value and driving excellence in your next project, as you know, great outcomes start with great partnerships.

Experience

  • Lead Cost Estimator at PTAG
    May 2026 - Present · 2 mos

  • Sr. Lead Cost Estimating at Cenovus Energy
    Jan 2021 - Sep 2025 · 4 yrs 9 mos

  • Husky Energy (13 yrs 9 mos)
    • Senior Cost Estimating Manager
      Mar 2018 - Jan 2021 · 2 yrs 11 mos

    • Cost Estimating Manager
      May 2007 - Jan 2021 · 13 yrs 9 mos

      •Cost Estimating Manager in the Corporate Project control and Services Department. •Team Lead Cost Estimator in the Corporate Project Control Department •Cost Estimating Lead of the Oil Sands Sunrise Project, a Multi-Phase SAGD facilities (240K bbl) •Senior Cost Estimator in the Project Control Department •Review third party Cost Estimates for new and ongoing Oil Projects •Provide in-house Class 5 and Class 4 cost estimates for feasibility studies and to evaluate alternatives. •Check/Validate 3rd party Class 3 Cost Estimates •Responsible of the update and creation of cost estimating infrastructure for the department

  • Senior Cost Estimator at Suncor Energy
    2004 - 2007 · 3 yrs

    •Senior Cost Estimator in the upgrading department •Responsible of the conceptual to construction cost estimate for upgrading business units. •Responsible of the cost control for upgrading 1 base plants. •Prepare detailed cost forecasts based on productivity analysis, trends and changes. •Provide support to the Long Range Planning process for the assigned CFT

  • Cost Engineer Lead at PDVSA Petroleos de Venezuela S.A.
    Jun 1991 - Feb 2003 · 11 yrs 9 mos

    Cost Estimator Lead for Multimillion (up to $5Billions) Oil & Gas Projects. Economics Evaluations for Long Term Oil & Gas Projects. Corporate Cost Estimator Advisor