Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Cost Control Section Head to lead cost control activities across projects, ensuring effective monitoring of project budgets, commitments, actual costs, forecasts, and cost performance. The role will provide accurate financial and cost insights to support project management and business decision-making while ensuring adherence to approved budgets and cost control procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the Cost Control team and ensure effective distribution of work and responsibilities.

• Establish and maintain project cost control systems, procedures, and reporting standards.

• Monitor project budgets, commitments, actual costs, accruals, and remaining costs against approved budgets.

• Prepare and review Cost Reports, Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR), Budget vs. Actual, and Forecast reports.

• Monitor project cost performance and identify cost variances, trends, and potential overruns.

• Prepare and maintain Estimate at Completion (EAC) and Estimate to Complete (ETC) forecasts.

• Review project budgets, cost breakdown structures, and cost codes to ensure proper allocation and reporting.

• Monitor commitments including subcontracts, purchase orders, variations, and procurement commitments.

• Coordinate with Project Management, Procurement, Contracts, Finance, Planning, and Quantity Surveying teams to ensure accurate cost information.

• Review and assess the financial impact of change orders, variations, claims, and scope changes.

• Support project teams in identifying cost-saving opportunities and potential financial risks.

• Analyze project performance against approved budgets and provide recommendations for corrective actions.

• Ensure timely and accurate monthly cost reporting to senior management.

• Develop cost control dashboards and management reports highlighting key project cost indicators.

• Review and validate cost data received from project teams and ensure data accuracy and completeness.

• Participate in project budget preparation, cost planning, and project forecasting.

• Ensure compliance with company cost control policies, procedures, and reporting requirements.

• Identify cost-related risks and support the development of mitigation plans.

• Mentor and develop Cost Control Engineers/Specialists and monitor team performance.

Job Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

• Professional certifications such as PMP, RICS, AACE, or equivalent are an advantage.

Experience

• 10–13 years of relevant experience in Cost Control, Project Controls, Cost Management, or Commercial Management.

• Proven experience in construction, real estate development, infrastructure, or engineering projects.

• Previous experience managing or leading a Cost Control team.

• Strong hands-on experience with project cost management from budget preparation through project completion.

• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, commitments, actual costs, accruals, variations, and cost reporting.

• Strong understanding of CVR, EAC, ETC, cost variance analysis, cash flow, and project cost forecasting.

• Experience working closely with Contracts, Procurement, Planning, Finance, and Project Management teams.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of project cost control and project controls principles.

• Excellent understanding of construction contracts, subcontracting, procurement, and variation management.

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including advanced formulas, PivotTables, and data analysis.

• Experience with ERP/project cost management systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Primavera Unifier, or similar systems.

• Ability to analyze large volumes of project cost data and translate them into meaningful management insights.

• Knowledge of Primavera P6 and project planning principles is an advantage.

• Strong reporting, analytical, and forecasting capabilities.

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Strong leadership and team management skills.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Strong attention to detail and numerical accuracy.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects/priorities.

• Strong decision-making and commercial awareness.

• Ability to communicate complex cost information clearly to senior management.