Cost Control Manager - Projects

Role Overview

Project Cost Management

• Develop, implement, and maintain project cost control procedures, systems, and reporting standards.
• Establish project cost baselines based on approved budgets, scope, schedules, and contractual commitments.
• Monitor actual costs, commitments, accruals, and forecast costs against approved budgets.
• Identify cost overruns, budget deviations, and financial risks, recommending corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate cost breakdown structures (CBS) and cost reports across assigned projects.

Budgeting and Forecasting

• Lead preparation and review of project budgets, cost plans, and periodic cost forecasts.
• Estimate cost to complete (ETC) and estimate at completion (EAC).
• Conduct variance analysis and explain significant deviations from approved budgets.
• Support budget revisions, contingency planning, and financial impact assessments from scope changes.
• Ensure alignment between project budgets, procurement plans, construction schedules, and contractual commitments.

Change and Contract Cost Control

• Review change orders, variation requests, claims, and commercial adjustments to assess financial impact.
• Monitor commitments under construction contracts, purchase orders, and consultant agreements.
• Coordinate with Contracts and Commercial teams to evaluate cost implications and maintain accurate forecasts.
• Track contingency utilization and ensure proposed changes follow the appropriate approval process.
• Identify opportunities for cost optimization without compromising quality, safety, or delivery requirements.

Reporting and Performance Analysis

• Prepare periodic cost reports, dashboards, and management summaries for project leadership.
• Provide visibility into budget utilization, committed costs, forecast final costs, and financial exposure.
• Develop cost performance indicators and early-warning mechanisms for projects at risk of exceeding budget.
• Present cost trends, risks, and mitigation plans to senior management and stakeholders.
• Ensure accuracy, consistency, and timeliness of project cost data.

Stakeholder Management and Governance

• Work closely with Project Directors, Project Managers, Development, Finance, Procurement, and Consultants.
• Establish consistent cost control practices across multiple projects and teams.
• Ensure compliance with approved budgets, delegated authorities, financial controls, and reporting requirements.
• Support project audits, financial reviews, and project closeout activities.
• Lead and develop the project cost control team, ensuring accountability and high-quality deliverables.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, or a related field.
• A master's degree in Construction Management, Project Management, or a relevant discipline is an advantage.
• 8-12 years of relevant experience in project cost control, cost management, or commercial management within real estate development, construction, or infrastructure projects.
• At least 3 years in a managerial or leadership role overseeing project cost control activities.
• Proven experience managing budgets, cost forecasts, commitments, variations, and financial reporting for large-scale development or construction projects.
• Experience working with developers, project management consultancies, contractors, or program management organizations is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of construction contracts, cost estimation, quantity surveying principles, and project financial controls.

Technical Skills

• Project budgeting, cost planning, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Cost-to-complete and estimate-at-completion methodologies.
• Change management, variation assessment, and claims cost evaluation.
• Construction cost breakdown structures and commitment tracking.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Proficiency in cost management and project controls systems such as Primavera P6, SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms.
• Familiarity with Power BI and project cost dashboards is an advantage.
• Understanding of earned value management (EVM) and project performance measurement.

Key Competencies

• Analytical thinking and financial acumen.
• Leadership and team management.
• Stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Commercial awareness and risk management.
• Attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Strong communication and executive reporting skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.

Key Performance Indicators