Cost Control Lead / Manager

Job Summary:

Lead the cost control function for large-scale building construction projects, ensuring stringent financial monitoring, cost forecasting, and budget compliance. Directly manage cost control engineers and analysts, integrate cost data with project schedules. Act as the key advisor to project management and senior leadership on cost-related decisions to maximize profitability and mitigate risks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement comprehensive cost control plans aligned with the project’s Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and contractual requirements
• Establish project budgets in collaboration with project management and quantity surveying teams, ensuring detailed cost breakdown structures for accurate tracking
• Oversee the day-to-day management of committed costs, actual expenditures, forecast updates, and cost-to-complete estimates at work package and cost code levels
• Apply Earned Value Management (EVM) techniques to integrate cost and schedule data, calculating CPI, SPI, VAC, EAC, and forecasting potential cost overruns or savings
• Conduct detailed variance analysis between baseline budgets, actual costs, and earned value to identify cost drivers, inefficiencies, and risk areas
• Coordinate with procurement and subcontractor management to ensure purchase orders, change orders, and subcontract agreements reflect approved budgets and scope
• Validate subcontractor invoices and progress claims to confirm alignment with agreed contract terms and work performed
• Liaise with planning/scheduling engineers to ensure cost data accurately reflects project progress and productivity metrics
• Prepare and deliver timely, accurate cost control reports, dashboards, and forecasts for project teams, senior management, and clients, highlighting key risks and recommendations
• Lead cost forecasting and cash flow projections to support financial planning and liquidity management for ongoing projects
• Monitor labor productivity and material usage on site, working with site teams to optimize resource allocation and reduce waste
• Manage the cost control team, providing mentorship, workload distribution, and performance evaluations
• Ensure all cost control activities comply with company policies, client contractual obligations, and Dubai regulatory standards
• Participate in project change management processes, assessing cost impacts of scope changes and preparing variation order cost analyses
• Support claims management by providing detailed cost evidence and historical cost tracking
• Conduct training sessions for project personnel on cost control procedures, EVM principles, and reporting tools
• Coordinate internal and external audits related to cost control and project financials, ensuring readiness and data accuracy
• Continuously review and improve cost control methodologies, tools, and reporting formats to increase efficiency and accuracy

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management.
• 12 or more years of progressive experience in cost control on complex building projects in Dubai/GCC, including at least 4 years in a Leadership or managerial role.
• Proven track record of working on high-rise residential, commercial, hospitality, and mixed-use developments.

Application Question(s):

• What is your notice period?
• What is your current salary?
• Do you have experience working with contracting companies within UAE?

Work Location: In person