Cost Control Engineer

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Responsibilities

• Budget Development & Baseline
  • Assist in preparing the project cost breakdown structure and baseline budget in coordination with Estimation, Planning and Commercial teams.
  • Load budgets into cost-control and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Primavera P6) for ongoing tracking.
• Cost Monitoring & Reporting
  • Track actual costs—labor, materials, equipment, subcontractor claims—against the baseline; record and validate expenditures in the cost-control system.
  • Produce weekly/monthly cost reports, forecasts and KPI dashboards highlighting variances, trends and cash-flow projections.
• Forecasting & Variance Analysis
  • Perform month-end forecasting using earned value metrics (EVM): calculate CPI, SPI and EAC to predict cost outcomes.
  • Investigate cost variances, quantify impacts of scope changes and recommend mitigation or reallocation strategies.
• Change & Claims Control
  • Maintain a register of approved and potential change orders; assess financial impact and update forecasts accordingly.
  • Support contract claims by providing detailed cost analyses, substantiating entitlement and assisting negotiations.
• Risk Identification & Contingency Planning
  • Identify cost-related risks (market fluctuations, productivity shortfalls, schedule delays); quantify contingency needs and monitor utilization.
  • Collaborate with Project Managers to develop budget-protection measures and cost-recovery plans.
• Systems & Process Improvement
  • Implement and refine cost-control tools, templates and workflows to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
  • Train project teams on cost-tracking procedures, coding standards and reporting protocols.
• Stakeholder Coordination
  • Liaise with Planning, Commercial, Procurement and Finance to ensure alignment of schedule, contract and cost data.
  • Participate in project review meetings, presenting cost analyses and advising on financial decisions.

Qualifications

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Finance or related discipline.
• Experience:
  • 3–7 years’ experience in cost control or project-controls roles on UAE construction or infrastructure projects.
  • Proven expertise in earned-value management, budget forecasting and variance analysis.
• Technical Skills & Software:
  • Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6 (Project & EVM modules), SAP (PS/CO) or equivalent ERP cost-control systems.
  • Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, macros) and familiarity with Microsoft Power BI or similar reporting tools.
• Knowledge & Certifications:
  • Solid understanding of FIDIC/NEC contract conditions, UAE Labour Law costing provisions and local procurement practices.
  • PMI-SP, AACEi PSP/EVM certification or PMP is an advantage.
• Core Competencies:
  • Excellent numerical, analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills in English (Arabic advantageous).
  • Detail-oriented, organized and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.