Cost Control Engineer

* Location: Jeddah, KSA

* Division: Project Controls Department

* Function: Cost Management & Budget Control

* Probation Period: Three months

* Reports to: Project Manager

Summary

The Cost Control Engineer manages all cost and quantity survey-related activities throughout the project lifecycle, from initial budgeting and cost estimation to final account settlement. The role ensures projects are delivered within budget through accurate cost forecasting, monitoring, reporting, and implementation of cost control measures.

Roles and Responsibilities

* Prepare detailed cost estimates and budgets for projects during feasibility, design, and tender stages, including material, labor, equipment, and subcontractor costs.

* Conduct quantity take-offs from architectural, structural, and MEP drawings to develop comprehensive Bills of Quantities (BOQ) for tender and procurement purposes.

* Review and verify BOQs prepared by design consultants and contractors, utilizing BIM models for accurate quantity extraction and clash-free measurements.

* Establish cost baselines and track project expenditures against approved budgets, identifying variances and recommending corrective actions.

* Implement Earned Value Management (EVM) principles to measure cost performance, forecast final costs, and calculate cost performance indicators (CPI).

* Monitor and analyze cost trends, productivity rates, and unit costs based on square meter basis, quality levels, building types, and construction methodologies.

* Benchmark project costs against industry standards and historical data to improve cost forecasting accuracy and identify cost-saving opportunities.

* Evaluate and approve contractor payment applications, ensuring work quantities and quality comply with contract requirements before certification.

* Review, assess, and negotiate variation orders and change requests, providing detailed cost impacts and recommendations to project management.

* Prepare monthly cost reports, cash flow forecasts, and financial dashboards for senior management and clients, highlighting budget status, commitments, and projected final costs.

* Collaborate with procurement teams to review vendor quotations, compare pricing alternatives, and support contract award decisions based on cost-effectiveness.

* Conduct cost-benefit analysis for value engineering proposals, assessing impacts on project scope, quality, and schedule.

* Manage the change control process by evaluating financial impacts of design changes, site conditions, and client instructions.

* Prepare interim valuations and final accounts in accordance with contract terms (FIDIC, NEC, or other standard forms).

* Support claims management by preparing detailed cost substantiation, loss and expense calculations, and cost-related documentation for dispute resolution.

* Maintain comprehensive cost documentation including rate build-ups, cost breakdowns, payment certificates, variation logs, and commitment registers.

* Coordinate with planning, procurement, and finance teams to ensure alignment between cost forecasts, procurement schedules, and payment schedules.

* Develop and maintain cost databases, unit rate libraries, and cost models to support future estimating and benchmarking activities.

* Ensure compliance with company financial policies, contract provisions, and local regulatory requirements related to cost management.

* Provide cost inputs for tender submissions, feasibility studies, and business development initiatives.

* Mentor team members on measurement standards, estimating techniques, and cost control best practices.

Required Technical & Soft Skills

* Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or related field.

* 58 years of experience in cost control, quantity surveying, or cost engineering on construction projects, with mandatory experience in Saudi Arabia.

* Understanding of Saudi market conditions, local cost drivers, and regional pricing benchmarks.

* Strong knowledge of measurement standards (POMI, SMM, CESMM), contract forms (FIDIC, NEC, JCT), and construction methods across all trades.

* Proficiency in cost estimation software, BIM-based quantity take-off tools (Revit, CostX, Vico), and MS Excel for cost modeling and financial analysis.

* Experience with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle) and familiarity with EVM principles is an advantage.

* Strong analytical and negotiation skills with commercial awareness to identify cost risks, opportunities, and support procurement decisions.

* Fluency in English and Arabic, with ability to present financial data clearly to diverse stakeholders.

* Professional certification (RICS, AIQS, AACE) is a strong advantage.

* Detail-oriented and organized, able to manage multiple cost-related activities and deadlines effectively.