Job Purpose
The Cost Control Engineer plays a critical technical role in planning, monitoring, analyzing, and controlling project costs and expenditures across all phases of civil, building, and infrastructure projects. Combining engineering insight with cost management principles, the role ensures projects are executed within approved budgets, provides reliable cash flow projections, and delivers actionable variance analysis to protect project margins.
Key Responsibilities
1. Cost Baseline & Budget Setup
- Deconstruct tender budgets, Bill of Quantities (BOQ), and project specifications to establish the baseline Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS) and Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).
- Map engineering resource requirements (labor hours, plant/equipment allocation, material quantities, and subcontractor packages) to cost codes.
- Collaborate with Planning/Scheduling Engineers to integrate the cost baseline with the project schedule (Cost-Loaded Schedules).
2. Cost Tracking, EVM & Variance Analysis
- Monitor daily site activities, resource consumption, and productivity rates against engineering norms and budget baselines.
- Implement Earned Value Management (EVM) principles to evaluate Cost Variance (CV), Schedule Variance (SV), Cost Performance Index (CPI), and Schedule Performance Index (SPI).
- Perform regular Cost vs. Value Reconciliation (CVR) and variance analysis to detect potential cost overruns, wastage, or engineering changes early.
- Forecast Estimate at Completion (EAC) and Estimate to Complete (ETC) based on current site performance trends.
3. Change Control & Commercial Support
- Evaluate the engineering and cost impact of Variation Orders (VOs), Request for Information (RFIs), and Design Changes submitted by clients or subcontractors.
- Maintain the project Change Order Register and assist the commercial/quantity surveying team in pricing claims and variations.
- Review subcontractor payment applications and site daywork sheets against physical progress verification before cost approval.
4. Cost Reporting & Forecasting
- Prepare monthly Cost Control Reports, detailing financial status, cost trends, contingency utilization, and cash flow projections for project stakeholders.
- Flag critical financial risks and recommend technical or operational mitigation strategies to the Project Manager.
- Coordinate with the finance and accounting teams to ensure accurate accruals and work-in-progress (WIP) reporting.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Forecast accuracy of the Estimate at Completion (EAC) within an agreed tolerance (e.g., ±3%).
- On-time generation and delivery of monthly Cost Control Reports and CVRs.
- Proactive identification and reporting of potential cost variances prior to expenditure commitment.
- Turnaround time for assessing and logging variation order cost impacts.
Candidate Requirements
Education & Experience
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Building / Construction Engineering, or Quantity Surveying.
- Experience: 4 to 7+ years of experience as a Cost Control Engineer (or Project Controls Engineer) in major civil engineering, infrastructure, or building construction projects.
- Certifications (Desirable): CCP (Certified Cost Professional by AACE), PMP, or equivalent professional accreditation.
Technical Skills & Tools
- Strong proficiency in Project Controls and Cost Management software (e.g., Primavera Unifier, Candy/CCS, PRISM, or ERP systems like SAP/Oracle) and advanced MS Excel skills.
- In-depth understanding of civil engineering construction methods, site measurement practices, BOQs, and standard contracts (e.g., FIDIC, NEC).
- Mastery of Earned Value Analysis (EVA) and productivity rate calculation.
Soft Skills
- Strong analytical mind with high quantitative aptitude and attention to detail.
- Excellent cross-functional communication skills to coordinate effectively with site engineers, procurement, finance, and project leadership.
- Problem-solving orientation with a focus on risk mitigation and practical engineering solutions.
