Senior Cost Controller

Position Overview

The Senior Cost Controller – Project Development & Procurement plays a pivotal role in ensuring the financial integrity and efficiency of the Company’s expanding project portfolio. Based in Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, this position reports directly to the Finance Director and is responsible for overseeing the planning, monitoring, and control of project development and construction costs. The role collaborates closely with Project Development, Facilities Management, and Finance teams to guarantee that all projects are executed within approved budgets while adhering to established governance frameworks. Additionally, the Senior Cost Controller will contribute to the enhancement of procurement processes, controls, and supplier management practices, aligning them with the Company’s strategic growth objectives.

Key Responsibilities

The Senior Cost Controller is tasked with a diverse range of responsibilities designed to optimize financial performance and operational efficiency across projects. These include:

• Project Cost Control:
  • Develop and implement robust cost control procedures, reporting tools, and monitoring frameworks to track project expenditures against approved budgets, commitments, and forecasts.
  • Conduct detailed variance analysis to identify cost deviations, risks, and opportunities, providing actionable insights to project stakeholders.
  • Prepare and maintain comprehensive project cost reports, commitment registers, cash flow forecasts, and budget tracking schedules to ensure transparency and accountability.
  • Review contractor, consultant, and supplier payment applications to verify compliance with contractual terms, approved work completed, and project budgets.
  • Generate monthly project cost reports and management dashboards that highlight performance metrics, forecast outcomes, and key risks for senior leadership review.
  • Evaluate change orders, variations, and claims to assess their financial impact and recommend cost-effective solutions.
  • Analyze cost trends and provide strategic recommendations to enhance cost efficiency and overall project performance.
  • Monitor contingency utilization and support the management of budget reallocations to ensure optimal resource allocation.
• Budgeting and Forecasting:
  • Collaborate with project teams to develop and refine project budgets, development budgets, and capital expenditure forecasts.
  • Prepare and maintain critical financial metrics such as Estimate at Completion (EAC), Estimate to Complete (ETC), and project cash flow forecasts throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Facilitate periodic budget reviews and forecast updates in coordination with project stakeholders to ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
  • Support financial modeling, scenario analysis, and business case assessments to inform decision-making and resource allocation.
• Procurement Development and Support:
  • Lead the establishment and continuous improvement of procurement policies, procedures, controls, and governance frameworks to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Develop and implement procurement planning processes that align with project delivery schedules and budgetary constraints.
  • Maintain and expand approved supplier, contractor, and consultant databases to ensure a reliable and high-quality vendor network.
  • Coordinate tendering activities, including bid evaluation, commercial assessments, and contract award processes, to secure optimal procurement outcomes.
  • Assist in the preparation and review of Requests for Proposal (RFPs), Requests for Quotation (RFQs), tender documentation, and commercial evaluations to drive competitive bidding.
  • Implement supplier performance monitoring and vendor evaluation processes to measure and improve supplier reliability and quality.
  • Identify and capitalize on opportunities for procurement efficiencies, cost savings, and process improvements to maximize value for the Company.
  • Support the development of procurement reporting, Key Performance Indicator (KPI) dashboards, and management information systems to provide actionable insights to leadership.

Qualifications and Experience

Candidates for this role must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Engineering, or a related field, complemented by a minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in cost control, project finance, or procurement within the construction, infrastructure, or energy sectors. Professional certifications such as CMA, CPA, or PMP are highly desirable. Proficiency in financial software, ERP systems, and advanced Excel skills are essential, along with strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management abilities. Fluency in English is required, and knowledge of Arabic is advantageous. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a proactive approach to problem-solving, exceptional attention to detail, and a commitment to driving financial excellence in project execution.