Cost Control Manager

Position Overview

We are looking for a seasoned and strategic Cost Control Manager to lead our financial oversight initiatives within the water and wastewater treatment industry. In this pivotal role, you will be entrusted with the responsibility of managing and optimizing cost control processes across engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) projects. Your expertise will be instrumental in ensuring financial discipline, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and maintaining budgetary integrity without compromising operational excellence. The ideal candidate will possess a blend of financial acumen, analytical prowess, and deep sector-specific knowledge to drive sustainable cost efficiencies and support the organization’s financial objectives.

Key Responsibilities

The Cost Control Manager will play a central role in shaping the financial health of our projects by executing the following core duties:

• Cost Control Framework Development: Design, implement, and enforce robust cost control procedures and policies tailored to the unique demands of water and wastewater treatment projects, ensuring alignment with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Budget Monitoring & Financial Tracking: Oversee project budgets with precision, meticulously tracking expenditures to guarantee adherence to financial targets. Conduct regular reviews to assess budget performance and identify deviations promptly.
• Cost Variance Analysis & Risk Mitigation: Perform in-depth analysis of cost variances, pinpointing root causes and assessing their impact on project finances. Develop and recommend corrective actions to prevent budget overruns and financial risks.
• Financial Reporting & Forecasting: Prepare comprehensive cost reports, financial forecasts, and dynamic models to provide senior management with actionable insights for strategic decision-making. Ensure transparency and accuracy in all financial communications.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with project managers, engineers, procurement specialists, and other stakeholders to integrate cost control measures into project planning and execution. Foster a culture of cost awareness and accountability across teams.
• Contract & Invoice Review: Scrutinize contracts, change orders, and vendor invoices to validate compliance with budgetary constraints and contractual obligations. Negotiate favorable terms where necessary to enhance financial outcomes.
• Risk Assessment & Cost Optimization: Conduct thorough risk assessments to evaluate potential cost fluctuations arising from material pricing, labor costs, or market conditions. Propose and implement proactive cost-reduction strategies that uphold project quality and timelines.
• Tender & Bid Support: Provide expert cost estimates and feasibility assessments to support tender and bid evaluations. Ensure that proposals are financially viable and competitive while meeting project requirements.
• Regulatory & Policy Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to financial regulations, company policies, and industry best practices. Stay abreast of evolving standards to maintain compliance and mitigate legal or financial risks.

Required Skills & Qualifications

To excel in this role, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Engineering, or a related discipline is essential. A Master’s degree or professional certifications such as CMA (Certified Management Accountant), CPA (Certified Public Accountant), or PMP (Project Management Professional) will be highly advantageous.
• Professional Experience: A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in cost control, financial management, or project controls, with a strong preference for candidates with a background in the water/wastewater treatment sector, EPC projects, or utilities industry.
• Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated expertise in budgeting, forecasting, cost analysis, and financial reporting. Proficiency in enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems such as SAP or Oracle, as well as advanced Excel skills, is required. Familiarity with cost control software will be considered a valuable asset.
• Industry Knowledge: In-depth understanding of EPC contract terms, procurement processes, and tender management. Awareness of Saudi Arabian market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and cost structures is particularly desirable.
• Soft Skills: Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. Strong communication and negotiation skills are critical for effectively engaging with stakeholders at all levels. The ability to influence and drive change while maintaining collaborative relationships is essential.