Cost Control Manager

Senior Cost Control Manager – EPC Projects (Oil & Gas / Power Generation)

Company: UCC Trading & Contracting (UCC) – Qatar

Department: Project Controls

Reports To: Project Controls Director

Location: Qatar

About UCC Trading & Contracting

UCC Trading & Contracting (UCC) is one of the leading EPC and construction organizations in the region, delivering large-scale projects across the Oil & Gas, Power, Infrastructure, Industrial, and Energy sectors. As part of our continued growth, we are seeking a highly accomplished Senior Cost Control Manager to lead cost governance and financial performance across multiple mega EPC projects.

Position Summary

The Senior Cost Control Manager is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing cost control, forecasting, budget governance, and financial performance across a portfolio of major EPC projects.

Acting as the organization's Corporate Cost Authority , the successful candidate will ensure the integrity of project budgets, forecasts, commitments, and reporting while providing executive management with accurate, data-driven insights for informed decision-making.

This role requires extensive experience managing cost functions across large-scale Oil & Gas, Power Generation, Energy, and Infrastructure projects , with a strong focus on portfolio oversight, commercial awareness, and team leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Control Governance & Strategy

• Establish and implement cost control policies, procedures, standards, and governance frameworks across all EPC projects.
• Develop and maintain:
• Cost Breakdown Structures (CBS)
• Budget control procedures
• Forecasting methodologies (ETC / EAC)
• Commitment and accrual management processes
• Ensure consistency and compliance in cost control practices across all projects.
• Serve as the focal point for portfolio-wide cost performance and financial governance.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Control

• Lead the preparation, review, and control of:
• Project budgets and cost baselines
• Forecasts at Completion (EAC)
• Estimates to Complete (ETC)
• Cash flow projections
• Monitor project expenditures and forecast accuracy.
• Analyze productivity trends, risks, and cost performance drivers.
• Challenge project teams on unrealistic assumptions and forecast deviations.
• Ensure forecasts accurately reflect project realities and commercial risks.

Portfolio & Multi-Project Oversight

• Manage cost performance across multiple concurrent EPC and mega projects.
• Consolidate project data into executive-level portfolio reports and dashboards.
• Identify and communicate:
• Cost overruns
• Variances and trends
• Forecast risks
• Portfolio-wide improvement opportunities
• Provide proactive recommendations and early warning reports to senior leadership.

Change Management, Variations & Claims

• Govern the cost management aspects of:
• Variations
• Change Orders
• Claims and Counterclaims
• Ensure all cost increases are properly assessed, justified, documented, and approved.
• Support commercial teams on negotiations and contractual discussions.
• Provide cost impact assessments and substantiation for dispute resolution.

Cost Systems, Reporting & Data Integrity

• Lead effective utilization of SAP, ERP platforms, and project cost management systems.
• Ensure accuracy in:
• Cost coding
• Commitment tracking
• Accrual management
• Cost allocation
• Review and approve:
• Monthly Cost Reports
• Forecast Updates
• Executive Dashboards
• Portfolio Performance Reports
• Maintain audit-ready, transparent, and reliable cost records.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and mentor Cost Control Managers, Senior Cost Engineers, and Cost Engineers across various projects.
• Drive a culture of accountability, excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Establish team KPIs, development plans, and performance objectives.
• Review and challenge project-level submissions to ensure alignment with corporate standards.
• Collaborate closely with:
• Project Directors
• Commercial & Contracts Teams
• Finance Departments
• Procurement Teams
• Executive Management

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Finance, or a related discipline.
• Professional certifications such as CCP, PMP, AACE, EVP, or equivalent are highly desirable.
• Advanced proficiency in Cost Management Systems, SAP, ERP Platforms, Power BI, and reporting tools.

Experience

• Minimum 15+ years of progressive experience in Cost Control and Project Controls within EPC organizations.
• Proven experience delivering major Oil & Gas, Power Generation, Energy, Industrial, or Infrastructure projects .
• Demonstrated expertise in portfolio-level cost management and multi-project oversight .
• Strong background in EPC, EPCM, and Lump Sum Contract environments.
• Experience working on mega projects within the Middle East and international markets is highly preferred.

Key Competencies

Technical

• EPC Cost Control & Forecasting
• Portfolio Cost Management
• Budgeting & Financial Planning
• Contract & Commercial Management
• Change Management & Claims Evaluation
• Cost Governance & Compliance

Leadership

• Team Leadership & Development
• Strategic Planning
• Stakeholder Management
• Executive-Level Reporting
• Business Partnering & Influence

Personal Attributes

• Strong commercial and financial acumen
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills
• High integrity and professional credibility
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and project leadership
• Results-oriented with excellent attention to detail
• Resilient and effective in high-pressure project environments