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