Project Cost Controller

Establish the company s first centralized Cost Control Department defining clear SOPs for project budgeting resource allocation and cost validation Act as the Subject Matter Expert SME during the development and implementation of a new internal Cost Control Software ensuring seamless integration with QuickBooks Online Define standard Work Breakdown Structures WBS and cost coding systems for all civil projects Review awarded project contracts BOQs and estimates to establish Zero-Based Budgets and baseline allowable costs before project commencement Work with Project Managers to validate baseline manpower material and equipment allocation plans Implement strict gatekeeping to ensure no Purchase Requests PRs or resource allocations are processed without budget availability Monitor daily manpower allocation for a 700 workforce tracking standard labor rates productivity Earned Value and identifying idle or inefficient labor allocation Track actual material consumption against allowable BOQ limits to identify and mitigate wastage pilferage or over-ordering Monitor plant and equipment utilization fuel consumption and internal rental cost allocations Review and validate subcontractor Interim Payment Certificates IPCs against actual site progress and contract terms Investigate and report on any significant variances between budgeted and actual costs providing actionable recovery plans Prepare comprehensive monthly Cost Reports for Executive Management Calculate and report on Earned Value Management EVM metrics specifically Cost Performance Index CPI and Schedule Performance Index SPI Generate accurate Cost-to-Complete CTC and Estimated at Completion EAC forecasts to provide early visibility into final project profitability Partner with the Procurement Department to ensure optimal buying strategies and adherence to the project budget Collaborate with the Finance Department to ensure accurate accruals committed costs tracking and timely recording of project liabilities in QuickBooks Online Challenge and guide Project Managers on cost-saving initiatives and value engineering Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering.Additional certifications in Cost Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or Project Management (e.g., CCP, PMP, MRICS) or a Master's degree/diploma in Finance/Commercial Management.4 to 7+ years of total experience in the construction industry, with a minimum of 5 years directly in a Cost Control or Senior Quantity Surveying role within the UAE/GCC market.Deep technical understanding of civil infra, construction methodologies, site operations, and resource deployment.Proven experience in setting up cost control procedures from scratch or significantly restructuring a cost control department.Previous involvement in Cost Control software implementation is highly advantageous.Exceptional ability to analyze complex data sets and translate them into actionable management insights.Advanced skills in MS Excel. and accounting software (QuickBooks Online experience is a plus).Deep understanding of EVM principles and standard construction cost metrics.Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to assertively push back on site teams and Project Managers when budget limits are breached.Fluency in English is mandatory.