Cost Control Engineer

We are looking for a proactive, hands-on Operational Cost Controller to monitor, analyse, and control operational costs across our construction, infrastructure, MEP, and industrial operations.

This is not an accounting or bookkeeping position . The role requires someone who can work closely with site teams, project managers, procurement, stores, and workshop operations to identify cost overruns, improve productivity, prevent wastage, and implement corrective measures.

The ideal candidate should be comfortable working with real-time operational data, visiting sites and workshops, challenging inefficient practices, and taking immediate action to bring costs under control.

The objective is to ensure that every project and operational activity is executed efficiently, within budget, and with maximum possible profitability.

Key Responsibilities1. Operational Cost Monitoring & Control

• Monitor actual expenditure against approved budgets, estimates, and project cost allocations.
• Track daily and weekly costs relating to manpower, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and operational expenses.
• Identify cost overruns, abnormal spending, and inefficient resource utilisation at an early stage.
• Investigate the root causes of cost variances and recommend immediate corrective actions.
• Establish practical cost monitoring systems that provide management with timely and actionable information.
• Coordinate with project and operational teams to ensure cost information reflects actual site and workshop conditions.

1. Rapid Cost Analysis & Corrective Action

• Identify operational inefficiencies and implement cost-control measures without waiting for month-end financial reports.
• Analyse manpower productivity, equipment utilisation, material consumption, and subcontractor performance.
• Recommend adjustments to manpower allocation, procurement decisions, equipment deployment, and work execution methods.
• Work directly with Project Managers, Engineers, Supervisors, and Procurement teams to implement agreed corrective measures.
• Escalate critical cost deviations to management with clear recommendations and practical solutions.
• Monitor the effectiveness of corrective measures and continuously refine cost-control strategies.

1. Project Cost & Profitability Management

• Establish and maintain project-level cost tracking against approved budgets.
• Monitor committed costs, actual costs, and estimated costs to complete.
• Prepare updated cost-to-complete forecasts and identify potential budget overruns.
• Analyse project profitability throughout execution rather than only after completion.
• Review variations in quantities, productivity, material requirements, and execution costs.
• Highlight projects and activities that are underperforming and recommend recovery plans.
• Work with project teams to improve margins and reduce avoidable expenditure.

1. Manpower & Equipment Productivity

• Analyse labour deployment against planned productivity and project requirements.
• Identify excess manpower, overtime, underutilisation, and inefficient work allocation.
• Monitor equipment and machinery utilisation, idle time, hire charges, and operational efficiency.
• Recommend adjustments to workforce deployment and equipment allocation across projects.
• Coordinate with site teams to improve daily production output and reduce resource wastage.

1. Procurement, Materials & Inventory Cost Control

• Monitor procurement costs against project budgets and market benchmarks.
• Review purchase requisitions and purchase orders for cost implications, abnormal pricing, and unnecessary expenditure.
• Analyse material consumption, wastage, stock movement, and usage patterns.
• Identify excess inventory, duplicate purchases, slow-moving materials, and avoidable procurement costs.
• Coordinate with procurement and stores teams to improve material planning and inventory efficiency.
• Verify that purchased materials and equipment are appropriately allocated and utilised.

1. Subcontractor & Supplier Cost Control

• Monitor subcontractor costs, productivity, resource deployment, and contractual rates.
• Compare subcontractor costs against budgeted allowances and work progress.
• Identify variations, additional costs, and potential financial exposure.
• Evaluate supplier and subcontractor cost efficiency.
• Recommend cost-effective sourcing and resource allocation strategies without compromising project quality or delivery.

1. Cost Reporting & Management Support

• Develop practical cost dashboards and reports for management.
• Prepare weekly cost performance summaries highlighting major variances, risks, and corrective actions.
• Provide timely cost forecasts and early warnings of potential losses.
• Present findings in a clear and concise manner, focusing on decisions and required actions.
• Maintain records of cost-control initiatives, savings achieved, and operational improvements.
• Support management in operational budgeting, resource planning, and profitability improvement.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5–8 years of experience in project cost control, operational cost management, project controls, or construction operations.
• Strong preference for candidates with practical experience in construction, infrastructure, MEP, steel fabrication, or manufacturing operations.
• Proven experience monitoring project costs, productivity, resources, and operational budgets.
• Strong understanding of site and workshop execution processes.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including cost analysis, reporting, and dashboards.
• Experience working with ERP systems, project management software, or cost-control systems.
• Ability to interpret BOQs, estimates, material requirements, project schedules, and production reports.
• Familiarity with procurement processes, inventory controls, and subcontractor management.
• UAE construction industry experience is strongly preferred.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Hands-on approach to operational monitoring and cost control.
• Ability to act quickly on cost deviations and changing project conditions.
• Strong understanding of construction productivity, manpower, materials, and equipment costs.
• Ability to challenge operational inefficiencies and recommend practical improvements.
• Confident communication with site teams, project managers, and senior management.
• High level of ownership, accountability, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects.
• Commercial awareness and a strong focus on profitability.
• Willingness to regularly visit project sites and workshops.

Pay: AED7,500.00 - AED15,000.00 per month

Experience:

• Cost management: 3 years (Preferred)
• Hands-on construction industry: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: In person