Cost Control Lead

KBR, Inc.; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR, Inc. is seeking a Cost Control Lead to direct cost management across a large-scale infrastructure portfolio in Adelaide. You will ensure robust controls, accurate forecasting, and effective reporting throughout project delivery.

You will mentor cost controllers, drive continuous improvement in systems and processes, and partner with project delivery, commercial, engineering and finance teams to align budgets with scope.

Qualifications

• Experience in cost control for large capital programs.
• Strong ability to forecast, budget, and report across multi-project portfolios.
• Demonstrated leadership and coaching of cost control teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor Cost Controllers across a diverse portfolio of infrastructure projects.
• Oversee portfolio-wide cost control, forecasting, budgeting and reporting activities.
• Develop and maintain robust cost management processes, systems and governance frameworks.
• Analyse cost performance, identify trends and provide proactive recommendations to stakeholders.
• Ensure alignment between budgets, commitments, forecasts and approved scope.
• Lead month-end reporting and portfolio performance reviews.
• Provide strategic cost management advice to senior leadership and project teams.
• Manage change control to maintain baselines with approved scope.
• Drive continuous improvement across reporting, analytics and project controls.

Skills

Cost control

Forecasting

Portfolio reporting

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Education

Finance/Commerce/Business/Project Controls

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Project controls software

Job description

Lead Cost Performance Across Major Infrastructure Delivery

Working closely with Program Directors, Project Managers, Commercial teams and key stakeholders, you will provide strategic cost leadership and insights that enable informed decision-making and successful project outcomes.

The Opportunity

As the Cost Control Lead, you will lead cost management activities across a large-scale capital works portfolio, ensuring robust cost controls, accurate forecasting and effective reporting processes are embedded throughout project delivery.

You will also play a key role in mentoring and developing cost control professionals while driving continuous improvement across systems, processes and reporting frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of Cost Controllers supporting a diverse portfolio of infrastructure projects


• Oversee portfolio-wide cost control, forecasting, budgeting and reporting activities


• Develop and maintain robust cost management processes, systems and governance frameworks


• Analyse cost performance, identify trends and provide proactive recommendations to key stakeholders


• Ensure alignment between budgets, commitments, forecasts and approved project scope


• Lead month-end reporting and portfolio performance reviews


• Provide strategic cost management advice to senior leadership and project teams


• Manage change control processes to ensure cost and schedule baselines remain aligned with approved scope


• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across reporting, analytics and project controls functions


• Collaborate closely with project delivery, commercial, engineering and finance teams

About You

You are a proven project controls or cost management professional with experience supporting large capital programs in infrastructure, utilities, engineering, defence, transport, mining or construction environments.

You will bring

• Relevant qualifications in Finance, Commerce, Business, Project Controls or a related discipline


• Significant experience in cost control, project controls, commercial management or portfolio reporting


• Strong understanding of project lifecycle cost management principles


• Advanced analytical and financial reporting capabilities


• Experience working across complex, multi-project environments


• High proficiency with Microsoft Excel and project controls/reporting systems


• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills


• Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to coach and develop teams


• A proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement

Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a high‑performing Project Controls team delivering some of Australia’s most critical infrastructure and defence programs. KBR offers exposure to large, complex projects and the opportunity to work alongside experienced Project Managers and commercial leaders.

We support long‑term career growth through challenging assignments, global capability sharing, and a culture that values collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

KBR Values

Our KBR Values - We Value Our People, We Deliver, We Are People of Integrity, We Empower, We Are a Team of Teams - embody our people centric organisation.

Our culture, and our genuine focus on our people is a major factor in our success and we want you to be part of our journey.