Senior Cost & Project Control Engineer

gu-recruitment; Muscat; On-site; OMR 18,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

gu-recruitment seeks a Senior Cost & Project Control Engineer to lead cost planning, budgeting, forecasting, and project controls for our Oman construction operations. This role ensures cost discipline aligns with project execution and contract terms.

Required: 8+ years in construction cost control, advanced Excel with EVM, and experience developing budgets, tracking variances, and preparing claims documentation. English fluency is essential.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in construction cost control and project financial management.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel with pivot tables, dashboards, and cost-tracking models; VBA knowledge a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed project budgets in Excel, breaking down costs by labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractors.
• Track actual vs. budgeted costs and generate CPI, SPI, EAC, and ETC metrics using EVM.
• Prepare weekly and monthly financial reports including cash flow projections and contingency drawdowns.
• Maintain cost benchmark databases for recurring material, labor, and equipment rates.
• Identify, prepare, and submit claims for variations and disruptions with complete documentation.
• Monitor compliance with contract terms and assist audits and cost verifications.

Skills

Cost control

Budgeting

Forecasting

EVM

Excel dashboards

Data analysis

Communication

English fluency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field

Tools

Excel

VBA

ERP systems

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

We are seeking a highly analytical and experienced Senior Cost & Project Control Engineer to manage cost planning, financial forecasting, and project control activities for our construction operations in Oman. This role plays a critical function in aligning financial performance with project execution, maintaining cost discipline, and ensuring compliance with contract terms and reporting obligations. The ideal candidate should have over 8 years of experience in cost control within the construction industry - preferably on industrial or factory-type projects and demonstrate mastery in Microsoft Excel, cost modeling, and Earned Value Management (EVM). The candidate must be capable of independently developing and managing detailed budgets, cost reports, payment applications, and claims documentation.

Key Responsibilities

Budgeting & Cost Estimation

Develop detailed project budgets in Excel, breaking down costs by labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractors. Create and manage cost-loaded project schedules aligned with baseline planning. Prepare comparison tables for subcontractor/vendor quotations to ensure competitive procurement decisions. Collaborate with the planning and procurement teams to ensure cost alignment with construction sequences and procurement timelines.

Cost Control & Financial Reporting

Track actual vs. budgeted costs and analyze variances with actionable insights. Implement Earned Value Management (EVM) using Excel to generate CPI, SPI, EAC, and ETC metrics. Prepare and deliver weekly and monthly financial reports including:

• Cash flow projections.
• Contingency drawdowns.
• Budget risk forecasts and sensitivity analysis.

Create dynamic dashboards and visual reports to support executive decision-making.

Subcontractor & Vendor Management

Evaluate commercial aspects of subcontractor and vendor offers. Maintain cost benchmark databases for recurring material, labor, and equipment rates. Conduct cost-based scope alignment to prevent over-budget procurements. Coordinate with procurement and contracts to validate market competitiveness.

Claims & Contract Management

Identify, prepare, and submit claims for variations and disruptions with complete documentation. Manage interim payment applications, ensuring timely certification and recovery. Issue cost/time impact notices in accordance with contract conditions and deadlines. Analyze cost deviations tied to direct and indirect costs, scope changes, and site conditions.

Financial Risk & Compliance

Maintain audit-ready documentation, including timesheets, invoices, material receipts, and procurement logs. Ensure adherence to contract terms regarding financial obligations, milestone payments, and retention. Support compliance audits and cost verifications conducted by clients or external parties. Monitor exposure to financial risks and recommend mitigation strategies.

Reporting to Management

Report regularly to the Cost Control Manager and Project Controls Lead. Present financial dashboards, cost trends, and budget status during management reviews. Support strategic cost forecasting and financial health analysis of ongoing projects.

Requirements

Required Qualifications & Skills

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field. 8+ years of relevant experience in construction cost control and project financial management. Advanced Microsoft Excel expertise, including:

• Pivot tables, dynamic dashboards, and cost-tracking models.
• Automation using formulas and macros (VBA knowledge is a plus).

Solid command of Earned Value Management (EVM) principles (CPI, SPI, variance analysis). Proven capability in claims preparation, cost negotiation, and variation substantiation. Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret cost trends and performance indicators. Excellent verbal and written communication skills; fluent in English. Ability to work independently and handle multiple priorities under pressure.

Preferred Qualifications

Professional certifications such as RICS, AACE CCE, or PMI-SP is an advantage. Experience in factory, warehouse, or industrial project environments. Familiarity with ERP systems or cost control software is an advantage. Knowledge of Power BI, Tableau, or other BI tools for cost visualization is a plus.