Cost Specialist - Houston, TX

S&B; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

S&B is seeking a Cost Specialist to own cost control activities for medium to large EPC/Alliance projects. You will provide detailed cost analysis and support project managers in maintaining budgets and forecasts across sites.

The ideal candidate holds a four-year degree in engineering or a related field, 10 years of cost control experience, and proficiency with Prism, Oracle or Omega 365. Travel to field sites across the Southern United States is expected as project needs require.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, or related field (preferred).
• Minimum 10 years of cost control experience.
• Proficiency in cost management software (Prism, Oracle, Omega 365 or similar).
• Understanding EPC/Alliance contracts (lump sum, reimbursable, unit rate).
• Ability to interpret project schedules and link schedule to cost forecasts.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain project cost control structures (WBS, CBS).
• Track budgets, commitments, expenditures, and forecasts.
• Perform variance analysis, cost trending, and forecast updates.
• Prepare monthly project cost reports and present findings to project leadership.
• Support risk analysis and change management processes.
• Coordinate with scheduling, subcontracts, procurement, contracts, and finance teams to align cost reporting.
• Mentor junior cost specialists and review their work.

Skills

Cost control

Scheduling integration

Communication skills

Leadership

Cost forecasting

Contract understanding

Field travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Construction Management/Finance or related field

Four-year technical degree

Tools

Prism

Oracle

Omega 365

Job description

OVERVIEW

S&B is currently seeking a Cost Specialist who takes ownership of cost control activities for medium to large EPC/Alliance projects. Provides detailed cost analysis and supports project managers in maintaining budgets and forecasts.

S&B is currently seeking a Cost Specialist who takes ownership of cost control activities for medium to large EPC/Alliance projects. Provides detailed cost analysis and supports project managers in maintaining budgets and forecasts.

ABOUT S&B

S&B is an exceptional full-service Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) company, proudly maintaining private ownership and operation for over five decades. With our extensive experience, we have successfully undertaken diverse projects across various industries, including Oil & Gas, Chemicals, Petrochemicals, Energy Transition, Power, and Pulp & Paper. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to safety, timely project completion, and cost-effective solutions. Our proven track record speaks for itself, as we consistently deliver outstanding results while adhering to the highest industry standards. Moreover, our company culture is unparalleled, fostering an environment of collaboration, innovation, and excellence. At S&B, we understand the value of our talented team, and we ensure they are rewarded accordingly. We offer a competitive compensation package and a comprehensive benefits program to attract and retain the best professionals in the field.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Plans, schedules, coordinates and oversees the work of all Project Controls activities at the project level.

EDUCATION

Normally requires a four-year technical degree.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, related field or equivalent years of experience in Engineering or Construction industry. (Preferred)
• Minimum 10 years of cost control experience.
• Proficiency in cost management software (Prism, Oracle, Omega 365 or similar).
• Requires understanding of EPC/Alliance contracts (lump sum, reimbursable, unit rate).
• Ability to interpret project schedules and link schedule to cost forecasts.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and maintain project cost control structures (WBS, CBS).
• Track budgets, commitments, expenditures, and forecasts.
• Perform variance analysis, cost trending, and forecast updates.
• Prepare monthly project cost reports and present findings to project leadership.
• Support risk analysis and change management processes.
• Coordinate with scheduling, subcontracts, procurement, contracts, and finance teams to align cost reporting.
• Mentor junior cost specialists and review their work.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and write in the English language.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Basic mathematical skills required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• We are seeking reliable and hardworking individuals to join our project control’s team at job site locations across the Southern United States. This role requires flexibility and a strong commitment to travel, as candidates must be willing to accept field assignments based on project needs and demand.
• This requires the ability to stand, walk, reach, climb and balance. It also requires clear, close and distance vision, depth perception and the ability to focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Field assignment will require exposure to outdoor weather conditions, loud noise, working near moving mechanical parts, vibration, fumes, toxic or caustic chemicals and airborne particles.
• Successful candidates will demonstrate a solid work ethic, adaptability, and the ability to perform effectively in dynamic field environments.