Senior Cost Specialist - Houston, TX

S&B; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedules

Competitive compensation package

Comprehensive benefits program

Job summary

S&B is seeking a Senior Cost Specialist to lead cost management for large EPC/Alliance projects. You will serve as the cost controls subject matter expert, forecasting costs, assessing risk, and ensuring financial integrity throughout the project lifecycle.

The role requires a four-year technical degree, 12 years EPC/Alliance cost control experience, and strong leadership with proven stakeholder reporting. Travel to field sites across the Southern United States is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum 12 years of EPC/Alliance cost control experience with major projects.
• Expertise in cost control methodologies, forecasting, and risk analysis.
• Advanced proficiency in cost management and ERP systems (EcoSys, Prism, Oracle, Omega 365, SAP).
• Strong commercial and contractual awareness.
• Proven leadership and team development experience.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and executive reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead cost control strategies for major EPC projects.
• Ensure forecasts align with schedule, scope, and risk.
• Oversee budgets, cost trending, and KPIs.
• Advise management on cost risks and opportunities.
• Manage change control and financial impact of variations.
• Produce executive cost reports, dashboards, and presentations.
• Coach and develop cost specialists.
• Contribute to company-wide project controls standards.
• Supervise 1-5 cost control staff.

Skills

Cost control & forecasting

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Commercial awareness

Team development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Construction/Finance or related field

Tools

EcoSys

Prism

Oracle

Omega 365

SAP

Job description

OVERVIEW

S&B is currently searching for a Senior Cost Specialist that l eads cost management for large, complex EPC/Alliance projects or portfolios. Acts as the subject matter expert, ensuring accurate cost forecasting, risk management, and financial integrity throughout the project lifecycle.

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, flexible and hybrid work schedules, 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 personnel.

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.
• Minimum 12 years of EPC/Alliance cost control experience with major projects.
• Expertise in cost control methodologies, forecasting, and risk analysis.
• Advanced proficiency in cost management and ERP systems. (e.g., EcoSys, Prism, Oracle, Omega 365, SAP).
• Strong commercial and contractual awareness.
• Proven leadership and team development experience.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and executive reporting skills.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and lead cost control strategies and frameworks for major EPC projects.
• Ensure alignment of cost forecasts with project schedule, scope, and risk.
• Oversee project budgets, cost trending, and performance indicators.
• Advise project management and executive leadership on cost risks and opportunities.
• Manage change control and evaluate financial impact of variations and claims.
• Produce executive-level cost reports, dashboards, and presentations.
• Coach and develop cost specialists across all levels.
• Contribute to company-wide project controls standards, tools, and processes.
• Supervisory Responsibilities: 1-5 employees average

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.