Cost Manager

Pro Select Consulting; Verulam; On-site; ZAR 380,000 - 580,000; Full time

Job summary

Pro Select Consulting is seeking a cost-focused professional in KwaZulu-Natal to manage project budgets and financial performance. You will monitor expenditures, analyze variances and prepare cost reports to support project profitability.

The role requires 3–5 years in construction cost management, strong Excel skills, and experience with budgets, cost reporting and subcontractor cost handling.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in a related field (Quantity Surveying, Cost Management, Construction Management, Finance).
• 3–5 years of relevant experience.
• Construction/civil engineering experience is advantageous.
• Strong Excel and financial analysis skills.
• Experience with construction costing, project budgets and cost reporting.
• Knowledge of contracts, variations and subcontractor management is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain project budgets and cost plans.
• Monitor actual expenditure against approved budgets and investigate variances.
• Prepare regular project cost and financial performance reports.
• Monitor labour, materials, plant and subcontractor costs.
• Review purchase orders, invoices and payment certificates.
• Monitor subcontractor accounts, valuations and payments.
• Assist with project forecasting and cash-flow requirements.
• Identify potential cost overruns and communicate financial risks to management.
• Assist with tender pricing, estimates and cost analysis.
• Review variations, claims and additional works.
• Maintain accurate cost records and supporting documentation.
• Work closely with Project Managers, Site Agents, Procurement and Finance.
• Monitor project profitability and assist with final accounts and project close-out.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Financial analysis

Cost reporting

Budgeting

Cost control

Education

Degree/Diploma in Quantity Surveying, Cost Management, Construction Management, Finance

Job description

To manage and control project costs, budgets, expenditure and financial performance, ensuring projects are delivered within approved budgets while identifying financial risks, cost variances and opportunities for cost optimisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain project budgets and cost plans.
• Monitor actual expenditure against approved budgets and investigate variances.
• Prepare regular project cost and financial performance reports.
• Monitor labour, materials, plant and subcontractor costs.
• Review purchase orders, invoices and payment certificates.
• Monitor subcontractor accounts, valuations and payments.
• Assist with project forecasting and cash-flow requirements.
• Identify potential cost overruns and communicate financial risks to management.
• Assist with tender pricing, estimates and cost analysis.
• Review variations, claims and additional works.
• Maintain accurate cost records and supporting documentation.
• Work closely with Project Managers, Site Agents, Procurement and Finance.
• Monitor project profitability and assist with final accounts and project close-out.

Minimum Requirements

• Degree/Diploma in Quantity Surveying, Cost Management, Construction Management, Finance or a related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years' relevant experience.
• Construction/civil engineering experience is advantageous.
• Strong Excel and financial analysis skills.
• Experience with construction costing, project budgets and cost reporting.
• Knowledge of contracts, variations and subcontractor management is advantageous.

Key Competencies

• Financial and commercial analysis
• Budget and cost control
• Analytical thinking
• Attention to detail
• Negotiation
• Reporting and forecasting
• Problem-solving
• Advanced Excel proficiency

Key Performance Areas / KPIs

• Budget variance and cost control
• Accuracy of project cost reporting
• Forecasting accuracy
• Project profitability monitoring
• Variation and claims management
• Identification of cost-saving opportunities
• Timely reporting of commercial risks