Cost Control Manager

The Cost Control Manager at Luster is responsible for developing and leading the implementation of cost control plans, monitoring actual project costs against the budget, preparing detailed cost reports including dashboards, and identifying potential savings throughout the project lifecycle. They also review project change orders, verify invoices, and maintain historical cost records, ensuring the project stays financially on track.

To be considered for the Cost Control Manager role at Luster, candidates should possess a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, construction management, or a related field, along with ten years of cost control and budget management experience in leadership roles on large heavy civil projects. Proficiency in cost management systems and MS Office is essential.

A successful Cost Control Manager at Luster should have excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong multi-tasking and organizational abilities, as well as collaboration skills. The ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines is also crucial in this fast-paced environment.

While a bachelor's degree and extensive experience are mandatory, preferred qualifications for the Cost Control Manager at Luster include knowledge of local and federal codes and standards. Familiarity with specific cost management systems can also enhance a candidate's profile.

The Cost Control Manager role at Luster offers a competitive salary range between $118k and $174k annually. Additionally, Luster provides an impressive benefits package that includes unlimited flexible time off, health insurance, 401(k) with employer contributions, professional development stipends, and wellness programs, designed to promote a healthy work-life balance.

In answering this question, provide specific examples of past projects where you successfully managed budgets, highlighting any challenges and how you overcame them. Discuss the techniques you used for cost estimation and monitoring, and ensure to mention any cost management systems you have experience with.

Share concrete examples of cost control strategies you've developed or implemented. Discuss the effectiveness of these strategies and any metrics or KPIs that demonstrated their success. This showcases your proactive approach and strategic thinking.

Explain your process for verifying contractor invoices, including what documentation you review and the criteria you use to ensure accuracy. Providing a structured approach showcases your attention to detail and compliance with budgets.

Describe a specific situation where you communicated complex financial data to stakeholders. Highlight your ability to tailor your message to your audience, ensuring clarity and understanding, which is crucial for a Cost Control Manager role.

Mention the analytical techniques you utilize to assess cost estimates, such as variance analysis or trend forecasting. Providing insight into your analytical approach demonstrates your critical thinking skills.

Dive into a past experience where you faced unforeseen costs, discussing your approach to problem-solving and how you adjusted the budget. This highlights your adaptability and strategic planning abilities.

Discuss specific software you have used (like InEight, EcoSys, or Oracle Unifier), explaining how these tools enhance your cost management strategies. This answers potential concerns about your technical capabilities.

Talk about your approach to aligning cost control with broader project goals. Explain how you gather input from various stakeholders and adjust strategies based on project developments.

Provide examples from your previous roles where you managed change orders effectively. Discuss the process of assessing impacts on the budget and your approach to recommendations.

Be honest about challenges you've faced, framing them positively by discussing how you learned or adapted as a result. This shows resilience and a growth mindset, qualities highly valued in management roles.