Project Cost Control Specialist

Building on our past. Ready for the future

Worley is a global professional services company of energy, chemicals and resources experts. We partner with customers to deliver projects and create value over the life of their assets. We're bridging two worlds, moving towards more sustainable energy sources, while helping to provide the energy, chemicals and resources needed now.

This position will be based on site in Greenville, SC

Summary:
As a Project Cost Control Specialist with experience in the aluminum industry, you will be responsible for developing, managing, and controlling project budgets for capital and maintenance projects. You will provide cost estimation, forecasting, and reporting to ensure that projects are completed within budget, identifying potential cost overruns and implementing corrective actions as needed. You will work closely with project managers, engineering teams, procurement, and finance to ensure financial accuracy and project alignment.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the development, management, and control of project budgets for large-scale aluminum industry projects, including new construction, expansions, and equipment upgrades.
• Monitor and track project expenditures, ensuring all costs are in line with approved budgets, and provide detailed cost forecasts to project managers and senior leadership.
• Provide cost estimates for capital projects and prepare cost analysis for different project phases, from feasibility studies through execution.
• Analyze project cost trends, identify areas of potential cost overruns, and recommend corrective actions to stay on budget.
• Prepare regular cost control reports that detail current and forecasted expenditures, project risks, and financial progress.
• Coordinate with project teams to ensure accurate and timely cost data is captured and reported, ensuring alignment with project scope and timelines.
• Work with procurement and contract management teams to ensure all contractor and supplier agreements meet project budget requirements.
• Conduct variance analysis between actual and budgeted costs, explaining differences and suggesting potential mitigation strategies.
• Develop and implement cost control procedures, standards, and practices that are aligned with industry best practices and tailored to aluminum plant operations.
• Ensure proper change management processes are in place to capture and control budget impacts from project scope changes.
• Maintain and update project cost databases, ensuring data is accurate and reflects current project financials.
• Provide input for risk management processes, highlighting areas where cost risks could affect project outcomes.
• Participate in project meetings, providing financial insights and status updates to internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Support the development of financial close-out reports, ensuring all project costs are accounted for and aligned with budget expectations.
• Work closely with the finance department to ensure accurate financial reporting and forecasting.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in project cost control within the aluminum industry, or a heavy industrial environment such as mining, refining, or energy.
• Extensive experience in cost estimation, forecasting, and budget management for large capital projects, preferably in the aluminum sector.
• Strong knowledge of cost control software and tools such as Oracle Primavera P6, SAP, EcoSys, or other project management systems.
• In-depth understanding of the project lifecycle, from concept development through execution, with experience managing costs at all stages.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret and present complex financial data to a broad audience.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams including engineering, procurement, construction, and finance.
• Familiarity with contract management, vendor negotiations, and procurement processes in industrial projects.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proven experience in cost variance analysis, risk identification, and corrective action planning to ensure budget adherence.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, maintaining accuracy and attention to detail under tight deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and influence decision-making.
• Knowledge of industry standards and best practices related to project cost control, including the AACE (Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering) guidelines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional certification such as Certified Cost Professional (CCP) or Project Management Professional (PMP) is highly desirable.
• Experience with EPC/EPCM (Engineering, Procurement, Construction/Management) projects in the aluminum industry or other heavy industries.
• Prior experience managing cost control for projects in brownfield or greenfield aluminum facilities.
• Familiarity with the global supply chain and market trends affecting aluminum project costs, including raw materials and labor pricing.
• Strong understanding of low carbon energy initiatives and their impact on project costs and operational efficiencies in the aluminum industry.

Moving forward together

We're committed to building a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace where everyone feels they belong, can bring themselves, and are heard. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status or any other basis as protected by law.

We want our people to be energized and empowered to drive sustainable impact. So, our focus is on a values-inspired culture that unlocks brilliance through belonging, connection and innovation.

And we're not just talking about it; we're doing it. We're reskilling our people, leveraging transferable skills, and supporting the transition of our workforce to become experts in today's low carbon energy infrastructure and technology.

Whatever your ambition, there's a path for you here. And there's no barrier to your potential career success. Join us to broaden your horizons, explore diverse opportunities, and be part of delivering sustainable change.