Lead Cost Controller Defence

Overview

As Lead Cost Controller, you will steer cost control for high-profile infrastructure and defence projects in the Bristol and South West region. You’ll tailor control approaches, implement CBS/WBS alignment, and drive monthly cost reporting and EVM analysis, collaborating with Finance, Commercial, and Project Managers. You will lead and develop cost control teams, champion governance, and provide expert guidance to project teams. This role offers impact across complex programs, with opportunities to innovate within Turner & Townsend’s controls network and Defence portfolio.

Pay / Benefits

• hybrid working model (2/3 days in office)
• flexible working environment
• focus on health and work-life balance

Responsibilities

• Tailor cost control approaches to client needs and align with TT best practices
• Promote cost control benefits to senior stakeholders
• Develop and implement cost control systems to track baselines, work performed, and forecasts
• Create and maintain project CBS and align budgets with WBS for cost tracking
• Build relationships with Finance, Commercial, and Project Managers to align project information
• Establish monthly cost control processes, form ACWP, and forecast ETC/EAC
• Develop and implement cost dashboards, variance analysis, and commentary
• Apply EVM metrics (CV, CPI, TCPI) to challenge cost performance and forecast
• Provide expert cost control advice to Project Managers and teams
• Lead and develop Cost Controllers through training and knowledge sharing
• Maintain monthly cost control cadence for project and business reporting
• Support change control, trend assessment, and baseline updates
• Collaborate with Finance, Commercial, Planning, Risk, and PM for consistent cost data
• Lead governance reviews, assurance activities, and Integrated Baseline Reviews
• Lead lessons learned and benchmarking activities

Key requirements

• Demonstrable Lead Cost Control experience with management responsibility
• Experience in a project environment
• Intermediate to advanced Earned Value Management understanding
• Confidence to challenge
• Practical experience with MS Excel and other MS applications
• Understanding of interactions between Cost Control and Scheduling/Risk/Reporting/Change Control
• Team leadership experience
• Experience implementing Cost Control processes and procedures
• Clear understanding of differences between Cost Control and Finance

• Critical thinking
• Stakeholder engagement
• Team leadership
• Earned Value Management (EVM)
• Cost Control systems and procedures
• Cost Breakdown Structures (CBS)

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