At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage project costs and commercial controls throughout the project lifecycle.
- Company: Join James Fisher, a leader in global engineering services with over 50 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private medical insurance, and clear career development pathways.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in energy services while working in a supportive and inclusive culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in project cost engineering and proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to coach junior colleagues and collaborate across teams.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This role will see you take ownership of project costs and commercial controls throughout the full project lifecycle. You will work closely with Project Managers to deliver accurate weekly and monthly performance reporting, supporting the safe, timely and cost‑effective delivery of operations. Acting as a vital link between Project Accounting, Operations and Supply Chain, you will help drive strong financial performance across our Energy Services and Renewables business, part of the James Fisher Energy Division.
Location and engagement: Full-time, Permanent. Oldmeldrum, Hybrid.
You will play an important part in coaching and developing junior colleagues while building strong, collaborative relationships across operations, procurement and commercial teams. You will typically manage between four and ten contracts at any given time, depending on size, making this a dynamic and influential position within a high-performing environment.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Cost monitoring, control and reporting of all project‑specific costs using Product Line Finance and Procurement systems and internal White Book Rates (WBR), including preparation and population of project forecasting and cost tracker models.
- Work with the Project Manager to define a Control Budget for all new projects, highlighting, justifying and approving any variance from the As‑Sold model, and feeding Lessons Learned back to the Tendering team.
- Prepare periodic Project Status Reports with detailed analysis of costs, contingency, risks, opportunities and progress, reviewing with Project Managers and validating forecast revenues with the Project Accountant.
- Liaise with key stakeholders to prepare, forecast, monitor and report project costs against budget, in line with Project Manager expectations and Contract requirements, escalating any commercial concerns or budget exceedances as soon as they arise.
- Work closely with the Project Manager/Planner on schedule updates, management of change, progress reporting, Work Breakdown Structure and value‑of‑work‑done matters, revising Control Budgets and forecast revenues in line with approved Variation Orders.
- Review and track the cost and revenue implications of the project VO Register, including all pending approvals, and contribute to maintaining the project Risk & Opportunity Registers.
- Liaise with Supply Chain on requisitioning, manifesting, hire control and goods receipting, ensuring strong alignment between operational and commercial requirements.
- Support Finance with timely, accurate invoicing in line with contract timelines, and assist with the preparation of Project Estimates/CTRs for budgetary purposes.
- Work with Commercial to support tender bids, white book rates and benchmark projects, and provide support in monitoring, tracking and reporting all cost‑of‑non‑quality events and lessons learned.
- Support the timely closure of projects, ensuring reconciliation of all POs and issuance of the final Project Status Report confirming gross margin outcome and cash collection for Project Manager review and approval.
What We’re Looking For:
- Relevant experience within a project environment involving cost engineering related duties and responsibilities.
- Practical understanding of offshore work and project activities is preferred (i.e. Subsea operations, OFTO Management or vessel operations).
- Good interpersonal, organisational and multi-tasking skills.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
- SAP experience/SAP equivalent.
Why join us?
- Competitive salary and benefits package aligned with experience (Private Medical Insurance, Life Assurance, Cycle to work scheme, Company Pension, etc.).
- Clear pathways for career development and organisational visibility.
- Inclusive and supportive culture that values individual contributions.
- Meaningful work with impact across safety, innovation, and global operations.
James Fisher is a global engineering services company with over 50 years of experience delivering complex offshore energy projects in some of the world’s most challenging environments. We operate across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport, leveraging cutting-edge technology and deep expertise to support the full lifecycle of our customers’ assets.
In the Energy Division, we provide safe, efficient solutions across oil & gas and renewables - from well support and full-field decommissioning to integrated services for offshore wind and expert subsea inspection, repair, and maintenance. Our work helps operators extend asset life, reduce downtime, and respond rapidly to operational challenges, driving the global shift toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.
If this sounds like the ideal next step in your career, then click ‘apply’ now!
James Fisher and Sons are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.
Cost Controller employer: James Fisher and Sons plc
Contact Detail:
James Fisher and Sons plc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Cost Controller role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your project cost management knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you've handled budgets, forecasting, and reporting in past roles. Show them you can be the vital link they need between Project Accounting and Operations!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Check out our website for openings at James Fisher and Sons, where you can make a real impact in the Energy Services and Renewables sector!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to show your genuine interest in the role and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Cost Controller role. Highlight your relevant project experience, especially in cost engineering and financial reporting, to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your experience with project costs and commercial controls.
Showcase Your Skills: We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their proficiency in tools like Microsoft Excel and SAP. If you’ve got any specific examples of how you’ve used these in past roles, make sure to include them!
Apply Early!: We sometimes close vacancies before the deadline due to high application volumes, so don’t wait! Head over to our website and submit your application as soon as you can to avoid missing out on this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at James Fisher and Sons plc
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Cost Controller, you'll be expected to have a solid grasp of project costs and financial reporting. Brush up on your knowledge of cost tracking models and forecasting techniques. Be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets in the past and any tools you've used, like Excel or SAP.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
This role involves liaising with various teams, so it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to build strong relationships. Prepare examples of how you've collaborated with Project Managers or Supply Chain teams in previous roles. Highlight your coaching experience with junior colleagues to show your leadership potential.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially regarding budget variances or project risks. Think of specific situations where you had to make tough decisions or manage changes in project scope. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Understand the Company and Its Values
Familiarise yourself with James Fisher's mission and values, particularly their focus on safety and sustainability in energy services. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals in the Energy Division.