At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cost management for large-scale energy projects and guide junior team members.
- Company: Join McDermott, a leader in energy innovation with a century of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on mentorship and career advancement.
- Why this job: Be part of the energy transition and make a real impact on global projects.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in project controls with expertise in cost management and EPC projects.
The predicted salary is between 54090 - 66110 £ per year.
We are recruiting for an upcoming role at McDermott. If you are passionate about building energy's future and want to be considered when this role becomes available, we encourage you to submit your details.
Job Overview: The Principal Cost Controls Specialist interprets internal or external business issues and recommends best practices to improve cost and schedule. They will be tasked with solving complex cost management problems and will work independently with minimal guidance. The Principal Cost Controls Specialist may be required to guide junior personnel. As such, they must have in-depth expertise in costing and broad knowledge of the costing discipline within the project controls function.
Our ingenuity fuels daily life. Together, we’ve forged some of the most trusted partnerships across the energy value chain to make what was once just an idea a reality: laying subsea infrastructure thousands of feet below sea level, installing platforms hundreds of miles from shore, using our expertise to design and build offshore wind infrastructure, and reshaping the onshore landscape to deliver the energy products the world needs safely and sustainably. For more than 100 years, we've been making the impossible possible. Today, we're driving the energy transition with more than 30,000 of the brightest minds across 54 countries.
Essential Qualifications and Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, or Construction Management is preferred
- Ten plus (10+) years of experience in Project Controls
- Must have experience in a large-scale mega EPC project in Oil & Gas Construction
- Highly competent in the use of critical project management concepts such as EVM, project planning, risk analysis, and change management
- Experienced in Cost with a focus on Cost, Risk and Change Management
- Basic understanding of JDE Edwards is a plus
Key Tasks and Responsibilities:
- Lead the project cost team on a large EPC LNG project
- Support the development of the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
- Implement internal and contractual requirements on the project via the project controls execution plan
- Lead setup and implementation of project cost systems
- Responsible for the accuracy of project cost reports
- Analyze and interpret cost forecasting and trending
- Recommends solutions or recovery plans for problem areas
- Lead preparation and review of the project monthly forecast
- Lead the development of the cost spread and cash flows
- Supervise and train junior personnel in all aspects of cost reporting
- Implement and support the Change Management process
- Lead change management efforts, including building of cost estimates
- Lead project cost reviews conducted with management
- Support the development and implementation of the Project Risk and Opportunity process
- Participate or lead the weekly and monthly cost and schedule review meetings
- Create Weekly / Monthly / Quarterly Reports
- Assist in resource planning, recruiting, mentoring, and evaluations
Full time
Posting Date: 2026-06-22
Principal Cost Controls Specialist in London employer: McDermott International
McDermott International is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises safety and innovation in the offshore energy sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide ample opportunities for growth and advancement, alongside competitive benefits that support work-life balance. Located in a thriving industry hub, our team enjoys a collaborative culture that values expertise and fosters long-term client relationships, making it a rewarding place to build a career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Cost Controls Specialist in London
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like McDermott International, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Principal Cost Controls Specialist at McDermott International.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Cost Controls Specialist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at McDermott International
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!