Cost Control Director

Walbridge•Detroit, MI

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Walbridge is seeking an experienced Cost Control Director to lead enterprise-level cost governance and a diverse team of cost professionals. The role oversees consistent, accurate, and actionable cost intelligence for executive leadership and project teams while aligning work with corporate standards, company values, and client expectations. The position is based at Walbridge’s enterprise headquarters in Detroit, Michigan. The director leads and develops Cost Control Managers, Senior Analysts, Analysts, and Coordinators; oversees cost control for selected major projects; and supports financial governance, invoicing, billing, revenue management, and executive decision-making. The role also drives standardization and continuous improvement across cost-control processes, reporting, tools, and workflows.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, accounting, finance, or a related field.
At least 10 years of experience in construction cost control, project controls, or financial management.
At least 5 years of leadership experience managing teams of cost professionals.
Strong understanding of cost structures on large industrial or commercial construction projects.
Commitment to accuracy, transparency, and continuous improvement.
Excellent communication, analytical, and executive-level presentation skills.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency with CMiC or comparable project cost systems.
Ability to build trust with project teams, executives, finance, and clients.
Strong process ownership mindset.
Ability to influence across functions and solve complex financial challenges.
High emotional intelligence and a collaborative leadership style.

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Cost Control Managers, Senior Analysts, Analysts, and Coordinators.
Establish goals, accountability measures, and performance expectations for the team.
Improve cost processes, reporting accuracy, and team capability.
Partner with People & Talent on recruiting, onboarding, training, and career progression.
Oversee budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and cash flow modeling for cost control on selected major projects.
Ensure compliance with company standards for cost reporting, contract alignment, change management, and earned value methodologies.
Review and validate project cost reports, GMP structures, contingency logs, and fee calculations.
Monitor project performance trends and provide early warnings about budget risks, cost exposures, and schedule-driven impacts.
Ensure accurate preparation and review of owner AIA invoices, subcontractor pay applications, billing summaries, and related financial documentation.
Oversee revenue recognition in alignment with contract terms, project progress, and accounting standards.
Work with Accounting and Finance to maintain consistency across ledgers, month-end close activities, and audit requests.
Provide cost insights and recommendations to the VP–Cost Control, CFO organization, and project executives.
Support enterprise initiatives, including margin improvement, project controls modernization, and digital reporting enhancements.
Advise on cost structure, benchmarking, financial performance, and operational efficiency.
Standardize cost-control processes, templates, and workflows.
Partner with IT and Project Controls to optimize CMiC, dashboards, reporting tools, and automation opportunities.
Uphold company values regarding safety, ethical conduct, accuracy, and collaboration.