Senior Cost & Contract Management Specialist

South Jersey Industries • Mount Laurel, NJ

1d

About The Position

South Jersey Industries (SJI) is an energy holding company that delivers clean energy services to over 700,000 customers and businesses across 14 counties in New Jersey. SJI is committed to being a community partner and developing innovative clean energy solutions, relying on its workforce of over 1,100 diverse employees. The company fosters an inclusive culture with leadership development and training programs. The Senior Cost & Contract Management Specialist position is crucial for ensuring financial discipline and contractual integrity within SJI Renewable Energy Ventures, LLC (SJI REV). This role involves overseeing project cost control, contract administration, and financial compliance throughout the project lifecycle. The specialist is responsible for effectively managing budgets, procurement processes, and contractual obligations to support project objectives and minimize financial and contractual risks. Collaboration with project managers, procurement teams, and vendors is key to monitoring costs, reviewing contract terms, managing variations, and ensuring adherence to company policies, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.

Requirements

• Advanced knowledge of ERP systems (i.e., Workday) and project management software (i.e., Procore)
• Advanced MS Excel skills for data analysis and financial reporting
• Strong understanding of GAAP requirements
• Superior analytical, organizational, and communication (written/verbal) skills
• Proven ability to learn quickly and work well under pressure with appropriate attention to detail
• Robust contract management skills including risk mitigation, compliance, and financial acumen
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in dynamic environment
• Strong collaboration skills to work with internal and external stakeholders
• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, Construction Management, or a business-related field
• 5+ years of experience in cost management, project controls, or contract administration
• Or, Master's degree and 3 years in cost management, project controls, or contract administration
• Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of degree

Responsibilities

• Administer the full lifecycle of contracts to ensure alignment with organizational standards and compliance with legal requirements
• Manage month-end accrual processes ensuring expenses are recorded in the period incurred
• Review, approve, and process purchase orders and/or supplier invoices, comparing against contractual terms to ensure accurate billing, identifying discrepancies, and controlling costs
• Maintain, track, and report on project and/or cost center budgets, analyzing variances and providing actionable insights for cost-saving measures
• Support annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes by providing operational cost analysis and performance trend insights
• Develop and implement standardized business process workflows, templates, and tools to ensure cost control, compliance, and consistency across the SJI REV organization
• Conduct regular vendor meetings to review expected and actual invoiced costs; periodically evaluate vendor performance against Service Level Agreements and ensure compliance with contract terms
• Perform deep dives into vendor proposals, analyze cost breakdowns, standardize vendor submission and invoice validation processes
• Review financial statements monthly to identify performance drivers and recommend corrective actions that drive P&L and B/S accountability

Benefits

• Flexible vacation, Paid Time Off, and Sick Leave package
• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance
• 401(k), with generous company match
• Employee Resource Groups to encourage employee engagement, nurture professional development, and foster an inclusive environment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior