Cost Control Analyst

Manifest Solutions is currently seeking a Cost Control Analyst for a position in Corpus Christi, TX. 

• Develop the cost control governance framework for the PMO, defining standards, roles, and control gates that apply consistently across all programs in the portfolio.
• Establish cost control policies covering estimating, budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and reporting.
• Define a governance-level template and tool set for cost tracking that establishes a consistent baseline across the portfolio while allowing each program's process to be adapted
• Establish a standard reporting cadence and reporting formats for cost performance at both the program and portfolio level.
• Estimating processes, including methodology for developing and validating program and project cost estimates, adapted to that program's scope and contracting structure.
• Cost control processes for tracking actual costs against budget, managing change orders, and maintaining cost baselines, reflecting that program's current tools and data sources.
• Forecasting processes, including Estimate to Complete and Estimate at Completion methodology consistent with Earned Value Management principles.
• Standard cost reporting formats and a reporting cadence appropriate to that program's needs and stakeholders.Identify bottlenecks in current cost management workflows, including delays in reporting, approvals, or data flow between programs and the PMO.
• Identify inefficiencies in existing estimating, cost control, forecasting, and reporting activities.
• Identify redundant or duplicative processes, tools, and reporting requirements, both within individual programs and across the portfolio.
• Bring forward recommended process improvements to PMO leadership, with supporting rationale and expected impact.
• Active cost tracking and variance analysis for in-flight projects within these two programs.
• Preparation of program-level cost reports and forecasts on a recurring basis.
• Direct coordination with program leadership on cost issues, estimate updates, and forecast changes.
• Escalation of cost risks and cost data quality issues to PMO leadership.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Demonstrated experience building or operating a cost control function within a Program or Project Management Office, ideally within capital construction, utility, or infrastructure programs.
• Working knowledge of Earned Value Management, including Estimate to Complete and Estimate at Completion methodology.
• Experience with cost estimating methodology for capital projects.
• Experience with an enterprise cost management or Project/Portfolio Management Information System (PMIS) platform.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, structured process documentation.
• Ability to work independently to build processes where none currently exist, while concurrently supporting live programs with active cost tracking needs.
• Experience identifying process inefficiencies and driving process improvement, ideally with formal process improvement training or certification.