TPO Project Cost Controller

TPO Project Cost Controller

The Cost Controller supports project cost control and EPC commercial management for high-voltage transmission and substation projects under an EPC model with an Owner's Engineer. This role monitors actual costs against baselines, validates contractor change orders and claims, and ensures cost transparency and predictability during execution. Forecasting and estimating responsibilities are led by the Project Manager. This role requires working on-site five days a week, with occasional time spent in the field.

Essential Functions

• Cost performance monitoring and control: Monitor actual project costs against budget baselines and forecasts; perform variance analysis to identify trends and deviations; update working forecasts in coordination with the Project Manager; produce accurate and timely monthly cost reports to support decision-making and governance.
• EPC procurement support: Provide cost input and commercial insights into EPC bid evaluations, benchmarking, and negotiations; challenge EPC pricing structures and support Contracting in validating unit costs and bid assumptions.
• Change order and claims analysis: Analyze the cost and entitlement basis for EPC change orders and claims; collaborate with the Project Manager, Owner's Engineer and Contracting to validate submissions, identify unsupported costs, and document resolution outcomes.
• Contingency tracking and management: Maintain visibility into risk-related cost exposures and support tracking of contingency utilization; coordinate with the Project Manager to document contingency assumptions, flag trigger events, and support drawdown reviews.
• Governance support and reporting: Provide cost documentation and analytics to support project stage-gates, change control boards, and commercial governance forums; enable fact-based decision-making by contributing clear, auditable cost data.
• Should-cost development: Collect historical project information to build should-cost models for EPC packages and owner-supplied long-lead equipment (e.g., transformers, breakers) to support budgeting and contracting decisions.

Education Description

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, or a related field from an accredited college or university. In lieu of a degree, 6+ years of directly relevant project controls experience may be considered.

Experience

5+ years of project cost estimating and cost control for large-scale construction or infrastructure projects (utility, industrial, transportation, or similar)

Demonstrated knowledge of estimating principles, work breakdown structures, and estimate classifications; experience supporting EPC bids and negotiations

Proficiency with cost estimating and project controls tools (e.g., SAP/ERP, EcoSys or PRISM, advanced Excel/Power BI/Tableau); familiarity with benchmark sources (e.g., RSMeans) and market pricing

Strong analytical skills with the ability to build should-cost models and perform variance, trend, and unit-rate analyses

Ability to synthesize complex data into clear executive reporting; strong communication and stakeholder management skills

Knowledge of AACE practices and cost/schedule risk methods; AACE credential (CEP/CCP) preferred

Experience in power transmission, distribution, or substation projects preferred

We want you to know

Being a part of the CenterPoint Energy team is more than a career alone. It's an opportunity to make a positive impact. You will be an integral part of enabling everyday life and the pursuit of possibilities for the customers we serve and the communities we share. The vital services we provide are at the core of making our world work, and by sharing your energy with us, we'll create a better tomorrow together.

What we bring to you

Competitive pay

Paid training

Benefits eligibility begins on your first day

Transit subsidies

Flexible work schedule, paid holidays and paid time off

Access to discounts at fitness clubs and an on-site wellness center at our headquarters in Houston

Professional growth and development programs including tuition reimbursement

401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match dollar-for-dollar up to 6% and a company contribution of 3% regardless of your contribution