Cost Controller

Imagine what we could learn if we could build a machine so powerful that it could look deep inside the very materials that the universe is made from. A device that could actually let us see the atoms and molecules that make up the structure of substances. Imagine the new discoveries we could make, the new materials we could develop and how much we could learn about ourselves and our universe.

The European Spallation Source is one of the largest science and technology infrastructure projects being built today. The project includes the most powerful linear proton accelerator ever built, a five-tonne, helium-cooled tungsten target wheel, 15 state-of-the-art neutron instruments, a suite of laboratories, and a supercomputing data management and software development centre. In the context of its history and future as a scientific organisation, however, it is more than the sum of its parts. It is a brand new Big Science organisation and we are building it from the ground up.

Come and build the future of Science with us!

About the role

The ESS is at an exciting turning point. It is in transition from being a construction site, to being an operating facility. To help us realise our goal of being the most powerful neutron source in the world, we are now looking for a Cost Controller, who will become part of our Project Directorate. 

The key responsibilities of the Cost Controller is to support Project Management to maintain project costs, work breakdown structure, control account structure and associated techniques to appropriately monitor, control and report on delivery of the project to schedule and cost. 

The Cost Controller will independently manage, interrogate, and maintain costs on designated work scopes with the ability to positively change and constantly strive for improvements. The Project Cost Controller will report functionally to the Project Control Manager centrally but will be deployed within a Sub-Project leading all Cost Management tasks. 

Key responsibilities include:


• Budget Planning: assist in developing and establishing project budgets in consultation with the project manager and other stakeholders.
• Cost tracking: continuosly monitor project costs and compare to the orginal budget.
• Identify deviations and action planning: responsible for identifying the causes of any deviations and when deviations are identified, develop action plans to correct the situation.
• Reporting: prepare reports on the project cost and present them to stakeholders, including project management and business management.
• Documentation: ensure that all cost-related documents and recordings are accurate and up-to-date.
Risk Management: help identify and manage risks that may affect project cost and work to develop risk management strategies.

This is a three-year fixed term position based in Lund, Sweden, and we need someone who can start as soon as practically possible.

About you 

For this role we have the following requirements:


• Experience within major EPCC Projects
• Relevant experience in Project Controls and Project Delivery and ability to share best practice
• High level understanding of Earned Value Management and associated analysis
• Budget management, distribution, cost collection and forecasting experience
• Detailed working proficiency using Excel
• Experience of working with Microsoft Office and P6 Data
• Experience in liaising with Finance Department and ERP / Accounting Systems
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and communication skills
• Member of APM / ACostE
• Language: English and preferably Swedish both orally and in writing

We are looking for a person with a strong ability to plan, organise, execute and follow-up, while keeping your eyes on the larger picture. You are also strategic and agile with the ability to challenge procedures and processes to optimise delivery. 

What can we offer? 

Aside from the chance to work at a truly unique "Big Science" project, you can also expect:


• An opportunity to contribute to the future discoveries within neutron science.
• A stunning, brand new workplace filled with innovative minds and brilliant people from across the globe.
• A challenging, exciting and fast-paced work environment.
• Market competitive compensation that is individual and differentiated according to role, responsibilities, individual skills, abilities and achievements.
• 30 days of annual leave, as well as more than 10 days of public holiday and company days off or days with limited working hours.
• Monthly pension contributions on top of your salary.
• Focus on work-life balance.

Interested? We sure hope so. 

If you see yourself in what we’re looking for, please provide your CV and motivation letter in English by clicking on “apply” and following the instructions. Please be aware that we can only accept direct applications made via the ESS website. Submit your application by 20 November, 2023. 

Certain roles at ESS require health and safety and/or security checks, which may be carried out during the recruitment process. 

For more information regarding the ESS recruitment process, please follow this link https://europeanspallationsource.se/page/hiring-process or contact Recruitment Officer Åsa Ander at asa.ander@ess.eu 

For further information regarding the position, please contact Andrew Raw at andrew.raw@ess.eu 

For trade union information, please contact Unionen representative Conny Wendt at conny.wendt@ess.eu or SACO/Swedish Association of Graduate Engineers representative Marc Kickulies at marc.kickulies@ess.eu 

We look forward to receiving your application soon!