Main Objectives of this position
The Cost Control Manager will be a key figure in ensuring cost accuracy, recovery, and control across Southeast Asia for terminal, depot, and transport operations. This role has two main responsibilities :
1) Raising and managing cost disputes, particularly with terminals, by identifying operational discrepancies and substantiating claims.
2) Controlling and analyzing cost drivers in the Area and leading budgeting, forecasting, and monthly performance reviews to drive financial discipline and cost-saving opportunities.
The position requires a strong analytical mindset and the ability to balance cost efficiency with sustainable vendor relationships.
Function and duties
Tasks
1. Dispute Management
- Receive operational discrepancy data (e.g., late gate-in / out, delayed handovers) per vessel from the Terminal Performance Manager (TPM).
- Use a predefined decision tree to determine whether to raise a dispute based on fault assessment and supporting facts.
- Calculate the dispute amount from vendor invoices and provide justification with evidence.
- Communicate and escalate the dispute case to the vendor, working in alignment with the escalation matrix set by Operations Director or Regional Procurement.
- Act as the main liaison for dispute discussions with vendors, ensuring timely and fact-based responses.
2. Cost Control and Reporting
Monitor operational costs related to terminal + transport as well as Supply and DemandLead monthly cost performance reviews with country and regional teams to track trends, analyze deviations, and flag cost anomalies.Drive root cause analysis of cost variances and propose action plans to address inefficiencies.Actively contribute to annual budgeting and quarterly forecasting of all operations-related cost categories in Southeast Asia.Collaborate with procurement and operations leads to implement cost-saving initiatives and ensure their tracking and success.Qualifications and Technical Job Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Finance, Supply Chain, or related field.5–8 years of experience in cost control, operations finance, or container logistics, preferably within a shipping line or terminal operator.Strong analytical and investigative skills; confident working with complex operational datasets and invoices.Excellent command of Microsoft Excel and experience in ERP systems (e.g., SAP); knowledge of analytical tools like Qliksense is a plus.Comfortable leading performance calls and presenting to regional management.Demonstrated experience in vendor interaction and dispute resolution.Strong verbal and written communication – able to present findings clearly and negotiate assertively.Excellent stakeholder management – able to coordinate across TPMs, country ops teams, procurement, and vendors.Advanced conflict resolution skills – able to manage dispute scenarios constructively and professionally.Proficient negotiation abilities – assert cost justifications without jeopardizing partnerships.Exceptional persuasion and influence – especially when working with external vendors or during escalation.