In hospitality, strong financial leadership is vital. As rising costs and operational pressures continue to challenge the industry, the role of the Cost Controller has never been more critical. Behind the scenes, Cost Controllers are the linchpins ensuring profitability, sustainability, and operational efficiency.
At the heart of this leadership role is the ability to balance meticulous data management with an understanding of real-world operations. In 2025, a successful Cost Controller combines technological insight with collaboration, driving value at every stage of the supply chain.
To explore what great leadership in this role looks like, we spoke with Yago da Silva, Cost Controller at Brown’s Hotel, London, part of the prestigious Rocco Forte group. Yago shares his experience and practical insights for excelling as a Cost Controller in the hospitality sector today.
The Essential Role of a Cost Controller in Hospitality
Cost Controllers are more than number crunchers. They are strategic partners to the Executive Chef, F&B Manager, Purchasing Manager, and Finance Teams, providing the financial insights that allow a hospitality business to deliver exceptional guest experiences, profitably.
As Yago explains:
“Our operations are fast-paced and constantly evolving to provide a 5-star experience for our guests. Behind the scenes, our role is ensuring everything runs smoothly, starting with detailed cost control and accurate reporting.”
At Brown’s Hotel, Yago begins his day in collaboration with key operational teams, before diving into invoicing, purchasing reviews, and daily food cost reports. Month-end reviews, supplier negotiations, and menu pricing discussions round out his scope, making his leadership pivotal to the hotel’s continued success.
- Monitoring and Controlling Costs Without Compromising Quality
As costs continue to rise post-pandemic, particularly in labour, food, and beverage supplies, the challenge for Cost Controllers is to protect profitability without compromising on guest expectations.
“We prioritise locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and premium meats. Market costs are rising rapidly, but quality can’t be compromised,” Yago highlights.
At Brown’s Hotel, Yago collaborates closely with Executive Chef Andrew Sawyer and F&B Director Adam Byatt (a Michelin-starred chef) to secure competitive supplier pricing while maintaining impeccable quality. It’s an approach that requires innovation, agility, and precision.
- Leveraging Technology for Smarter Cost Control
Modern cost control requires more than spreadsheets. The right tools and software allow Cost Controllers to monitor real-time data and make informed decisions quickly.
At Brown’s, Yago uses Procure Wizard (part of the Access Group) for procurement and Symphony (Oracle) for EPOS integration. These platforms streamline supplier pricing, menu engineering, and stock control, ensuring total transparency from procurement to plate.
“Technology enables us to track pricing and costs in real time, allowing fast, informed decision-making. Without these tools, you risk falling behind in today’s volatile market.”
- Identifying and Eliminating Hidden Costs
One hallmark of strong leadership as a Cost Controller is the ability to spot inefficiencies that others overlook.
“I’ve found that questioning traditional practices often reveals areas where we can save. Small inefficiencies add up,” Yago explains.
This could be as simple as eliminating duplicate kitchen tickets or as complex as renegotiating supplier agreements. Reviewing supplier relationships regularly and aligning menu pricing with both costs and guest expectations are essential practices.
- Cross-Departmental Collaboration: The Secret to Success
Cost Controllers must balance financial discipline with operational reality. Yago emphasises the importance of communication and teamwork.
“Understanding the pressures faced by kitchen and service teams is key. Financial decisions must enhance guest experience, not limit it.”
Strategic adjustments—rather than drastic cost-cutting—ensure financial goals align with guest expectations. Yago prioritises quality and sustainability, focusing on supporting independent suppliers and seasonal sourcing.
- Fraud Prevention & Risk Management
In an industry where profit margins are tight, preventing fraud and minimising risk is a top leadership priority.
Cost Controllers play a critical role in detecting and preventing fraud, whether it’s supplier fraud, invoice manipulation, or internal theft. With regular audits, data analysis, and vigilant monitoring of stock variances, they protect the business from significant financial harm.
Yago’s says: “Regular audits and open communication with suppliers and internal teams create a culture of accountability. You can’t control what you’re not watching.”
Capcon Team Tips on Leading as a Cost Controller
Steven Willey
“An effective Cost Controller is the glue between purchasing, kitchen, and finance. The role isn’t about cutting corners, but about fine-tuning every element of procurement and production to drive smart savings.”
Lee Bowen
“Tech tools are only as effective as the processes behind them. A disciplined, data-driven approach ensures technology delivers maximum value.”
Marcus Jones
“True leadership in cost control means challenging the status quo—not just accepting ‘the way things have always been done.’”
Nick Gay
“Successful Cost Controllers are not just gatekeepers; they are facilitators, ensuring operations run smoothly and profitably.”
Ken Dulieu
“Fraud is one of the greatest hidden threats in hospitality. Strong leaders implement robust systems and stay vigilant. Prevention is always more cost-effective than cure.”
Mike Porteous
“Cost Controllers are problem solvers, not just number watchers. The best leaders in this role combine curiosity with commercial awareness, always asking why, and always looking for smarter, more efficient ways to achieve results.”
Final Thoughts: The Future of Leadership in Cost Control
As the hospitality landscape becomes increasingly complex, Cost Controllers must evolve. They are no longer back-office accountants but strategic leaders balancing profitability with quality, sustainability, and guest satisfaction.
“We’re not just looking at numbers, we’re part of the guest experience,” says Yago.
At Capcon, we support Cost Controllers with the tools and insights they need to lead with confidence. Our stock auditing services, data analysis, compliance support, and risk management solutions are designed to empower leaders like Yago to deliver profitability and operational excellence.
Get in Touch
Find out how Capcon can support your cost control strategies for 2025 and beyond. Contact us to streamline operations, improve profitability, and protect your business.
