Project Controls Manager

The Project Controls Manager is responsible for leading all project controls functions across a portfolio of capital projects, including cost estimating, cost management, scheduling, progress measurement, change management, and executive reporting.

This role oversees a team of schedulers, cost engineers, and project controls professionals, with a focus on building and sustaining a high-performing controls organization. The Project Controls Manager serves as a key partner to Engineering, Design, and Project Management teams, ensuring full integration of cost and schedule performance across the entire project lifecycle—from early concept and estimating through commissioning and close-out.

This position is accountable for establishing and maintaining project controls baselines, enforcing disciplined change management processes, and delivering accurate, objective performance data to support informed decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) and Cost Breakdown Structures (CBS) for all projects
• Lead the development of capital cost estimates across all project phases using appropriate methodologies
• Maintain historical cost data and benchmarking tools to improve estimate accuracy and consistency
• Prepare estimate basis documentation and contingency analyses; present assumptions and findings to stakeholders
• Develop and manage integrated project schedules using Critical Path Method (CPM); identify risks and key milestones
• Prepare and maintain project budgets and forecasts; track actual costs against approved funding
• Implement and manage Earned Value Management (EVM) processes, including reporting on CPI, SPI, EAC, and ETC metrics
• Produce clear and concise project status reports, dashboards, and executive summaries
• Coordinate with Procurement to align cost and schedule data, including commitments, milestones, and actuals
• Contribute to Project Definition Reports (PDRs) and other key project documentation
• Support project risk management through maintenance of risk registers and participation in quantitative analysis
• Monitor engineering and construction progress against plans and productivity benchmarks; identify and escalate variances
• Develop, implement, and enforce project controls procedures, standards, and document control practices
• Support commissioning and close-out activities, including final cost reporting and lessons learned
• Lead, mentor, and develop project controls staff; manage workload distribution and performance expectations
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or a related field

Experience:

• 12+ years of project controls experience within capital projects
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing project controls teams in an industrial, manufacturing, or owner/operator environment
• Strong hands-on experience in cost estimating across multiple project phases

Technical Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6 and Microsoft Excel
• Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems preferred
• Strong knowledge of scheduling methodologies, cost control, and earned value management

Core Competencies:

• Leadership and team development
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Attention to detail and organizational discipline

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Life and disability insurance
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities