Project Controls Manager

Job Description

Project Controls Manager – Roles, Responsibilities, and Expectations (RRE)

Role Summary:

The Project Controls Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing project control systems and practices that support effective project planning, cost management, schedule performance, and risk mitigation. This role ensures transparency, accuracy, and accountability across all phases of project delivery.

Core Responsibilities:

1. Planning and Scheduling

Develop and maintain integrated project schedules in collaboration with project managers and discipline leads.

Establish a critical path, monitor milestones, and analyze float and schedule risks.

Facilitate regular schedule reviews and updates with stakeholders.

2. Cost Control and Forecasting

Develop project budgets in coordination with estimating and project teams.

Track committed costs, actuals, and forecasts across work breakdown structures (WBS).

Provide cost variance analysis and recommend corrective actions.

3. Performance Monitoring

Implement earned value management (EVM) practices where applicable.

Track KPIs for cost, schedule, and progress; prepare dashboard reports for leadership.

Analyze performance trends and flag risks early to support proactive decision-making.

4. Change Management

Administer change control processes to evaluate scope, cost, and schedule impacts.

Ensure all approved changes are integrated into baseline schedules and budgets.

Maintain documentation and traceability of all changes.

5. Risk and Opportunity Management

Participate in risk workshops and maintain risk registers.

Assess schedule and cost impacts of identified risks and mitigation strategies.

Coordinate with risk owners to monitor and update mitigation actions.

6. Systems and Tools

Maintain and enhance project controls systems (e.g., Primavera P6, cost tracking platforms).

Ensure data accuracy and integrity across project management tools.

Develop reporting templates and automate workflows where feasible.

7. Stakeholder Communication

Provide regular updates to project managers, sponsors, and executives.

Prepare ad hoc analyses and executive briefings as needed.

Support project reviews, audits, and stage-gate assessments.

Expectations:

Deliver reliable and timely project control outputs that support informed project governance.

Uphold high standards of data quality, confidentiality, and compliance.

Demonstrate a proactive approach to identifying risks and inefficiencies.

Collaborate effectively across functions (engineering, procurement, construction, finance).

Continuously improve tools, processes, and best practices in project controls.

Serve as a mentor and technical resource for junior staff in the controls discipline.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, or related discipline.

7–10 years of experience in project controls, preferably in infrastructure, construction, or capital projects.

Proficiency in scheduling and cost tools such as Primavera P6, MS Project, and cost control systems (e.g., EcoSys, Unifier, Prism).

Strong knowledge of project management frameworks, including earned value, critical path, and risk-based forecasting.

Familiarity with various contract models (e.g., EPC, Design-Build, CM-at-Risk).

Demonstrated ability to interpret technical documents, contracts, and financial data.

Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Professional certifications such as PMP, CCP, EVP, or AACE membership are an asset.

Full-time