Travel: 40% (GA/TX/FL/IL/GA/TN/NC) Location: Atlanta, Itasca or Tampa OVERVIEW The Project Controls Manager is responsible for leading the organization's project controls function, ensuring effective cost management, forecasting, scheduling, performance measurement, and reporting across a portfolio of construction projects. This role provides strategic oversight of project financial performance, schedule execution, risk management, and project analytics while partnering closely with Operations, Finance, Estimating, Procurement, and Executive Leadership.
The Project Controls Manager develops and implements project controls standards, systems, and best practices that support successful project delivery, operational excellence, and profitability. The position oversees Project Controls Analysts and serves as a trusted advisor to project and executive leadership.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Project Cost Management
- Lead the development and maintenance of project budgets, forecasts, and cost management processes.
- Monitor project financial performance and identify potential budget variances and risks.
- Review cost reports and forecasts to ensure accuracy and completeness.
- Analyze project expenditures and recommend corrective actions when necessary.
- Establish cost control methodologies and reporting standards across projects.
- Support project teams in managing change orders, contingency utilization, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Schedule Management
- Oversee project scheduling processes and compliance with scheduling standards.
- Monitor project progress against established milestones and critical path activities.
- Analyze schedule performance and identify risks impacting project completion.
- Partner with project teams to develop recovery and mitigation plans.
- Ensure schedule forecasting reflects realistic project execution plans.
- Forecasting and Performance Analysis
- Lead project forecasting activities, including labor, productivity, material, subcontractor, and equipment projections.
- Develop and maintain project performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Perform trend analysis and identify opportunities to improve project outcomes.
- Implement earned value management (EVM) methodologies where appropriate.
- Provide executive leadership with insights into project performance, risks, and opportunities.
- Reporting and Business Intelligence
- Develop executive dashboards and project controls reporting systems.
- Ensure timely and accurate reporting of project performance metrics.
- Prepare portfolio-level performance summaries for executive leadership.
- Support operational reviews and strategic planning initiatives through data-driven analysis.
- Utilize Power BI, ERP systems, and project reporting tools to enhance visibility and decision-making.
- Process Improvement and Governance
- Establish and maintain project controls procedures, standards, and best practices.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives within project controls processes.
- Ensure consistency and compliance across project controls functions.
- Support internal and external audits related to project performance and financial controls.
- Collaborate with leadership to improve project management and operational efficiency.
- Leadership and Team Development
- Lead, coach, and develop Project Controls Analysts and support staff.
- Establish performance expectations and development plans for team members.
- Provide technical guidance related to forecasting, cost management, scheduling, and project analytics.
- Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
- Assist with recruiting, onboarding, and training project controls personnel.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner closely with Operations, Project Management, Finance, Accounting, Procurement, and Estimating teams.
- Support project startup, execution, forecasting, and closeout activities.
- Provide recommendations to leadership regarding strategic project and business decisions.
- Serve as a subject matter expert for project controls processes and systems.
- Supervisory Responsibilities
- Directly supervises Project Controls Analysts and other assigned project controls personnel.
- Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with company policies and applicable laws.
- Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, training, performance management, coaching, disciplinary actions, and employee development.
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- POSITION QUALIFICATIONS (Please list required or preferred)
- Education, Experience, Certification and/or Licenses
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Project Management, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required.
- Master's degree preferred.
- 8–12 years of progressive experience in project controls, construction management, cost engineering, project management, scheduling, or related disciplines.
- Minimum of 3 years of leadership or supervisory experience.
- Experience supporting commercial, industrial, electrical, infrastructure, or mission-critical construction projects preferred.
- Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)
- Advanced knowledge of project controls principles and methodologies.
- Expert understanding of budgeting, forecasting, cost management, and financial reporting.
- Strong knowledge of earned value management (EVM).
- Advanced proficiency with Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, Power BI, Excel, and ERP systems.
