Leads project controls for engineering, construction, and capital improvement projects: managing budgets, cost forecasting, earned value reporting, change management, and risk analysis while directing schedules in Primavera P6, producing executive dashboards, and mentoring schedulers and cost engineers. Requires 10+ years of project controls experience and P6 expertise.
Compensation
$125.9K–$178.7K / yr
Location
Chicago, IL
Work setup
Hybrid
Seniority
Not specified
Employment
Contract
Experience
10+ years
Category
Project management
Posted
Skills
evm
performance-management
pmp
primavera-p6
risk-assessment
Must have
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline
10+ years of experience in project controls, cost engineering, scheduling, or project management supporting engineering, construction, infrastructure, or capital projects
Experience leading project controls efforts on complex projects and managing multiple stakeholders
Expertise in Primavera P6 scheduling for construction and capital projects
Experience developing and analyzing project schedules, cost forecasts, estimates, critical path analyses, and performance reports
Strong knowledge of earned value management (EVM), critical path method (CPM), forecasting methodologies, risk analysis, and change management processes
Proficiency with cost management systems, project controls reporting tools, and advanced Microsoft Excel functions
Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills
Leadership experience managing project controls teams
Able to stand or sit for long periods, lift up to 15 pounds, and spend extended hours in front of a computer screen
Problem-solving, written and verbal communication skills, and computer and software skills
Nice to have
Advanced degree
Professional certifications such as PMP, PE, CCP, or PSP
Full description
Position Summary
The Project Controls Manager plays a critical leadership role in supporting the successful delivery of engineering, construction, infrastructure, and capital improvement projects. This position is responsible for overseeing project controls functions, including cost management, scheduling, forecasting, change management, risk analysis, and performance reporting, while ensuring consistency with established project controls standards and best practices.
The successful candidate will provide strategic guidance and technical expertise to project teams, project managers, and stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle. Responsibilities include managing project budgets, developing and analyzing schedules, forecasting costs, evaluating project performance, and providing data-driven insights that support informed decision-making. This role will also lead project controls personnel and help drive continuous improvement across project delivery programs.
Note: This opportunity is available at multiple levels. Final placement will be determined based on the selected candidate’s experience, skills, and alignment with business needs. We are committed to providing fair and equitable consideration for all applicants.
Organizational Responsibilties
Project Controls Leadership
Lead project controls activities including cost control, scheduling, forecasting, earned value management, risk management, and change management.
Develop, implement, and maintain project controls procedures, systems, and best practices.
Establish project controls standards and ensure consistent application across projects and programs.
Provide strategic project controls support to project managers and leadership teams throughout all phases of project delivery.
Support the development and maintenance of work breakdown structures (WBS), reporting frameworks, project controls plans, and performance measurement systems.
Cost Management & Forecasting
Oversee project budgets, expenditures, commitments, forecasts, and cash flow projections.
Monitor project cost performance and identify trends, risks, opportunities, and variances.
Lead the development, review, and analysis of cost estimates, forecasts, and project controls reports.
Apply earned value management (EVM), forecasting methodologies, and performance metrics to evaluate project performance.
Support contract administration efforts by ensuring contractual requirements are incorporated into project controls processes.
Scheduling & Risk Management
Direct the development, maintenance, and analysis of project schedules using Primavera P6.
Project Controls Manager (00612) at PMA Consultants Careers (Chicago, IL) — aijobsearch
Collaborate with project teams to identify schedule risks and develop mitigation strategies.
Participate in project risk assessments and ensure schedules appropriately reflect project risks and opportunities.
Support what-if analyses and scenario planning to evaluate project impacts and recovery options.
Reporting & Stakeholder Engagement
Facilitate project controls meetings, schedule reviews, and performance reporting sessions.
Prepare executive-level reports, dashboards, presentations, and project performance summaries.
Communicate project status, cost and schedule performance, risks, and recovery recommendations to project leadership and stakeholders.
Build and maintain effective relationships with clients, contractors, consultants, and internal project teams.
Team Leadership
Lead and mentor project controls professionals, including schedulers, cost engineers, change management specialists, and project controls analysts.
Provide technical leadership, coaching, and professional development support to project controls staff.
Participate in staffing, performance management, and team development activities.
Foster a collaborative culture focused on project delivery excellence and continuous improvement.
Additional Responsibilities
Ensure project controls data integrity and compliance with established standards and procedures.
Support project audits, reviews, and quality assurance initiatives.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline required; advanced degree preferred.
- 10+ years of experience in project controls, cost engineering, scheduling, or project management supporting engineering, construction, infrastructure, or capital projects.
- Demonstrated experience leading project controls efforts on complex projects and managing multiple stakeholders.
- Expertise in Primavera P6 scheduling for construction and capital projects.
- Experience developing and analyzing project schedules, cost forecasts, estimates, critical path analyses, and performance reports.
- Strong knowledge of earned value management (EVM), critical path method (CPM), forecasting methodologies, risk analysis, and change management processes.
- Proficiency with cost management systems, project controls reporting tools, and advanced Microsoft Excel functions.
- Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing project controls teams and supporting project delivery objectives.
- Professional certifications such as PMP, PE, CCP, or PSP are strongly preferred.
- An equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered in lieu of stated minimum qualifications.
Additional Requirements
Physical: Standing or sitting for long periods; must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times and spend extended hours in front of a computer screen.
Cognitive: Problem-solving, written, and verbal communication skills; computer and software skills; and ability to read and interpret text online or in printed form.
About PMA
At PMA, employee well-being is a daily priority. We offer a combination of workplace options that include a PMA office location; work-from-home; or a client site. Wherever we work, we openly share knowledge as we believe that collaboration with peers improves our work product and that pursuing subject matter expertise is a lifelong endeavor.
We are committed to a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. We affirm and respect diverse backgrounds and opinions because we believe they yield the best solutions for our clients. We promote emotional intelligence and trust by nurturing these values within our new hires.
We encourage staff to develop rewarding, long-term careers at PMA, and we implement formal leadership development programs that help you attain your goals. At PMA, shared success is a core value. Every employee who contributes is recognized, celebrated, and rewarded. We look for self-driven candidates eager to assume responsibility and join a community of respect founded on collaboration and accountability, not titles. If you aim to transform the project management practice toward continuous improvement of project outcomes, the profession, and yourself, PMA looks forward to warmly welcoming you to our team.
We offer competitive pay and benefits, wellness programs for you and your family, and career development opportunities to advance your professional goals.
As a PMA professional, you will be empowered to make timely and effective decisions and significant daily contributions to complex facets of project delivery. Join a team that has achieved a world-class reputation in the construction industry and has been voted a “Best Place to Work.”
PMA offers competitive wages and comprehensive benefits, including medical, prescription, dental, vision, time off with pay, 401(k) with company match, life, disability, and professional development reimbursement for qualifying employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression), disability, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. Qualified female and minority applicants are encouraged to apply.
EOE, including persons with disabilities and veterans.