Director, Project Controls

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Sponsorship for employment visas is not available at this time.

About the role

Meow Wolf opens portals of possibility. We are individuals who inspire creativity in people's lives through art and exploration, so that our combined imaginations can transform the world we live in. We create immersive and interactive experiences that transport audiences into fantastic realms of story and exploration. Our vision is to be the world’s leading creative company, reimagining the paradigm of art and storytelling to make a positive difference in the world.

We share a strong commitment to belonging through our values of:

• Collaborative Creativity: We believe the act of creating together amplifies possibilities.
• Provocative Playfulness: We celebrate the unexpected because it is the doorway to discovery.
• Outsiders Welcome: We are all outsiders at heart, and we create space for everyone to feel like they belong.
• Authentic Compassion: We are “kind punks” - supportive to each other and standing up for what we believe in.
• Audacious Courage: We have the courage to radically reinvent ourselves to push the boundaries of art.

Location

(On-site) Santa Fe, NM or remote, providing the candidate lives in one of the following markets: Denver CO, Las Vegas NV, Dallas TX, Houston TX, or Los Angeles, CA.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Project Controls Team, providing oversight for project-specific estimating, budgeting, and scheduling across the full project lifecycle, from early ideation through delivery.
• Supervise, mentor, and actively develop a high-performing and scalable team of managers and professionals, including the Scheduling/Planning Manager and Estimating Manager.
• Establish and maintain standardized project controls procedures, tools, and cost databases to ensure accuracy and consistency across all projects, including the development and validation of Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), scope documents, and cost forecasts.
• Collaborate closely with Project Leadership, Creative, Finance, Show, and Operations to align project strategies with company priorities and ensure the creative vision aligns with financial feasibility.
• Translate high-level business goals into actionable project plans and actively partner with leadership to develop comprehensive risk registers and incorporate schedule/cost risk analyses into project baselines.
• Report on the health of the project to Project Leadership, providing high-level reports, presentations, and scenario analyses, and serving as the main point of contact for escalating critical risks and concerns within the Project.
• Implement best practices, continuously evaluate project delivery methodologies, and leverage emerging tools and technologies to enhance productivity in delivery.
• Build and maintain a historical cost database and benchmarking library to continuously improve accuracy and inform strategic decision-making.

Requirements

• Deep understanding of project management methodologies and managing diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in overseeing estimating, scheduling/planning, or cost control, preferably 10+ years in construction or themed entertainment.
• Strong experience in overseeing domestic and international multi-faceted projects.
• Proven leadership experience in managing project management professionals and building high-performing teams.
• Proficiency with core industry tools such as P6, Autodesk Construction Cloud, and Google Suite.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills with the ability to partner with creative and executive leadership.
• Solid understanding of business drivers and market conditions.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Proven track record in meeting aggressive schedules; clearly defining deliverables and timetables with demonstrated ability to balance multiple priorities in complex environments to successful project completion.
• Strong work ethic and high level of confidentiality using good judgement and an exceptional sense of accountability.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed must be representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensure, experience, and/or ability required.

Work Environment: This role operates in a combination of office, remote, and occasional on-site project environments. The position requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including finance, operations, project management, and external vendors or contractors. The work environment is fast-paced and deadline-driven, with responsibilities that include cost estimating, forecasting, scheduling, and project performance tracking. The role may require periodic site visits to support project planning and execution, which can involve exposure to active construction or installation environments. Flexibility is required to manage shifting priorities and project timelines.

Physical Demands: This role is primarily sedentary and requires extended periods of sitting, working at a computer, and analyzing data. The position also involves occasional standing, walking, and site visits, which may require navigating uneven surfaces, construction areas, or exhibition spaces. Minimal lifting (typically up to 20 pounds) may be required. The role requires the ability to communicate effectively, including speaking, listening, and reviewing detailed reports and documentation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Schedule

This is a full-time position averaging 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm MT or 10am to 6pm MST – occasionally requiring flexibility to work during evenings or weekends based on business needs, as well as travel to off-site locations depending on the role and need.

Supervisor Responsibilities

This position requires supervisory responsibility.

Travel

This position will require some travel (10%-25%).

Benefits

The choices we make concerning our benefits during enrollment periods are among the most important we select for ourselves and our families. As part of the total compensation package for full-time employees, Meow Wolf offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes various options to meet individual healthcare and financial needs along with many perks.

• Medical Insurance options: PPO & HDHP
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• HSA, HRA, and FSA options
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Company paid Life Insurance Policy and Disability Coverage(s)
• Voluntary Critical Illness and Life Insurance Policies
• Company Paid Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Parental Leave for 12 weeks
• Discount off Meow Wolf Gift Shop Merch and Cafes
• Admission to Meow Wolf attractions for employees and guests

Pay

The annual salary range for this position is $121,391-$167,520. “Off-scale salaries” and other components of pay, i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated position grade, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions.