Director, Project Controls

Principal Duties and Accountabilities

Strategic Leadership

• Establish and lead the overall project controls strategy aligned with company growth objectives
• Develop standardized processes, tools, and governance for cost, schedule, and performance management
• Drive consistency across all projects, regions, and business units
• Partner with executive leadership to provide insights that inform business decisions and project pursuits
• Oversee project cost management processes, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost tracking
• Achieve accurate and timely financial reporting across all active projects
• Analyze cost performance, identify variances, and collaborate with project teams to implement corrective actions
• Collaborate with finance and operations to improve margin predictability and profitability
• Lead the development and oversight of project schedules, including baseline schedules and progress updates
• Ensure proper use of scheduling methodologies (e.g., CPM) across projects
• Identify schedule risks and mitigation strategies to maintain project timelines
• Support project teams in recovery planning and schedule optimization
• Develop and implement risk identification, assessment, and mitigation processes
• Ensure risks are quantified and incorporated into project forecasts and contingency planning
• Provide leadership visibility into key project risks and opportunities
• Establish standardized reporting frameworks, dashboards, and KPIs
• Deliver clear, data-driven insights to executive leadership on project performance
• Leverage data analytics to improve forecasting accuracy and decision-making
• Continuously improve reporting tools and systems for efficiency and clarity
• Partner with estimating and preconstruction teams to ensure accurate project setup and baseline alignment
• Ensure smooth transition from estimating to project execution with clear cost and schedule baselines
• Support project teams throughout the lifecycle with controls expertise
• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing project controls team (cost engineers, schedulers, analysts)
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations
• Drive professional development and succession planning within the team
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Evaluate and implement project controls systems and tools (e.g., productivity tracking, scheduling software, ERP integrations)
• Drive digital transformation and automation of project controls processes where applicable
• Promote best practices and lessons learned across the organization. Partner with operational training team to develop programs to train team members
• Support and reinforce company safety culture across all project activities
• Ensure compliance with contractual requirements, company policies, and regulatory standards

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 10–15+ years of experience in project controls, construction management, or related discipline
• 5+ years in a leadership role managing teams and multiple projects
• Experience in large-scale commercial, industrial, or mechanical construction projects

Technical Expertise

• Deep knowledge of cost control, forecasting, scheduling (CPM), and risk management
• Proficiency with project controls and scheduling software (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project)
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, cost analysis, and reporting
• Familiarity with ERP systems and data analytics tools
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities
• Excellent communication and executive presentation skills
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders
• High attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and accountability
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification
• PSP (Planning & Scheduling Professional) or CCP (Certified Cost Professional)
• Experience implementing or improving project controls systems and processes

Requirements

• Legal authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis without requiring future sponsorship for employment visa status
• Combination of office and construction site environments
• Ability to sit, stand, and work at a computer for extended periods

Benefits

• Year-end bonus based on company and/or individual performance
• Paid time off
• Industry-leading benefits package, including health, dental, and vision plans, matching retirement contributions, and matching 529 contributions

Pay

The range for this position has been established at $153,120.00 - $216,280.00 and is U.S. Engineering’s good faith and reasonable estimate at the time of the posting. The compensation offered to the finalist selected for this role will be based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.

Schedule

Travel required based on project locations and business needs