Director Project Controls – Data Center Construction

About the role

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Director of Project Controls to lead cost, schedule, and risk management for a large-scale data center construction program in Beaver County, PA, while supporting major client accounts and broader business initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Establish and execute the strategic direction for project controls, including cost, schedule, and risk management, for a large-scale data center program.
• Develop and implement governance frameworks, reporting protocols, and project controls processes to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, earned value analysis, variance reporting, and lifecycle cost estimating; validate estimates and track actuals against forecasts.
• Lead development and integration of detailed CPM schedules (Primavera P6/MS Project) across design, procurement, construction, and commissioning; monitor critical path and implement recovery plans.
• Define and manage risk registers; lead risk workshops, establish mitigation strategies, and coordinate contingency planning, including Monte Carlo analyses.
• Manage change control processes, including evaluation of scope changes, impact analysis, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Prepare executive-level dashboards, gateway documentation, and reports for senior leadership, highlighting performance, risks, and corrective actions.
• Ensure alignment on cost and schedule objectives through collaboration with project managers, finance teams, and contractors; support client reporting and governance meetings.
• Drive data integrity and reporting accuracy across all phases; utilize project controls tools and platforms (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project, cost systems).
• Develop and maintain protocols for performance measurement, forecasting, trending, and progress reporting against project baselines.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing project controls team; provide clear direction, conduct performance reviews, and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Motivate the team through regular meetings, clear goals, and quality assurance of deliverables; ensure integration of intake, cost, and scheduling processes for end-to-end project controls.
• Act as a key liaison with internal and external stakeholders; review implementation plans, claims resolution recommendations, and recovery strategies.
• Support business initiatives by identifying opportunities for process improvement, knowledge sharing, and integration of best practices across projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Finance, or a related field; graduate degree preferred.
• 12+ years of experience in project controls, cost management, and scheduling for large-scale construction programs (data center or mission-critical preferred), including 2+ years leading high-performing project controls teams in a consulting environment.
• Proven ability to manage complex budgets, schedules, and risk for multi-million-dollar projects; experience establishing and monitoring baselines and performance metrics.
• Expertise in cost forecasting, earned value management (EVM), risk analysis, and change management; strong knowledge of multiple contract delivery methods.
• Demonstrated success in implementing and managing integrated project controls systems, including financial and scheduling controls, for major capital projects.
• Proficiency in Primavera P6, MS Project, and cost management systems; advanced Excel skills for data analysis and reporting.
• Professional certifications such as CCP, PSP, PMP, or equivalent highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical, leadership, and communication skills; ability to interpret complex data, influence stakeholders, and drive performance.
• Knowledge of industry standards, regulatory requirements, and compliance frameworks relevant to large-scale construction programs.