Project Controls Manager

Location: The Woodlands | Industry: Utilities | Department: Project Controls | Employment Type: Full‑time regular (no part‑time availability) | US work authorization required; sponsorship not offered.

Job Summary

The Project Controls Manager is a senior‑level role responsible for all project controls functions, including scheduling and cost control. The manager collaborates with schedulers, cost analysts, project managers, and other stakeholders to refine deliverables before stage‑gate reviews, serves as a key point of contact for upper management on high‑visibility projects, and drives process development and improvement for the Project Controls team.

Responsibilities

• Assist the project manager in developing the project scope of work.
• Study and understand all relevant project documents for plan and schedule preparation.
• Work with project and discipline personnel to prepare plans and schedules.
• Convert scope of work documents into logically linked, resource‑loaded project schedules.
• Prepare realistic, achievable schedules as logical networks and integrate engineering, procurement, and construction schedules as needed.
• Monitor progress against the project schedule and prepare progress reports.
• Gather accurate progress and expended cost information at relevant intervals.
• Prepare, review, and ensure timely issuance of all relevant reports to stakeholders.
• Advise project management and discipline personnel—verbally and in writing—on impacts, contingencies, and guide scopes toward the earliest possible finish.
• Analyze progress and schedule effects and recommend corrective actions.
• Mentor other Project Controls Specialists on the team.
• Develop and/or modify Project Controls processes and procedures based on stakeholder and management feedback.
• Serve as a key point of contact for upper management to discuss high‑visibility projects and issues.
• Lead or assist in the development of Cost and Schedule QRAs (Quantitative Risk Assessments).
• Participate in schedule and project risk analysis as required.
• May act as a Stage Gate Process Reviewer, performing rigorous evaluations of project development and control deliverables, including business cases.
• Provide input into the budget forecasting process.
• Track actual costs and prepare cost forecasts.
• Manage cost discipline to ensure accurate, timely control and forecasting of man‑hour budgets and assess the impact of change requests.

Basic Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 10 + years of Project Controls experience.
• Proficiency with Primavera P6 for schedule development.
• Effective communication skills with project stakeholders and upper management.
• Working knowledge of project management software, specifically Primavera P6 and Excel.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks.
• Strong writing ability.
• Understanding of basic project management principles.
• General understanding of Cost Management, Estimating, and Change Control.
• High degree of computer literacy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (preferred).
• Prior experience in the utilities industry.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily conducted in a private or semi‑private office environment, with regular presence on active construction sites. Field duties may require outdoor work in plant or construction settings, interaction with team members, supervisors, and client personnel, exposure to extreme noise levels, and the use of required safety equipment. The role may involve travel to multiple job sites in a single day, tolerance of climate changes, and periodic out‑of‑town travel.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 5 pounds.
• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing (or with reasonable accommodation) to communicate effectively.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods (with or without accommodation).
• Sufficient vision or observational ability (with or without accommodation) to conduct analysis and investigations.
• Manual dexterity to perform routine office duties (with or without accommodation).
• Personal mobility and physical reflexes to perform office duties and travel to off‑site locations (with or without accommodation).