Project Controls Specialist

This position is responsible for initiating and completing routine aspects of project control assignments, using prescribed methods and tools. It performs the more complex aspects of project forecasting, cost alignment to schedules, cost analysis, variance analysis, budgeting, trending and burn rates, change control, and cost control, while reporting up to program or portfolio level. The role supports Project Managers on varying size projects and is expected to perform responsibilities with minimal oversight. It requires working knowledge to proficient use, understanding, and application of project controls principles, procedures, and associated software tools. The position must identify problems, develop solutions, and take actions to resolve them, as well as adeptly use unfamiliar software and work with large, complex data files.

Responsibilities

• Generate periodic project controls reports (monthly, quarterly, and ad-hoc). Gather, verify, validate, and analyze data in support of project controls reporting. Distribute and archive project controls reports as appropriate.
• Perform Change Control. Track and manage changes to the project scope and cost baseline. Identify, assess, gain approval for, and distribute change requests, change notices, and/or change orders in compliance with internal governance standards and contract terms.
• Assist in scheduling and carrying out benchmarking and self-assessment initiatives relevant to project controls. Identify and communicate improvement opportunities, adoption of best practices, and countermeasures to address performance gaps.
• Maintain expertise in Project Controls Methodologies. Experience with cost estimates, tracking, and trending cash flow reports, change control documentation, and project status reporting. Perform variance and data analyses at a project-appropriate level.
• Create and maintain project estimates. Work with Estimator(s) to develop project cost estimates for effective cost control management, ensuring inclusion of materials, labor rates, equipment, and current industry data. Manage estimates according to Project Management Center of Excellence standards.
• Participate effectively in teams. Maintain relationships with customers, support resolution of quality issues, and complete assignments (proposals, tasks, reports) as negotiated. Demonstrate proficiency in conflict resolution and achieving win-win outcomes.

Qualifications

• Advanced to expert level of experience in Excel.
• Experience working with a project team to build or update cost forecasts.
• Working knowledge of project management and project controls concepts, scheduling software, and spreadsheets.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze, integrate, trend, and forecast cost information for projects.
• Demonstrated knowledge and usage of earned value techniques.
• Highly engaged self-starter capable of identifying problems and proposing solutions.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Certified Associate of Project Management or Project Management Professional Certification (strongly desired).