Project Controls Specialist

About the role

An exciting career awaits you At MPC, we’re committed to being a great place to work – one that welcomes new ideas, encourages diverse perspectives, develops our people, and fosters a collaborative team environment. The Los Angeles Refinery (LAR) is seeking a Project Controls Specialist to support the delivery of capital and expense projects. The role entails leading and advancing Project Controls principles and techniques while supporting a portfolio of projects ranging from $2MM to $100MM plus. The Project Controls Specialist will work closely with Project Management, Engineering, Supply Chain (Procurement), Construction and Accounting personnel to ensure projects are planned and effectively managed so that performance is continuously improved.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and manages project budgets, forecasts, and cost reports.
• Tracks actual costs against baseline budgets and analyze variances.
• Implements cost control measures and recommends corrective actions.
• Supports development and upkeep of detailed project schedules using industry-standard software.
• Integrates scope, schedule, and cost data to support effective project execution.
• Identifies schedule risks and develops mitigation strategies.
• Applies earned value management (EVM) techniques to monitor project performance.
• Generates and interprets project performance metrics (CPI, SPI, etc.).
• Provides actionable insights to project teams and stakeholders.
• Identifies, assesses, and monitors project risks and opportunities.
• Supports development of mitigation plans and contingency budgets.
• Evaluates and implements project change controls, assessing impacts on cost and schedule.
• Develops and delivers high-quality progress reports, dashboards, and executive summaries.
• Ensures timely communication of project performance to internal and external stakeholders.
• Provides input to monthly and ad-hoc management reviews.
• Utilizes project controls tools and systems effectively.
• Contributes to the development and enhancement of project controls processes and tools.
• Ensures adherence to company project controls standards, procedures, and contractual requirements.
• Supports audits, reviews, and compliance activities.
• Works closely with project managers, engineers, accounting teams, corporate groups and contractors to ensure aligned project execution.
• Mentors and supports junior project controls staff.
• Identifies opportunities for process improvements and implements best practices.
• Stays current with industry & corporate trends and advancements in project controls methodologies.

Requirements

Must have a High School Diploma or GED and at least five (5) years of project controls experience in refining or petrochemical industry experience, OR a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or similar field and at least four (4) years of project controls experience.

Must have knowledge and understanding of project stage gate and development processes, stage gate deliverables and will have previous multi-discipline estimating experience, field construction experience and a track record of performance delivery.

Skills

Must be proficient in Microsoft 365: Word, Excel and Outlook.

Working knowledge with Primavera P6.

Must be self-motivated and able to work in a fast-paced environment; have strong