This Opportunity:
The Senior Project Controls Specialist (Schedule & Cost) plays a critical role in driving project success by managing both scheduling and cost control functions across multiple projects. This dual-role position requires a strategic, hands-on approach to project tracking, risk mitigation, and stakeholder coordination while supporting corporate-level strategy and execution.
Reporting directly to the Director of Project Controls, this role acts as an extension of leading by example, providing mentorship/assistance to others on the team, optimizing processes, and ensuring the effective implementation of project controls. As the Sr. Project Controls Specialist for assigned projects, this role is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining detailed, resource-loaded schedules and cost plans to support the Project Delivery Teams throughout the entire project lifecycle.
Key responsibilities include proactively identifying potential delays and impacts, working collaboratively with internal and external partners to develop mitigation strategies, and ensuring real-time visibility into project progress. Strong communication skills are essential for engaging with project stakeholders, delivering clear reports, and supporting strategic decision-making.
This position demands a deep understanding of project controls methodologies, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and the ability to drive efficiency in cost and schedule performance to meet strategic account and customer objectives.
What You Will Do:
Leadership & Mentorship
Serve as an extension of the Director of Project Controls, supporting high-level initiatives and process improvements.
Provide mentorship and training to Jr level Site Project Controls Specialists, ensuring alignment with cost and scheduling best practices.
Work closely with leadership to standardize project controls tools, reporting frameworks, and methodologies.
Develop a culture of accountability, transparency, and efficiency within the project controls team.
Hands-On Project Controls for Assigned Project
Act as the Site Project Controls Specialist (Schedule & Cost) for an assigned project, managing all cost and schedule-related activities.
Develop and maintain the project schedule, ensuring alignment with project execution plans and milestones.
Monitor, track, and forecast project costs, identifying potential budget risks and overruns.
Ensure real-time reporting of schedule and cost performance, enabling proactive risk mitigation.
Collaborate with site teams to ensure seamless integration between cost, schedule, and execution.
Cost & Schedule Integration Across Projects
Ensure that cost and schedule tracking functions remain synchronized across multiple projects, all while working closely with Sr. Project Controls Cost Manager Lead, and Sr. Project Controls Lead.
Conduct schedule and cost variance analysis, identifying trends and recommending corrective actions.
Lead change order evaluations, bid leveling, and procurement cost assessments.
Maintain Earned Value Management (EVM) and forecasting accuracy.
Ensure compliance with contractual financial and scheduling requirements across all projects.
Risk Management & Reporting
Identify and escalate cost and schedule risks before they impact project execution.
Provide executive-level reports on cost performance, schedule tracking, and project risks.
Develop and maintain risk registers, implementing corrective action plans where necessary.
Conduct schedule risk assessments, ensuring projects stay on track with key deliverables.
Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration
Work closely with project managers, procurement, and field teams to ensure cost and schedule transparency.
Act as a key liaison between the Job Site Management and Project Controls Leads, facilitating clear communication.
Represent project controls functions in management meetings, contractor discussions, and leadership strategy sessions.
Provide insights and recommendations to optimize project execution and cost/schedule efficiency.
Needs for Success:
Strong analytical skills to assess cost and schedule data, providing informed recommendations.
Demonstrated skill in identifying, analyzing, and solving complex problems using data-driven approaches.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively, adapting to shifting priorities and changing requirements with a positive attitude.
Proactive mindset for risk mitigation, ensuring effective decision-making under time pressure.
Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project for scheduling and activity sequencing.
Strong experience with cost tracking systems such as SAP, Oracle, or equivalent ERP software.
Practical knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM) techniques and forecasting methodologies.
Highly proficient in Microsoft Excel, Power BI, and Tableau for data analysis and reporting.
Working knowledge of contract management, procurement, and bid leveling processes.
Familiarity with structured cabling industry standards, technologies, safety, and quality requirements.
Demonstrated knowledge of data entry and document updates within shared branch environments.
Excellent leadership and mentorship skills, with the ability to guide and develop teams.
Strong oral and written communication skills, capable of translating complex data into actionable insights.
Highly organized and detail-oriented, with an effective approach to task management.
Self-motivated and proactive, able to work both independently and collaboratively as a team player.
Experience working alongside executive leadership, influencing strategic decision-making.
Ability to interact professionally with all levels of employees, vendors, clients, and stakeholders.
What You Bring to the Table:
High school diploma or equivalent.
Bachler degree in construction management, engineering or equivalent field experience.
Minimum 7+ years as a construction planner / scheduler for projects with contract values in excess of $15 million.
Preferred professional certifications:
Project Management Institute Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)
Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering Planning and Scheduling Professional (PSP)
Project Management Institute Project Management Professional (PMP)
Supervisory Responsibility:
Varies
Work Location and Travel:
Remote or hybrid with up to 10% travel