Project Controls Manager - EPC

POSITION SUMMARY

The Project Controls Manager is responsible for providing project leadership with accurate and timely information related to quantities, earned value progress, cost, forecasts, and schedule performance to support strong decision-making. This role oversees all major project control functions—including Planning, Cost, Scheduling, and Change Management—to ensure consistent implementation of corporate processes, reports, and systems.

The Project Controls Manager analyzes key project data, develops recommendations, supports risk and opportunity evaluation, and ensures compliance with contract requirements and corporate procedures. This leader also manages project reporting deliverables and ensures clear communication and coordination with field supervision, engineering, procurement, subcontracting, and the client.

PRIMARY POSITION OBJECTIVE

• Maintain oversight of cost, schedule, change management, and quantity tracking processes.

• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of project reports, forecasts, and performance metrics.

• Lead effective implementation of corporate Responsible Business Practices (RBPs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Support risk identification, evaluation, and reporting for the project.

• Ensure project teams understand and comply with contractual requirements.

• Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance management for Project Controls staff.

REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Required: Associate degree or equivalent OR 10+ years relevant industry experience.
• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or related field with 8+ years industry experience.

Experience

• Required: Over 3–5 years of project controls leadership experience.
• Preferred: 8–10+ years of project controls experience in engineering, procurement, or construction environments.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access; Power BI; scheduling software (e.g., Primavera P6); cost and earned value systems; document control systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lead teams and work collaboratively across departments.
• Ability to conduct and present in meetings with project staff, leadership, and clients.
• Strong organizational and decision-making abilities.

SALARY/PAY RATE

• In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the expected salary range for this Illinois position, Project Controls Manager - EPC, is between $122,699.20 and $179,859.26* annually. Actual compensation will be adjusted based on experience, geographic location, and other job-related factors as permitted by law. 

BENEFITS

• Project Controls Manager - EPC is eligible for participation in Zachry’s Total Employee Rewards Program, which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, and other ancillary benefits. This position is also eligible for participation in the 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan. 

PAID TIME AWAY

• The Project Controls Manager - EPC is also eligible for paid time away benefits, including company-provided paid time off and holidays, in accordance with applicable company policies.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• General office environment with occasional exposure to construction site conditions.

• Frequent use of computers, calculators, printers, and other office equipment.

• Requires close vision, color perception, and ability to adjust focus.

• Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.

• Fast-paced and variable work environment.

ZACHRY is dedicated to providing a Safe and Drug-Free work environment and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Additional Information

Relocation Requirement: Must be willing and able to relocate to a project location anywhere within the United States.

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RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Controls Leadership

• Lead Planning, Cost, Scheduling, and Change Management teams and oversee day‑to‑day operations.
• Manage staffing, performance reviews, talent planning, and employee development.
• Ensure accurate project progress measurement, earned value tracking, and cost code time‑charging.

Cost & Forecasting

• Oversee weekly and monthly cost reporting, including projections and variance analysis.
• Ensure proper application of Standard Cost Codes and consistent cost system utilization.
• Support commercial analysis and contract compliance needs.

Planning & Scheduling

• Ensure schedule baseline, updates, and re‑baselines are timely and accurate.
• Verify scheduling RBPs and SOPs are implemented.
• Ensure weekly and monthly schedule deliverables are met and archived.

Change Management

• Review all change orders and back charges prior to submission to client or vendors.
• Ensure adherence to corporate guidelines for change management workflows.

Quantities, AWP & Progress Tracking

• Ensure implementation of Advance Work Packaging (AWP).
• Oversee engineering quantity takeoffs, electronic downloads, and material quantity validation.
• Maintain systems for tracking install quantities vs. estimated quantities.
• Establish and maintain the project progress baseline.

Reporting & Communication

• Produce and review all weekly/monthly internal and external reporting, including progress curves, commodity curves, photos, and written narratives.
• Attend and present at cost reviews, client meetings, change order meetings, war rooms, and executive reviews.
• Serve as primary point of contact for project audits.

Risk & Opportunity

• Lead development and execution of risk identification and measurement activities.
• Manage specialized risk analyses as required.