Project Control Lead

Aecom; Fredericton; Hybrid; CAD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A global infrastructure consulting firm is seeking a Project Control Lead in Fredericton, NB. This role requires over 15 years of experience in cost control for major EPC/EPCM projects. Your responsibilities will include managing project budgets, cost tracking, and providing financial leadership on large-scale projects. The position requires strong analytical skills, strategic thinking, and effective communication to ensure project success. This is a fantastic opportunity to impact significant infrastructure developments while working with a dedicated team.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and retirement plans

Flexible work options

Award-winning training and development programs

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in cost control on major EPC/EPCM projects.
• Significant expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and change management.
• Willingness to travel and work in Fredericton for two weeks each month.

Responsibilities

• Manage all cost control activities on large-scale capital projects.
• Oversee budget development, cost tracking, and change management.
• Lead preparation of detailed project budgets for all phases.

Skills

Cost control

Data analysis

Risk management

Strategic financial leadership

Leadership

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Finance, Construction Management

Tools

EcoSys

Prism

SAP

Oracle

Job description

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

This position supports a major hydroelectric project in New Brunswick and requires two weeks per month at the project office in Fredericton, NB. Travel and lodging expenses will be covered.

The Project Control Lead is responsible for managing and directing all cost control activities on large-scale and mega capital projects. This role oversees budget development, cost tracking, forecasting, reporting, and change management to ensure successful financial performance throughout the project lifecycle. The Project Control Lead works closely with project leadership, engineering, procurement, construction, and contractors to establish a robust cost management framework aligned with corporate and client requirements.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience (15+ years) in cost control on major EPC/EPCM programs and is highly skilled in cost systems, data analysis, risk management, earned value, and strategic financial leadership.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership & Cost Management Strategy

• Lead the development and implementation of the project cost management plan for mega projects.
• Establish and maintain the Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS), budget coding structure, and cost control procedures.
• Oversee cost control teams and provide mentorship, direction, and technical guidance.
• Ensure alignment between cost, schedule, procurement, and risk management functions.

2. Budget Development & Cost Baseline

• Lead preparation of detailed project budgets for all project phases (engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning).
• Integrate estimates, contract values, and management reserves into a comprehensive cost baseline.
• Validate contractor bids, internal estimates, and ensure cost alignment with the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).

3. Cost Monitoring & Forecasting

• Oversee tracking of commitments, actuals, accruals, and cost performance across all project contracts.
• Lead development of monthly cost reports, providing variance analysis, trend summaries, cash flow forecasts, and cost-to-complete estimates.
• Perform high-level forecasting and contingency drawdown analyses for executive leadership.
• Identify early warning indicators to prevent budget overruns.

4. Earned Value Management (EVM)

• Implement and manage Earned Value methodologies across multiple disciplines and contractors.
• Analyze cost and schedule performance indices (CPI, SPI) and determine impacts to overall project health.
• Ensure integration of cost and schedule systems and validate progress measurement methods.

5. Change & Trend Management

• Lead the evaluation and approval process for all change requests, potential trends, and scope deviations.
• Quantify and assess cost impacts related to design changes, procurement delays, construction variations, and external factors.
• Maintain the project trend log and ensure real-time visibility of emerging cost risks.

6. Contractor Oversight & Governance

• Review and validate contractor cost reports, progress claims, payment applications, and change order submissions.
• Ensure contractor compliance with contract cost provisions and reporting requirements.
• Conduct cost audits and engage in commercial discussions when required.

7. Executive Reporting & Stakeholder Management

• Present cost performance updates to senior leadership, project sponsors, and clients.
• Prepare high-level dashboards, KPI reports, and executive summaries.
• Represent the project cost function during internal and external reviews, audits, and gate approvals.

8. Tools, Systems & Data Management

• Ensure full utilization of cost control systems (e.g., EcoSys, Prism, SAP, Oracle).
• Drive automation and data quality improvements in cost reporting.
• Develop custom dashboards and integrate cost data with schedule, procurement, and risk systems.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Finance, Construction Management, or related discipline.
• 8 years of experience in cost engineering or project controls, including several years in a lead or senior role.
• Significant experience on EPC/EPCM projects (> $500M).
• Relevant knowledge of cost control processes, budgeting, forecasting, and change management.
• Relevant expertise in cost control software (EcoSys, Prism, SAP, Oracle, etc.).
• Solid understanding of construction, engineering workflows, procurement, contracting, and schedule integration.
• Willing and able to travel and spend 2 weeks a month at our Fredericton office.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master in a related field
• 15+ years of experience in cost engineering or project controls, including several years in a lead or senior role.
• Demonstrated experience on major EPC/EPCM projects (multi-billion).
• Advanced analytical skills and high proficiency in Excel and reporting tools.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Strategic financial insight and analytical depth
• Ability to work in fast-paced, high-pressure mega project environments
• Effective risk management and problem-solving
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder communication skills

Additional Information

Sponsorship for obtaining a Canadian work permit is not available for this position

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options,well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.