Project Controls Lead

Bird Construction; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Bird Construction is seeking a Project Controls Lead to oversee the project controls function for large, complex projects across Canada. You will manage cost control, planning and scheduling, forecasting, and reporting while leading a multidisciplinary team.

Reporting to the Project Controls Manager, you will collaborate with project managers, finance and clients to provide accurate insights, monitor risks, and support informed decision making in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive project controls experience on large, complex construction projects.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary project controls teams and providing direction across cost control, planning and scheduling, forecasting, change management, and reporting.
• Strong knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM) principles and interpretation of project performance indicators.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the project controls function across projects.
• Oversee cost control, planning and scheduling, progress measurement, forecasting, risk and change management, and performance reporting.
• Provide leadership and direction to the project controls team and ensure timely project information for management and finance.
• Collaborate with project managers, construction teams, clients, and stakeholders to identify risks and opportunities and support delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Forecasting

Risk management

Project controls

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Construction Management

PMP/ CCP / AACE certification (assets)

Tools

Primavera P6

Microsoft Project

Cost management systems

InEight

Power BI

Job description

Project Controls Lead

In support of upcoming projects, Bird Construction is reaching out to market to identify candidates interested in the Project Controls Lead position. Reporting to the Project Controls Manager, the Project Controls Lead plays a critical role in leading and managing the project controls function across a large, complex project or a portfolio of projects. This role is responsible for ensuring that all aspects of project controls, including cost control, planning and scheduling, progress measurement, forecasting, risk management, change management, and performance reporting, are effectively integrated to support successful project delivery. The Project Controls Lead provides leadership and direction to the project controls team, ensuring accurate and timely project information is available to support project management, financial reporting, forecasting, and informed decision-making. The role works closely with project managers, construction teams, clients, Finance, Commercial, and other key stakeholders to provide a comprehensive view of project performance and proactively identify emerging risks, trends, and opportunities. The successful candidate must be open to working in fast-paced, challenging project environments where site-based, remote, shift, and irregular‑hour work may be required. Flexibility and mobility to support projects across Canada may also be required.

What You Will Be Working On

What We Are Looking For Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant project controls experience. 10+ years of progressive project controls experience, with significant experience supporting or managing large and complex construction projects. Proven leadership experience managing multidisciplinary project controls teams and providing direction across cost control, planning and scheduling, forecasting, change management, and performance reporting. Strong understanding of integrated project controls and the relationship between cost, schedule, progress, scope, risk, change, and forecasting. Extensive experience developing, analyzing, and maintaining project budgets, forecasts, schedules, and performance baselines. Strong knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM) principles and practices and the ability to interpret project performance indicators and translate them into meaningful management information. Exceptional forecasting capabilities, with the ability to identify emerging cost and schedule trends and challenge assumptions supporting the forecast. Strong commercial awareness and experience working with different contracting and project delivery models. Strong proficiency with project controls and project management systems. Experience with Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, and cost management systems is an asset. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel and experience working with data analysis and reporting tools. Ability and willingness to work in site-based environments, including remote locations and irregular work schedules where required.

Assets

Experience with InEight and Power BI. Professional certification such as PMP, CCP, or AACE certification. Experience within the construction industry, particularly supporting large civil or industrial projects.

What We Are Looking For For Those Who Seek to Redefine The greatest achievements in history are borne from the greatness within people – where human potential meets vision, and passion fuels evolution. Unlocking this potential is the most important thing we do at Bird. As a leader in Canadian construction for over 100 years, the impact of our team is etched deeply within the core of our legacy. Beyond Bird, this impact is felt in the fundamental aspects of our everyday lives. From the critical infrastructure we depend on, to the energy and resources that keep us moving - we are powering our communities and shaping Canada’s skylines coast-to-coast-to-coast. Entrenched in the foundation of a culture built more than a century ago is an enduring quest to reimagine what is possible. Our impact is greater than ever, and we are looking for those who seek to redefine their story.

What We Believe In

We Put Safety First A healthy and safe work environment is non‑negotiable. We build a culture of operational and psychological safety through engagement, learning and leadership. We Lead With Honesty We speak and act with integrity, clarity and care so people can trust our word and our work. Being honest means we can deliver the best outcomes and consistent results. We Are Stronger Together Success is a team effort. Our inclusive workplace enables our combined expertise, humility and creativity to unlock our greater potential. We Are Driven To Do Great Work We built our name on quality. We have a passion for excellence in our work and relationships that honours our businesses and our industry. We Create Opportunity Rooted in a solid foundation, we adapt and grow to face the future. We are committed to elevating each other to chart the best path forward in an evolving world.

At Bird, we value Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) and believe it is essential to our success. We will continue to listen, learn, and take action in our commitment to building progress in our organization, and the industry as a whole. Cultivating an environment where all employees feel included, seen, and have a sense of belonging is core to Bird’s culture. We commit to proactively employing a workforce that reflects the communities in which we work, fostering an environment of continuous learning, and never compromising on our values. Bird construction was founded as a small partnership in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan in 1920. Today we are a highly respected company, operating across Canada. Bird is one of Canada's leading builders and is recognized for its strong commitment to the growth and prosperity of both our clients and our people.