Senior Cost Specialist, Project Controls

TransAlta; Calgary; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual and long-term incentives

Company-matching pension plan

Flexible health benefits

Generous vacation and personal days

Learning and development programs

Employee recognition and rewards

Annual wellness allowance

Job summary

TransAlta, based in Calgary, is seeking a Senior Cost Analyst, Project Controls to join the Project Delivery & Construction team. You will lead cost control, scheduling, and forecasting across a portfolio of large-scale energy construction projects ($100M+), partnering with Project Managers, Engineers, Construction, and Procurement to maintain baselines and drive performance.

The role offers responsibility for risk analysis, change control, and reporting through dashboards and reports, with a

Qualifications

• Experience in project controls, scheduling, cost control, or project coordination.
• Solid understanding of cost, schedule, forecasting, and performance measurement.
• Experience with project controls systems and Excel-based reporting.
• Detail oriented with accurate data and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and analyze project schedules, cost forecasts, and metrics.
• Track cost, schedule, and change management, identifying variances and risks.
• Prepare regular project controls reports and dashboards for leadership.
• Collaborate with Project Managers, Engineers, Construction, and Procurement.
• Support risk identification, analysis, and mitigation tracking.
• Maintain project controls documentation aligned with standards.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of controls tools and reporting.

Skills

Cost control

Scheduling

Forecasting

Data analysis

Stakeholder communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

Excel

Scheduling tools

Project controls systems

Job description

Our Power, Your Possibilities

Senior Cost Analyst, Project Controls

WHO WE ARE

Our Power, Your Possibilities

At TransAlta, we don’t just generate electricity-we generate opportunity. As one of Canada’s largest publicly traded power generators, we’ve been powering communities for over 100 years across Canada, the U.S., and Australia. Our diverse energy portfolio and passionate team are driving the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

We believe in the power of purpose, the strength of collaboration, and the value of continuous learning. If you’re ready to make a real impact in a dynamic industry, you bring the energy - we’ll provide the platform.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We have an exciting new leadership opportunity for a Senior Cost Specialist, Project Controls to join our Project Delivery & Construction team located in our Calgary Head Office. This is a pivotal position within our organization where you'll provide support and guidance to our Project Management and Construction teams.

This role reports to the PD&C Project Control Manager and will be part of a dedicated team of Project Controls professionals providing comprehensive Project Controls support across a portfolio of large-scale energy construction projects ($100M+).

The position will appeal to an experienced, well-rounded Project Controls Specialist who thrives in dynamic and collaborative team environment and has interest in being part of an ambitious build-out of energy assets.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

• Support the development, maintenance, and analysis of project schedules, cost forecasts, and performance metrics across assigned capital projects
• Track and monitor cost, schedule, and change management activities, identifying variances, risks, and emerging trends
• Prepare regular project controls reports and dashboards to support project teams and leadership decision making
• Work closely with Project Managers, Engineers, Construction, and Procurement teams to ensure alignment to approved baselines and controls processes
• Support risk management activities, including risk identification, analysis, and mitigation tracking
• Assist with change control documentation, ensuring scope, cost, and schedule impacts are clearly understood and captured
• Maintain accurate and well-structured project controls documentation in line with internal standards and best practices
• Contribute to continuous improvement of project controls tools, templates, and reporting practices

What We Need From You

• You can interact with our EPC contractors and drive project controls deliverables
• You bring experience in project controls, project scheduling, cost control, or project coordination within a major capital projects or industrial environment
• You have a solid understanding of cost, schedule, forecasting, and performance measurement principles
• You’re comfortable working with project controls systems, scheduling tools, and Excel based reporting
• You’re detail oriented and take pride in producing accurate, reliable data and analysis
• You enjoy working in cross functional project teams and collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders
• You’re able to communicate complex information clearly, tailoring insights for technical and non‑technical audiences
• You’re proactive, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic project environment
• You’re curious and motivated to learn and grow your project controls expertise while contributing to successful project delivery

THE PERKS

• Competitive salary
• Annual and long-term incentives available for select roles
• Company-matching pension plan
• Flexible health benefits for you and your family
• Generous vacation and personal days
• Learning and development programs
• Employee recognition and rewards
• Annual wellness allowance

Explore our Employee Experience Booklet on our Careers site to see how we support your growth and wellbeing www.transalta.com/careers

OUR CULTURE

At TransAlta, we’re driven by a Culture of Results, Learning, and Purpose. We prioritize psychological safety, wellbeing, inclusion, and belonging - creating a space where everyone can thrive. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation and progress, and we’re committed to building a workplace where you can be your authentic self.

Ready to Power Up With Us?

Excited about this role but don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for a job unless they meet every single qualification. You might just be the candidate we are looking for.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The successful candidate may be required to complete background checks appropriate to the role and may include criminal record, education and employment verification or credit checks. ‘Safety sensitive positions’ will be required to complete pre‑employment testing.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, only those progressing will be contacted.