Lead Project Controls Engineer

Turner Lovell; Jeddah; On-site; SAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Lead Project Controls Engineer for high-voltage substation projects in Saudi Arabia. The role involves managing schedule and cost performance, requiring expertise in Primavera P6 and significant experience in EPC projects. This position offers an opportunity to drive the financial health of strategic power infrastructure initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in project controls on large EPC projects.
• Proven track record in Primavera P6 scheduling for complex infrastructure.
• Fluent in English; Arabic is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Build and optimise integrated project schedules using Primavera P6.
• Monitor and control project budgets and forecasts.
• Produce high-quality dashboards and progress reports.

Skills

Project Controls

Cost Control

Scheduling

Primavera P6

Cost Forecasting

Education

Degree in Engineering

Tools

Primavera P6

Job description

Lead Project Controls Engineer - EPC HV Substation Projects (Saudi Arabia)
Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Our client is a global engineering, manufacturing, and construction firm delivering large-scale EPC infrastructure in the power generation and electricity transmission sectors. We are looking for a Lead Project Controls Engineer to manage schedule and cost performance across high-value high-voltage (HV) substation projects in Saudi Arabia. The ideal candidate will be a specialist in project controls, with deep experience in planning and forecasting using Primavera P6.

Key Responsibilities:
Planning & Scheduling:

• Build, maintain, and optimise integrated project schedules using Primavera P6 across engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning phases.
• Ensure schedule alignment across all stakeholders, including internal teams and subcontractors.
• Identify schedule risks, forecast critical paths, and perform "what-if" analysis.
• Establish and maintain schedule logic and interdependencies to reflect actual site and delivery progress.
• Facilitate planning reviews and maintain a consistent reporting rhythm with project leadership.

Cost Control & Analysis:

• Monitor and control project budgets, actuals, and forecasts using standard tools and WBS structures.
• Track cost variances, productivity trends, and cash flow performance.
• Support the Project Manager with cost risk and opportunity analysis, revenue recognition forecasts, and budget alignment.
• Lead the budget deviation process and produce clear cost performance reports for senior stakeholders.
• Participate in change order and claim analysis related to both cost and schedule impact.

Interface Management & Reporting:

• Act as the project controls focal point between engineering, finance, construction, and client teams.
• Produce high-quality dashboards and progress reports for project reviews.
• Drive accountability across functions for milestone tracking and cost ownership.
• Coordinate with 3rd parties and subcontractors for schedule and cost alignment.

Requirements:

• Degree in Engineering, with training or experience in finance or cost control
• Minimum 5 years' experience in project controls on large EPC projects
• Proven track record in Primavera P6 scheduling for complex infrastructure or energy programmes
• Strong cost forecasting, variance analysis, and reporting experience
• Experience with forensic planning and schedule impact assessments is desirable
• Fluent in English; Arabic is a plus
• KSA nationals are strongly encouraged to apply

If you're ready to take a leadership role in driving the schedule and financial health of strategic power infrastructure projects, apply now and contact the team at Turner Lovell to learn more.