Lead Project Controls Cost Analyst

National Grid plc; Northboro (IA); Hybrid; USD 147,000 - 172,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus opportunities

Generous pension plan with company 12%

Private medical insurance for self and

Job summary

National Grid is seeking a detail-oriented Lead Project Controls Cost Analyst to join the Major Capital Project Delivery team in Northborough, MA. This hybrid role focuses on developing, maintaining, and monitoring project forecasts and budgets for large utility projects.

You will work with project directors, managers, and engineers to ensure financial integrity, execute cost reports, and drive improvements in forecasting and cost control.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of work experience in Project Controls, Finance, Accounting, or related field.
• Experience with large-scale capital projects (utility, construction, or infrastructure) is highly valued.
• Familiarity with earned value management (EVM) and related reporting standards is a plus.
• Experience with contracts/RFPs is a plus.
• Valid driver's license with a safe driving history is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain detailed project forecasts and cash flow projections for large multi-year capital projects.
• Collaborate with project team members and facilitate project status meetings to ensure accurate cost data.
• Monitor variances between forecast, budget, and actual costs with explanations and insights.
• Prepare and deliver regular project cost reports, including earned value metrics.
• Support project managers in identifying cost trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, financial controls, and regulatory requirements.
• Serve as liaison during contract award and execution phases to enforce cost controls.
• Train and mentor internal and contract employees in Cost Management Processes.
• Timely processing of Cost Accruals.

Skills

Analytical skills

Forecasting

Variance analysis

Earned value mgmt

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Tools

Ariba

SAP

Procore

Job description

National Grid is hiring a Lead Project Controls Cost Analyst for the Project Controls & Reporting team in Northborough, MA. This hybrid role supports the Major Projects PMO.

Every day we deliver safe and secure energy to homes, communities, and businesses. We are there when people need us the most. We connect people to the energy they need for the lives they live.

The pace of change in society and our industry is accelerating and our expertise and track record puts us in an unparalleled position to shape the sustainable future of our industry. To be successful we must anticipate the needs of our customers, reducing the cost of energy delivery today and pioneering the flexible energy systems of tomorrow. This requires us to deliver on our promises and always look for new opportunities to grow, both ourselves and our business.

Job Purpose

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Lead Cost Analyst to join our Major Capital Project Delivery team. In this role, you will play a critical part in ensuring the financial integrity and performance of large-scale utility projects. You will work closely with project directors, project managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to develop, maintain, and monitor comprehensive project forecasts and budgets.

The Team

The Major Project Controls team oversees a portfolio of 10–20 of our largest capital electric projects, with a combined Estimate at Completion (EAC) of $8–$10 billion, and is accountable for the development, management, analysis, and reporting of project schedules and costs.

Key Accountabilities

• Develop and maintain detailed project forecasts and cash flow projections for large multi-year transmission, substation, and distribution capital projects.
• Collaborate with project team members, attend and facilitate project status meetings to ensure accurate and timely cost data collection.
• Monitor and analyze variances between forecast, budget, and actual costs; provide clear explanations and actionable insights.
• Prepare and deliver regular project cost reports, including earned value metrics and performance indicators.
• Support project managers in identifying cost trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, financial controls, and regulatory requirements.
• Serve as the Project Controls liaison during contract award and execution phases, verifying that awarded contractors implement agreed Project Controls processes and elevate any deviations for corrective action.
• Train and mentor internal and contract employees in Cost Management Processes
• Timely processing of Cost Accruals.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of work experience in Project Controls, Finance, Accounting, Project Management, or a comparable field with demonstrated experience supporting project execution and performance management.
• Experience specifically with large-scale capital projects (utility, construction, or infrastructure) is highly valued.
• Ariba, SAP & Procore experience would be ideal but not required
• Demonstrated experience working with contracts/RFP’s a plus
• Experience with federal, state, or utility grant programs and associated reporting, auditing, and compliance requirements is highly desired
• Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with earned value management (EVM) and related reporting standards is a plus.
• Experienced in influencing, persuading, communicating, challenging, and negotiating.
• Strong understanding of forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis principles.
• Valid driver's license is required with a safe driving history that meets National Grid's Safe Driver policy.

More Information

#LI-ES1

$147,000 - $172,000 a year

National Grid will not be providing visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future. You must have the ability to work without a need for current or future visa sponsorship.

National Grid utilizes an assessment that evaluates the job qualifications/characteristics using AI or statistically based scoring. For more information, please view NYC Local Law 144.

This position has a career path which provides for advancement opportunities within and across bands as you develop and evolve in the position; gaining experience, expertise and acquiring and applying technical skills. Candidates will be assessed and provided offers against the minimum qualifications of this role and their individual experience.

National Grid is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of protected class. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. National Grid maintains affirmative action programs for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

Our employment practices are designed to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly and with respect throughout the hiring process and during employment. National Grid complies with all applicable federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment, and we encourage a culture of respect for all.

National Grid operates in both the UK and US, with a broad portfolio of energy businesses dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and sustainable power.

From electricity and gas transmission to advancing clean energy and modernising grids, our work covers every aspect of the energy system.

Our energy flows through absolutely everything we do

Life here at National Grid is more than just our purpose or our values, it’s everything we put into everything we do. It’s our commitment to diversity and inclusion; how we help our employees learn and grow; and how we partner with and support the communities where we live and work. It’s all this, and so much more.

We leverage our collective strengths to do meaningful BIG work so that we can be at the heart of a fair and affordable energy future.

Your salary is reviewed each year against the market for your role, skills, knowledge and experience.

Incentive

Annual performance plan or bonus (depending on your role) rewards your contribution to our success each year.

Retirement

Generous pension plan with company contributions up to 12%.

Private medical insurance for self and family.