Lead Project Controls Cost Analyst

National Grid; Northborough (MA); Hybrid; USD 147,000 - 172,000; Full time

Job summary

National Grid in Northborough, MA seeks a Lead Project Controls Cost Analyst to safeguard financial integrity for major capital projects. You will develop forecasts, monitor budgets, and report costs across a portfolio of large-scale utility initiatives.

You will collaborate with project directors, engineers, and procurement, ensuring timely data, accurate analytics, and adherence to controls. A strong background in capital project controls and EVM is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; Master's degree preferred.
• 5+ years in Project Controls, Finance, Accounting or related field.
• Experience with large-scale capital projects (utility/infrastructure) valued.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel pivot tables, VLOOKUPs) required.
• Understanding of earned value management (EVM) is a plus.
• Demonstrated contract/RFP experience is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain detailed forecasts and cash flow for large capital projects.
• Collaborate with project teams and attend status meetings for cost data collection.
• Monitor variances between forecast, budget, and actuals with insights.
• Prepare regular cost reports including EV metrics and KPIs.
• Assist managers in identifying cost trends and improvement opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with controls and regulatory requirements.
• Serve as liaison during contract award and execution phases.
• Train staff and contractors in Cost Management processes.
• Process cost accruals in a timely manner.

Skills

Bachelor's degree

Masters degree

5+ years of experience in Project Cont

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Ariba

SAP

Procore

Job description

About us

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

• Bachelor's degree required; Masters degree preferred.
• 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
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel-VLOOKUPs, pivot tables) required
• 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.

Salary

$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.