Project Controls Analyst

Motive Power; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

EV incentive $2,500

Job summary

Motive Power in Houston is seeking an experienced Cost Analyst to strengthen project controls, forecasting, contingency management, and change control across a diverse portfolio of utilities, construction, and energy projects.

Hybrid role; three days in The Woodlands, TX, up to 25% travel. Salary range $60,000–$160,000 per year plus benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement and an EV incentive. Equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications

• :7–10 years of experience in cost management or cost controls.
• :Hands-on experience with contingency management, change control, and change orders.
• :Proficient in Excel and MS Office.
• :Experience in utilities, construction, oil and gas, or renewable energy is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement project controls systems, including cost estimating, scheduling, and risk management.
• Own contingency management and change control processes, including tracking, evaluating, and processing change orders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Collaborate with project managers and engineers to establish project budgets, schedules, and performance metrics.
• Monitor project performance against established metrics and identify potential issues and risks.
• Provide recommendations for corrective action to project managers and stakeholders to ensure projects remain on schedule, within budget, and meet quality standards.
• Provide regular status reports and updates to project managers and stakeholders on project progress, including budget, schedule, and risk management.
• Develop and maintain project documentation, including cost estimates, schedules, change order logs, and risk assessments.

Skills

Cost management

Excel

Project controls

Communication

Team collaboration

Tools

Primavera P6

Microsoft Project

Job description

Motive Power is a dynamic consulting firm specializing in the US Utility industry, offering innovative solutions that enable clients to achieve their corporate sustainability and decarbonization goals. We provide comprehensive project delivery, developing and mentoring teams, and expanding our utility business, all while championing ESG and decarbonization initiatives. Our commitment to enhancing efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability is at the core of our organizational development, data innovation, and change adoption expertise. We take a holistic approach, streamlining project management, optimizing processes, and leveraging data-driven insights to foster sustainable growth. Our people-centric change management strategies ensure seamless transitions and alignment with strategic sustainability objectives. With a strong focus on sustainability, we empower organizations to not only improve their performance but also make a lasting positive impact on society and the environment.

Ideal candidates reside in the Houston, TX area, with a preference for candidates able to commute to The Woodlands, TX.

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Cost Analyst to play a key role in ensuring effective cost management throughout various projets. As a Cost Analyst, you will undertake a dual role focused on project forecasting, contingency management, change control, cost and schedule performance monitoring, variance analysis, and corrective actions. Additionally, you will provide comprehensive support to project managers and teams across a diverse portfolio of projects in terms of contract types, sizes, complexities, and levels of risk.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include and are not limited to:

• Develop and implement project controls systems, including cost estimating, scheduling, and risk management, in accordance with company standards and best practices.
• Own contingency management and change control processes, including tracking, evaluating, and processing change orders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Collaborate with project managers and engineers to establish project budgets, schedules, and performance metrics.
• Monitor project performance against established metrics and identify potential issues and risks.
• Provide recommendations for corrective action to project managers and stakeholders to ensure projects remain on schedule, within budget, and meet quality standards.
• Provide regular status reports and updates to project managers and stakeholders on project progress, including budget, schedule, and risk management.
• Develop and maintain project documentation, including cost estimates, schedules, change order logs, and risk assessments.

Requirements

• Approximately 7 to 10 years of experience in cost management or cost controls.
• Specific, hands‑on experience with contingency management, change control, and change orders is required for this role.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced Excel skills.
• Knowledge of project management software, such as Primavera or Microsoft Project.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience working in the utilities, construction, oil and gas, or renewable energy industries is a plus.
• Ability to work in office 3 days a week at our The Woodlands, TX location. Candidates based in the Houston area are preferred.

Preferred Qualifications, but not required

• PMI certified PMP, or similar certification (CAPM)
• AACE (CCT, CST)

Position Suitability

We are seeking an experienced Cost Analyst who will be a key driver in effective cost management across a diverse project portfolio, with particular emphasis on contingency management, change control, and change orders. If you are passionate about ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards, and if you possess the required analytical and communication skills, this role presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to our project success. Your expertise in project controls, contingency management, and change order administration will play a vital role in shaping our project outcomes.

Work Hours

This position will require you to be available during core business hours.

Work Location(s) and Travel Requirements

This position follows a hybrid work model, requiring 3 days per week in The Woodlands, TX, and may require up to 25% travel. Candidates based in the greater Houston area are preferred.

Compensation

The anticipated wage range for this position is $60,000-$160,000 per year based on relevant factors such as experience, education, location, and qualification. In addition to base pay, Motive Power offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, $2,500 towards a fully electric EV, plus more.

Motive Power is committed to equitable and competitive compensation practices in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

At Motive Power, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment that reflects our dedication to ESG principles. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at all levels of the organization. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position or to participate in the interview process, please contact us at [e-mail] to discuss your needs.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.