Project Controls Lead - Transmission and Distribution Projects

Sargent Lundy; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 118,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

401(k)

Tuition assistance

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Sargent & Lundy is seeking a Project Controls Lead to run all PMO project controls for transmission and distribution capital projects. You will guide cost engineers, schedulers, and financial staff, while collaborating with PMO teammates and client management.

The role includes a hybrid schedule with potential travel to client offices. Essentially you will own cost management, forecasting, scheduling, and reporting, ensuring best practices and timely delivery of high‑quality deliverables.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of Capital Project experience, preferably in energy transmission and distribution.
• Engineering or Construction Management degree; ABET accreditation preferred.
• Experience with Earned Value Management and project controls methodologies.
• Strong budget, schedule, and risk management capabilities.
• Proven leadership and ability to mentor PMO staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead all project controls functions within the PMO for capital projects.
• Develop, implement, and oversee cost, schedule, and reporting processes.
• Collaborate with PMO team and client leadership to meet objectives.
• Mentor and train project controls staff; travel to client sites as needed.

Skills

Earned Value Management

Project Controls

MS Excel

PowerBI

Project Budgeting

Scheduling

Leadership

Communication

Education

B.S. in Engineering or Construction Management

ABET Accredited program

Tools

Primavera P6

SAP

PowerPlan

Job description

Responsibilities

This role offers a hybrid work arrangement. You'll spend three days a week in the office, allowing you to work remotely two days.

This role will lead all project controls functions within a Project Management Office (PMO) supporting transmission and distribution Capital Projects. The role will guide project controls personnel, including cost engineers, scheduling staff, and financial administrative staff. The work will include collaboration with PMO team members, such as Project Managers and Program Managers, and direct interface with client management and site personnel.

The Project Controls Lead will:

• Be responsible for the development, implementation, oversight, and management of capital projects processes, procedures, and administrative services to ensure the Project Controls functions are delivered with consistency and quality
• Collaborate with the PMO team to achieve the client’s business objectives
• Lead the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of Project Controls best practices and deliverables, including but not limited to:
• Cost management, forecasting, cost analysis, and reporting
• Progress tracking, construction readiness tracking, risk identification and mitigation
• Schedule development, maintenance, analysis, and reporting
• Contract requisition and purchase order tracking, invoice and payment application management, and accrual allocation
• Report and present project financials, schedule status, risks and mitigation plans, contract backlogs, project status, and staffing plans
• Communicate variances against monthly work plan projections, monitor performances against the plan, and develop recovery plans when applicable
• Ensure appropriate metrics are defined and communicated to PMO and client leadership
• Ensure the success of the Project Controls staff through mentoring and training
• There is the potential for you to travel to client offices or site locations, as required

Qualifications

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential skills and experience:

• 10 or more years of total Capital Project experience, preferably in the energy transmission and distribution industry
• Bachelor of science degree with emphasis in Engineering, Construction Management, or equivalent; preferably from an ABET Accredited program
• Experience in Earned Value Management and the application of Project Controls methodologies
• Comfortable in a project leadership role and making decisions concerning project budget and schedule
• Experience in managing multiple complex projects with full responsibility for the project controls functions
• Prioritize work and work under pressure to meet deadlines
• Eager to cultivate program and project knowledge to make a valuable impact on the PMO team operation. Willing to engage with others to understand PMO team and client needs.
• Committed to delivering high-quality, accurate deliverables with attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to interact and multitask with project team members, clients, and vendors of varying position levels
• Working knowledge of MS Office tools, with emphasis on the advanced use of MS Excel and PowerBI

Valued but not required skills and experience:

• Familiarity with scheduling software, preferably Primavera P6
• Familiarity with finance and accounting systems, preferably SAP and Powerplan
• PMI Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• AACE Certified Cost Professional (CCP) certification

Technology & Innovation

Sargent & Lundy values the appropriate use of technology to improve how work gets done and deliver high-quality outcomes for our clients. Depending on the role, employees may use data, automation, artificial intelligence, and other digital tools to support research, analysis, engineering and design activities, workflow improvement, or other aspects of their work. We value candidates who demonstrate an interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies where relevant to their role. Employees remain accountable for their work and are expected to apply appropriate professional judgment and review when using technology-assisted tools. Experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued where relevant but is not required unless specifically identified elsewhere in the job description.

About Sargent & Lundy

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Health & Wellness

• Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life & Accident Insurance
• Disability Coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Back-Up Daycare
• FSA & HSA

Financial Benefits

• 401(k)
• Pre-Tax Commuter Account
• Merit Scholarship Program
• Employee Discount Program
• Corporate Charitable Giving Program
• Tuition Assistance
• First Professional Licensure Bonus
• Employee Referral Bonus

Work-Life Balance

• Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Bereavement Leave
• Flexible Work Arrangements

Compensation Range

$118,023 - $180,313

Transparency Statement

Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.

Equal Opportunity

Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.