Project Controls Manager

PowerGrid Services; Garner (NC); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

PowerGrid Services is seeking a seasoned Project Controls professional to lead scheduling, cost management, and earned value across active power delivery projects. You will develop, maintain, and analyze schedules using Primavera P6 or MS Project and collaborate with project managers and field superintendents to establish baselines and identify critical paths.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor’s in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field, 5+ years in project controls, and 2+

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of project controls experience in construction.
• 2+ years in power delivery, transmission, substation, or utility construction.
• Proficiency in scheduling, cost management, and EVM methodologies.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and MS Office.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and analyze detailed project schedules using Primavera P6, MS Project, etc.
• Collaborate with PMs and field superintendents to establish baselines and critical path activities
• Monitor schedule performance and provide early identification of delays or schedule risks
• Prepare and issue schedule updates, look-ahead schedules, and schedule narrative reports
• Support cost management, budgeting, and EVM calculations for leadership reviews
• Maintain project risk registers and support monthly owner reporting requirements

Skills

Scheduling

Cost management

Earned value

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Construction Management / Engineering

Tools

Primavera P6

MS Project

Procore

Primavera Unifier

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and analyze detailed project schedules using industry-standard scheduling tools (Primavera P6, MS Project, etc.)
• Collaborate with project managers and field superintendents to establish baseline schedules and identify critical path activities
• Monitor schedule performance and provide early identification of potential delays or schedule risks
• Prepare and issue schedule updates, look-ahead schedules, and schedule narrative reports

Planning & Scheduling

• Develop, maintain, and analyze detailed project schedules using industry-standard scheduling tools (Primavera P6, MS Project, etc.)
• Collaborate with project managers and field superintendents to establish baseline schedules and identify critical path activities
• Monitor schedule performance and provide early identification of potential delays or schedule risks
• Prepare and issue schedule updates, look-ahead schedules, and schedule narrative reports

Cost Management & Budgeting

• Develop and maintain project budgets, cost forecasts, and cost-to-complete estimates
• Track and analyze project costs against approved budgets, identifying variances and trends
• Support the development of project cost reports and financial dashboards for leadership review
• Assist in the preparation and review of change orders and budget amendments

Earned Value Management (EVM)

• Implement and maintain Earned Value Management systems across assigned projects
• Calculate and report key EVM metrics including CPI, SPI, EAC, and ETC
• Provide actionable insights based on EVM data to project and executive leadership

Reporting & Documentation

• Prepare and distribute weekly, monthly, and ad hoc project performance reports
• Develop and maintain project control dashboards and KPI tracking tools
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of project data, including progress updates, cost reports, and schedule narratives
• Support monthly owner reporting requirements and client deliverables

Risk Management

• Identify, document, and track project risks and opportunities
• Support the development of risk mitigation strategies in collaboration with project teams
• Maintain project risk registers and facilitate risk review meetings

Collaboration & Communication

• Serve as a key liaison between project management, field operations, finance, and executive leadership
• Support project kickoff meetings, progress meetings, and client reviews
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior project controls staff as the team grows
• Work closely with estimating teams to ensure smooth handoff from bid to construction phase

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of project controls experience in the construction industry
• 2+ years of experience specifically within power delivery, transmission, substation, or utility construction
• Proficiency in Primavera P6 and/or Microsoft Project
• Strong working knowledge of cost management, scheduling, and earned value methodologies
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other MS Office applications
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a deadline-driven environment

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience working with electric utilities or utility contractors
• Familiarity with transmission line and/or substation construction processes and workflows
• Knowledge of construction contract types (lump sum, unit price, T&M, etc.)
• Experience with project management platforms such as Procore, Primavera Unifier, or similar

PMI-SP, PSP, EVP, or PMP certification is a plus