Project Controls Manager

Jacobs; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Jacobs in the United States seeks a Project Controls Manager to lead cost forecasting, budgeting, and expenditure tracking across a portfolio. You’ll manage cost controls, contingency planning, and PMIS administration to drive accurate financials.

The role requires 5+ years in project controls, proficiency in Power BI and PMIS, and leadership to mentor staff. Travel is required, and base compensation ranges from $95,200 to $150,000 per year. Onsite in Iowa City with standard benefits.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in project controls or related industry preferred.
• Proficient in MS Office tools including Power BI.
• Proficient using a project management information system (PMIS).
• Strong communication, leadership, and detail orientation.
• Willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Develop, monitor, track, analyze, forecast, and report on project budgets, estimates to complete, commitments, expenditures, progress and productivity.
• Review expenditures for accuracy; suggest corrections; develop cash flow projections.
• Forecast and model trends; evaluate change orders and amendments for impact on contingencies.
• Set up projects, monitor estimate at completion, cash flow, and forecasts with input from leads.
• Oversee monthly reconciliations across client financial system and PMIS; prepare portfolio reports.
• Provide PMIS guidance and assist with procedures for project management control.

Skills

MS Office

Power BI

PMIS

Cost forecasting

Leadership

Communication

Education

BS in Cost Management, Engineering, Project Management, Business, Accounting or Finance

Tools

PMIS software

MS Excel

Job description

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

This position serves as the Project Controls Manager and provides complex controls management and cost analytical support. The position is charged with the overall cost forecasting, modeling and expenditure tracking for the project. Responsibilities include managing and participating in the development and implementation of cost controls and cost contingency management procedures, overseeing project cost forecasting. This position is expected to frequently respond to complex and sensitive data inquiries from senior management staff and is required to have a comprehensive understanding of the Portfolio.

• Develop, monitor, track, analyze, forecast, and report on project budgets, estimates to complete, commitments, expenditures, project progress and productivity, projects cost at completion, WBS cost coding, and change management
• Your keen review of expenditure details, identifying incorrect charges, and commencement of the charge correction process will ensure our financials are accurate. Reviews financial information to develop project cash flows; correlates and analyzes financial data with respect to cost forecasts and determines the need for adjustments. Makes recommendations for solutions relative to complex issues involving project risks, budget, costs, and scope
• Forecasts and model trends and evaluate change orders and amendments for their impact on contingencies and project forecasts. Develops and maintains cost projection models to monitor and forecast project costs.
• Set-up projects, monitor & report estimate at completion, cashflow, and forecast including analysis based on input from project leads
• Performs monthly reconciliations across client financial system and PMIS systems.
  • Funding
  • Budget
  • Commitments
  • Actual Cost
• Performs ad hoc analyses for various stakeholders. Ensures the accuracy of financial data snapshots and resolves conflicts and misunderstandings relative to financial data and reports.
• Develops procedures and processes for projects and portfolio controls. Participate in the development and enhancement of the Integrated Project Management System as needed.
• Provide technical guidance to the client in the Project Management Information System (PMIS)
• Assist with preparing client Departmental Project Management Procedures
• Provides analysis, advice, and recommendations related to cost overrun mitigation efforts. Monitors contingency allocations for the budget and identifies areas that need to be addressed by contract modifications or other adjustments to the scope of work, design changes, etc.
• Oversee and coordinates preparation of monthly portfolio financial reports which track the entire portfolio funding, budget, expenditures, and progress.
• Perform monthly project financial review meetings with Project Managers.
• Prepare portfolio level cashflow projections
• Serve as PMIS expert and Administrator.
• Performs other related responsibilities as assigned.

Here’s what you’ll need

• At least 5 years’ experience in project controls or related industry expertise preferred
• Proficient using MS Office tools including Power BI
• Proficient using a project management information system (PMIS), prefer programming experience including workflow and module enhancement expertise
• Good verbal and written communications skills and a desire to work with details
• Strong leadership skills and enjoys helping mentor and train staff
• Travel required

Ideally, you’ll also have

• BS or BA in Cost Management, Engineering, Project Management, Business, Accounting or Finance

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full-time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

The base salary range for this position is $95,200.00 to $150,000.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Job posted on October 22, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

Onsite employees are expected to attend a Jacobs Workplace on a full-time basis, as required by the nature of their role.