Project Controls Manager

HDR; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR Lexington is seeking a Project Controls Manager to lead cost and schedule controls for transportation infrastructure programs. You’ll partner with design, construction and operations teams to deliver accurate, decision-ready information and ensure adherence to project controls standards.

Ideal candidates have a strong background in engineering/construction controls, hands-on experience with Primavera P6 and PMIS tools, and a collaborative, client-focused mindset.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering, Construction Management, Engineering Management, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in project controls on engineering/construction projects.
• Experience with PMIS software and cost/schedule control systems.

Responsibilities

• Partner with designers, contractors, inspectors and other third-party entities to identify, communicate and resolve scope and pricing variances.
• Establish a procedural framework for preparing, reporting and reconciling variances and enhancing reporting tools.
• Manage adherence to project controls practices including change management and records management.
• Develop and monitor KPIs and report to project staff and client.
• Lead coordination meetings and foster collaboration across teams.
• Review change documentation for compliance with procedures and contract specs.
• Establish project schedules, forecast and cost controls procedures.
• Perform other duties as needed.
• Interpret drawings and specifications to extract scope quantities.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Multi-tasking

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Construction Management

Tools

Primavera P6

eBuilder

ProCore

QuickBase

InEight

Kahua

PMWeb

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

We believe transportation is more than movement, it’s the foundation of connected, thriving communities. As part of HDR’s Transportation Business Group, you’ll help shape the systems that move people and goods safely, efficiently, and sustainably. From designing resilient highways and iconic bridges to advancing transit, passenger and freight rail, aviation, federal transportation ports and marine infrastructure, your work will directly support economic vitality, public safety, sustainable and resilient communities and quality of life. We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction management staff, environmental, strategic communications, economists, management consultants and specialists across disciplines to solve complex mobility challenges with innovation, technical excellence, and a deep understanding of community needs. Whether you're modernizing aging infrastructure or pioneering next‑generation transportation solutions, your contributions will help define the future of mobility. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to lead progress, drive meaningful impact, and leave a legacy of smarter, more connected transportation networks. We are all employee-owners at HDR, which is the foundation of our collaborative culture that connects employees around the world

The Project Controls Manager is responsible for project controls activities in support of Project Managers, Program Managers, and Project Controls leadership. The role focuses on supporting, maintaining, analyzing, and reporting project cost and schedule information to support informed decision making. This position is non supervisory and emphasizes technical accuracy, consistency, and disciplined controls execution within defined procedures. Role Purpose The Project Controls Specialist is responsible for supporting, implementing, and enforcing program-wide project controls practices that enable scope, schedule, budget, and risk performance across capital programs. The role partners closely with Program Managers, Project Managers, Owners, Finance, Procurement, Design, Construction, and Operations to provide transparent, decision-ready information.

In the role of Project Controls Manager, we'll count on you to:

• Partner with designers, contractors, inspectors and other third-party entities to proactively identify, communicate and resolve scope and pricing variances
• Establish a procedural framework for preparing, reporting and reconciling variances, including developing and/or enhancing reporting procedures and tools
• Manage and enforce adherence to project controls practices and procedures, including change management and records management
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators and report to project and program staff and client
• Proactively seek collaboration and cooperation
• Set up and lead coordination meetings
• Review project change documentation and ensure compliance with change procedures and contract specifications

Establish project schedules, forecast and cost controls procedures

• Perform other duties as needed
• Interpret drawings and specifications to extract scope quantities

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Engineering Management, or a related field.
• 10 years of experience supporting project controls functions on capital or infrastructure projects.
• Working‑level proficiency with Primavera P6.
• Document Controls experience
• Strong interpersonal skills and “can-do” attitude.
• Strong organizational skills; able to manage priorities and workflow on multiple simultaneous projects.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Highly proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suites
• Ability to prioritize completing demands for your time in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to self-manage work and collaborate effectively with a team from different locations at all organizational levels.
• Commitment to excellence and high standards.
• Willingness to travel when required
• Experience with PMIS software (eBuilder, ProCore, QuickBase, InEight, Kahua, PMWeb, etc.)
• Familiar with variation of project controls role using various delivery methods including traditional design bid build (DBB), design-build (DB), EPCm, progressive design build (PDB), Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), and/or construction management at-risk (CMAR).
• Account for facility operational constraints such as work windows, facility access restrictions, and phasing requirements.
• Assist with tracking schedule and cost impacts related to operations and regulatory requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in project controls work on engineering and construction projects, including planning, estimating, forecasting, scheduling, cost control, schedule control, and project reports
• Ability to manage proposal preparation, contract review and negotiation, client relationship and win strategy for medium to large EPC Projects
• Strong decision-making skills
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills
• Ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple long- and short-term tasks simultaneously
• Strong organizational, analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
• Sponsorship (visa) for US employment authorization is not available now or in the future for this position

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Primary Location:United States-Kentucky-Lexington Industry:Aviation Schedule:Full-time Employee Status:Regular BusinessClass:Project Controls Job Posting:Aug 19, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Aff... We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.