Project Controls Manager

Rider Levett Bucknall RLB; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent compensation package

Professional growth opportunities

Collaborative team environment

Job summary

A leading construction consultancy in Wisconsin seeks a Project Controls Manager to oversee all project controls functions, including cost management, risk assessment, and financial reporting. The successful candidate will have at least 8 years of experience in project controls and a relevant Bachelor’s degree. Responsibilities include managing project budgets, developing project control systems, and providing strategic direction. An inclusive and proactive environment is promoted with key emphasis on delivering exceptional client service and project success.

Qualifications

• 8–12+ years of experience in project controls or construction management.
• Strong ability in cost estimating and forecasting.
• Proven leadership in managing large-scale projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee project controls functions across assigned projects.
• Provide strategic direction on cost and change control.
• Develop and improve project controls systems and processes.

Skills

Cost management

Change management

Scheduling

Financial analysis

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Project controls software

Job description

Overview

In this role, you will be a member of our project management team, delivering solutions to clients in the areas of project controls, budget development, cost planning, feasibility studies, value management, economic forecasting, milestone reports, pre- and post-contract auditing, change order review and reconciliation, BIM 5D cost modeling, LEED cost analysis, life cycle costing, and implementation of project controls systems.

Title: Project Controls Manager

Reporting to: Office Leader

Truth. Trust. Together. Tomorrow. At RLB, we speak the truth, build for the long term, look out for each other and work to do good. We are driven by outcomes, creating tailored solutions that deliver successful projects. We believe that when we bring together the right people doing things the right way, we make progress for our clients and our communities. RLB is an award-winning international firm, known for providing property and construction consultancy advice at all stages of the construction cycle. Our employees are involved in a variety of projects across a range of sectors, from sports arenas and healthcare to higher education and convention centers. As a privately held company, we hire the best people, give them exceptional training, and provide extensive opportunities for professional growth while working on exciting projects and providing an excellent compensation and benefits package.

Essential Functions

• Lead and oversee all project controls functions including cost management, change management, scheduling, risk, and reporting across assigned projects.
• Provide strategic direction on cost and change control, including oversight of change order review, negotiation strategy, delay analysis, and final recommendations to senior leadership.
• Partner with Project Managers and executive stakeholders to establish and maintain project budgets, forecasts, and financial performance metrics.
• Own and manage project contingency strategy, including allocation, drawdown approvals, and reporting.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve project controls systems, tools, and governance processes to ensure consistency and accuracy across projects.
• Lead financial forecasting, modeling, and variance analysis, providing actionable insights to drive decision-making.
• Oversee month-end close activities, accruals, journal entries, and financial reconciliations in coordination with accounting teams.
• Ensure accurate management of invoicing, payment applications, and cash flow tracking, including reporting to internal and external stakeholders.
• Direct the preparation and delivery of executive-level reporting, including monthly reports, earned value analysis, and performance dashboards.
• Establish and maintain earned value management (EVM) practices to track project performance against scope, schedule, and budget.
• Provide leadership in reviewing and validating General Contractor cost reports, including reconciliation of actual costs against GMP and Schedule of Values.
• Oversee contract administration processes, including commercial terms, retention, allowances, contingency, insurance, and incentive structures.
• Lead cost benchmarking initiatives, including development and maintenance of historical cost databases and as-built cost records.
• Ensure robust document control and project records management systems are in place and consistently followed.
• Direct and manage the project closeout process, including early planning, documentation requirements, and final turnover deliverables (warranties, as-builts, O&M manuals).
• Chair and facilitate change control, cost review, and risk management meetings, ensuring alignment and accountability across stakeholders.
• Lead risk management efforts, including maintaining risk registers, performing quantitative/qualitative analysis, and developing mitigation strategies.
• Oversee schedule performance monitoring, including analysis of actual vs. planned progress and integration with cost impacts.
• Ensure alignment with QA/QC standards and project governance requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to standardize and enhance RFPs, SOWs, contracts, and procurement processes.
• Provide leadership in supplier and procurement coordination, including tracking proposal reviews, negotiations, contract execution, and delivery performance.
• Drive accountability for purchase order lifecycle management, including tracking, reconciliation, and closeout.
• Mentor and guide junior project controls staff, fostering a high-performance, collaborative team environment.
• Contribute to organizational excellence by supporting strategic initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a positive, proactive approach to the role and will be committed to delivering customer service excellence.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering (Structural, Mechanical, or Architectural), Cost Management, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience: 8–12+ years of progressive experience in project controls, cost management, or construction management, including demonstrated leadership or management responsibilities.
• Strong expertise in cost management, estimating, forecasting, and financial analysis across all phases of design and construction.
• Proven ability to lead project controls functions on complex, large-scale projects or programs.
• Advanced knowledge of project controls systems, EVM principles, and industry-standard estimating tools.
• Strong understanding of financial statements (P&L), contracts, and commercial management practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, stakeholder management, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant project controls/estimating software.

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• Indoor office environment. May require work on-site location when necessary.
• Equipment used includes computers and standard office machines.
• Essential physical tasks include the ability to work on a computer and the ability to answer and speak on a telephone.