Project Controls Manager (EXCEL / EPI)

EXCEL Group; Des Moines, Northern (IA, KY); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer matching

Disability benefits

Mental wellness programs

Job summary

EXCEL Group is seeking an experienced Project Controls Manager to lead cost control, scheduling, forecasting, and performance reporting for industrial construction projects. This role ensures on-time delivery within approved budgets while supporting cross-functional teams with data-driven insights.

The position requires strong analytical capability, leadership, and clear communication. You will oversee project controls through initiation to closeout, visiting sites as needed and coordinating

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; construction industry experience preferred.
• Minimum 7 years in construction project management, scheduling, or cost controls.
• LEAN principles experience desirable; OSHA 30 preferred, or willingness to obtain.
• Proficiency with MS Office; familiarity with Procore/JDE/Bluebeam.

Responsibilities

• Manage project scheduling compliance and reporting.
• Create and monitor project financials and cost reporting.
• Ensure weekly schedule updates and address long-lead items.
• Review schedule updates, costs, and projections with project teams.
• Understand contract terms to keep work in progress within scope.
• Collaborate on quality control plans and related programs.
• Assess workflows for maximum utilization across platforms.
• Assist with preconstruction efforts and preliminary scheduling.
• Partner with project team to meet project goals.
• Maintain relationships with personnel and third parties to exploit opportunities.
• Identify value engineering opportunities within delegated authority.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Project management

Analytical skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Initiative

Independent judgment

Negotiation

Business acumen

Client relations

Decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

Scheduling software

JDE

Procore

Bluebeam

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Project Controls Manager to lead all project controls functions for industrial construction projects from initiation through closeout. This role is responsible for cost control, scheduling, forecasting, and performance reporting to ensure projects are executed safely, on schedule, and within approved budgets. Strong analytical capability, leadership, and clear communication are essential to support cross-functional teams, identify risks, and provide data-driven insight that drives successful project outcomes.

The Project Controls Manager is responsible for actively managing assigned projects) risk while closely collaborating with project teams. This role closely monitors project cost, progress, scheduling and quality (if applicable), including scopes of work and forecast completion. The Project Controls Manager typically reports to the Senior Project Manager or Project Executive.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage and monitor compliance with project scheduling, quality control (if applicable) and reporting requirements
• Create, monitor and manage project financials and cost reporting
• Ensure project schedule is updated weekly; identify and address long lead items; discuss with project leadership as needed
• Review schedule updates and status, cost updates and cost projections with project teams
• Understand contract terms and obligations to ensure work in progress is within scope; coordinate and communicate with applicable project team members
• Collaborate with project team to implement and monitor compliance of project quality control plan and related programs, if applicable
• Assess and monitor established workflows and/or systems to ensure maximum utilization across platforms; identify and initiate process enhancements
• Assist with preconstruction efforts (i.e. create preliminary schedule, detect constructability issues)
• Partner with project team to implement and execute project goals
• Foster and maintain working relationships with all personnel involved in the construction process; initiate third party relationships when opportunities arise
• Identify and approve value engineering and scope reduction opportunities within delegated authority
• Perform other duties as assigned

Standards of Conduct

• Exhibit leadership qualities to staff members, assigned projects, and other dealings while representing the Company
• Display personal ethics and solid independent judgement in all dealings; including fiscal matters, confidentiality and decision-making
• Execute high quality work product accurately, organized and on time; follow established processes and standards
• Take initiative and follow through on commitments, including assignments and established deadlines
• Assume responsibility for individual and team performance and growth
• Inform management on status of work, escalated issues, resource gaps and unmanaged risks
• Display effective written and verbal communication, express disagreement tactfully and build trust both internally and externally
• Contribute to a supportive work environment to accomplish goals, both independently or with a team
• Comply with all company policies, procedures, and standards
• Observe all applicable safety protocol and policies; report and stop any observed unsafe activity
• Embody the Company core values and embrace the "light of day" test
• Contribute to the core purpose, strategic plans and objectives of the company

Characteristics for Success

• Detail-oriented and highly organized
• Ability to prioritize workload, multi-task, manage time and shift gears as needed
• Firm, but fair, approach in all business dealings to protect the interests of the Company while providing outstanding customer service
• Excellent work ethic, drive and motivationAbility to master technical knowledge quickly
• Pursuit of continuous learning and self-development opportunities
• Skilled in solving issues effectively and efficiently
• Ability to lead, motivate and inspire others

Qualifications

• Education: An industry related bachelor's degree is required An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Experience: A minimum of seven (7) years of construction project management, project scheduling or cost controls experience is required. LEAN principles experience and ability to apply principles is desirable. OSHA 30 preferred, or the willingness to obtain upon hire.
• Technology: Proficiency in basic computer software programs such as Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, Excel, and Outlook. Employee should have experience with scheduling software and the ability to learn other specific software (JDE, Procore, Bluebeam, etc.).
• Skills: A qualified candidate will demonstrate initiative, independent judgment, project management and analytical skills. They should also show strong negotiation, leadership, problem solving, business acumen, client relation and decision making abilities.

This position works primarily in an office environment but does frequently visit a construction project site.

Physical Demands

Frequently requires repetitive hand motions. Regularly required to speak and listen. Specific vision abilities include close vision and ability to adjust focus. Must be able to bend, sit, and stand. This list is to be considered general and not all-inclusive. The Company reserves the right to change or modify, consistent with business necessity.

We offer a rich benefit package including: health, dental, and vision coverage to keep you and your family healthy; a 401(k) plan with employer matching; supplementary benefits including short and long-term disability; access to counseling services and mental wellness programs; a salary that reflects your experience and performance, and much more!

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.