Project Controls Specialist

Tri City Group; DeKalb (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Tri-City Group in DeKalb, IL is seeking a Project Controls Specialist to support financial and operational performance on large construction projects. You will manage project data, schedules, and reporting to drive informed decisions and reduce financial risk.

The role requires 3–7 years in project controls, strong Excel, and experience with Primavera P6; ERP and Power BI experience are preferred. This is a full-time, exempt position aligned with site needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.
• 3–7 years of experience in project controls, cost engineering, scheduling, construction management, or project management.
• Experience with cost control, forecasting, budgeting, and Earned Value Management.
• Experience developing and maintaining schedules using Primavera P6.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including reporting, pivot tables, and data analysis.
• Experience with ERP systems and Power BI preferred.

Responsibilities

• Monitor project costs, budgets, forecasts, and EAC/EOC projections.
• Analyze cost and productivity variances and identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Develop, maintain, and update project schedules using Primavera P6.
• Complete schedule updates, critical path analyses, schedule health assessments, and recovery planning.
• Measure project progress and track labor productivity, installed quantities, unit rates, and earned hours.
• Implement and maintain Earned Value Management processes and performance metrics.
• Maintain project dashboards, KPIs, executive summaries, and performance reports.
• Prepare and present weekly and monthly project performance updates.
• Ensure the accuracy and consistency of cost, schedule, and progress data.
• Partner with project managers, field teams, Accounting, clients, and general contractors to meet reporting requirements.
• Participate in project review meetings and recommend actions to improve project performance.

Skills

Cost control

Forecasting

Budgeting

Earned Value Management

Excel proficiency

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Project Management, Finance, or related field

Tools

Primavera P6

Power BI

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Tri-City Group is currently seeking a Project Controls Specialist for DeKalb, IL The Project Controls Specialist will support the financial and operational performance of large-scale construction projects. This role plays a key part in managing project data, maintaining schedules, and ensuring accurate reporting to help drive informed decision-making and minimize financial risk.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Monitor project costs and maintain budgets, cost reports, forecasts, and Estimate at Completion and Estimate to Complete projections
• Analyze cost and productivity variances and identify trends, risks, and opportunities
• Develop, maintain, and update project schedules using Primavera P6
• Complete schedule updates, critical path analyses, schedule health assessments, and recovery planning
• Measure project progress and track labor productivity, installed quantities, unit rates, and earned hours
• Implement and maintain Earned Value Management processes and performance metrics
• Maintain project dashboards, KPIs, executive summaries, and performance reports
• Prepare and present weekly and monthly project performance updates
• Ensure the accuracy and consistency of cost, schedule, and progress data
• Partner with project managers, field teams, Accounting, clients, and general contractors to meet reporting requirements
• Participate in project review meetings and recommend actions to improve project performance

This is a full-time, exempt position. The work schedule is established by job-site requirements and is subject to change as business needs dictate.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Project Management, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred
• Three to seven years of experience in project controls, cost engineering, scheduling, construction management, or project management
• Experience with cost control, forecasting, budgeting, and Earned Value Management
• Experience developing and maintaining schedules using Primavera P6
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including reporting, pivot tables, and data analysis
• Experience with ERP systems and Power BI preferred

Candidates must possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret project performance data and ensure accuracy across reporting systems. This includes a high level of attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced construction environment. Candidates must also communicate effectively and collaborate across field teams, project management, accounting, and scheduling functions.

All job offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a drug screen, reference check, and any background requirements established by the General Contractor. Tri-City Group is an equal opportunity employer.