Senior Project Controls Planner, Project & Development Services

Cushman & Wakefield; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 123,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Cushman & Wakefield is seeking a Senior Project Controls Planner in Chicago to lead the client relationship and develop high-level strategic schedules and resource plans for capital projects through early lifecycle stages.

Collaborate with the cost lead and controls manager to build long-term project support, manage the schedule, and mentor junior team members. Requires 10+ years of planning experience and strong Primavera P6/MS Project skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management or related field.
• 10+ years of planner/scheduler experience on capital projects, including design and construction phases.
• Expertise using Primavera P6 and/or MS Project; strong written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Establish the schedule management program and deliverables for large capital programs.
• Interface with stakeholders to provide guidance and strategic scheduling recommendations.
• Develop, monitor and update integrated project plans and schedules.
• Coordinate Owner scope activities within the integrated schedule.
• Integrate third-party plans into the master schedule; run risk assessments as needed.
• Prepare baseline, progress, and what-if schedules; report on metrics and performance.

Skills

Team leadership

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Education

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

Tools

Primavera P6

MS Project

Job description

Job Title Senior Project Controls Planner, Project & Development Services Job Description Summary This senior level role will act as the face of the company responsible for the client relationship with regards to planning. Will make an immediate impact at a client by working with key stakeholders to develop high-level strategic schedules and resource plans to support the client through the early phases of the project lifecycle to closeout. Will work with the project cost lead and project controls manager to develop a plan for the long-term support of the project including building, managing and reporting on the schedule. Must have exceptional organizational, analytical and problem-solving. Must have the ability to lead a team and/or mentor less experienced team members.

Core Responsibilities

• Establish the schedule management program and deliverables to be used on large scale capital programs (tools, technology, processes and procedures)
• Interface with project stakeholders as a trusted advisor to provide guidance and strategic recommendations for the project
• Develop, monitor and update integrated project plans and schedules aligned with program and project goals
• Plan and coordinate all Owner scope activities within integrated project schedule
• Integrate all third party plans and schedules into integrated project schedule
• Facilitate interactive planning sessions and quantitative risk assessments when required
• Prepare baseline schedules (and schedule basis), progress schedules, and what-if schedules
• Establish schedule analysis and reporting metrics for both senior management and project team
• Assess impacts to the critical path and near-critical activities and report to the project team
• Monitor schedule deviations and variances and assist in the developing of alternative methods for corrective action
• Prepare and provide schedule progress reports, trending charts and schedule analysis on a periodic basis
• Maintain record of scope changes, trends and variances that potentially affect schedule performance
• Assure credibility of the information contained in the schedule
• Review schedules with project team members on a regular basis to ensure that accurate and timely data is incorporated in the schedule

Education/Experience

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management or related field. 10 or more years of related experience in working as a planner/scheduler on capital projects, including design and construction phases. Direct experience working on teams within a complex, matrixed environment. Expertise using Primavera P6 and/or MS Project Experience within the construction industry required, candidates with additional life sciences experience strongly preferred. Must possess exemplary communication skills - both oral and written.

Cushman & Wakefield also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life, and disability insurance programs, and paid and unpaid time away from work. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees with competitive pay, which may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, total hours worked, job type, business line, and applicability of collective bargaining agreements. The compensation that will be offered to the successful candidate will depend on factors such as whether the position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the geographic area in which the work will be performed, market pay rates in that area, and the candidate’s experience and qualifications. The company will not pay less than minimum wage for this role. The compensation for the position is: $ 123,250.00 - $145,000.00

Cushman & Wakefield is an Equal Opportunity employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position at Cushman & Wakefield, please call the ADA line at 1-888-365-5406 or email [e-mail]. Please refer to the job title and job location when you contact us.

About Cushman & Wakefield

INCO: “Cushman & Wakefield” About Cushman & Wakefield Cushman & Wakefield Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global commercial real estate services firm for occupiers and investors with approximately 53,000 employees in over 350 offices and nearly 60 countries. In 2025, the firm reported revenue of $10.3 billion across its core service lines of services, Leasing, Capital markets, and Valuation and other. Built around the belief that Better never settles, the firm receives numerous industry and business accolades for its award-winning culture. For additional information, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com