Project Controls Analyst

About this opportunity

Location: Naperville, IL 

As a Project Controls Analyst , you’ll play a key role in supporting the successful delivery of major natural gas and utilities projects . Working alongside Project Managers, Cost Managers, Schedulers and client teams, you’ll help turn project data into meaningful insights that drive better decisions and keep projects on track.

You’ll be involved throughout the project lifecycle, from planning and forecasting through to performance monitoring, reporting and closeout . You’ll analyze project data, identify trends and variances, maintain project controls systems and help provide clear, accurate reporting to project stakeholders.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys working with data, solving problems and being at the heart of project delivery . You’ll gain exposure to complex infrastructure projects while developing your project controls expertise and working with experienced teams across the natural gas and utilities sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development, implementation and maintenance of project controls processes and procedures.
• Assist with project cost, schedule and performance monitoring across multiple projects and workstreams.
• Collect, validate and analyze project data to identify trends, risks, variances and areas requiring management attention.
• Prepare regular project controls reports, dashboards and management information for internal and client stakeholders.
• Support budget tracking, forecasting, actual cost reporting and Estimate at Completion (EAC) analysis.
• Assist with schedule monitoring, progress measurement and variance analysis.
• Support Earned Value Management (EVM) activities where applicable.
• Maintain project controls databases, reporting tools and project documentation.
• Work with project teams to ensure data is accurate, consistent and reported in a timely manner.
• Assist with change control, risk and opportunity tracking and impact assessments.
• Support the identification and escalation of project risks, trends and potential impacts to cost and schedule.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement and standardization of project controls processes and reporting.
• Participate in project and client meetings, providing relevant project controls information and analysis.
• Develop strong working relationships with clients, contractors, consultants and internal project teams.

Who we’re looking for:

Experience, Knowledge and Key Skills

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience in project controls, project management, cost management, planning, scheduling, financial analysis or a related discipline .
• Experience supporting infrastructure, utilities, energy, natural gas, engineering or construction projects is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex project information.
• Good understanding of project cost and schedule management principles.
• Experience with project reporting, forecasting and variance analysis.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including the ability to work with large datasets and develop reporting tools.
• Experience with Power BI, Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, SAP or other project controls/ERP systems is advantageous.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively within a fast-paced project environment.
• A proactive approach with the ability to identify issues and recommend solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, Business, Project Management or a related discipline preferred.
• Relevant project controls, scheduling, cost management or project management certifications are advantageous.