Project Controls Specialist

Project Controls Specialist

Location: Richmond, Virginia

The Project Controls Specialist plays a key role in keeping large-scale infrastructure and capital construction projects on track by managing cost and schedule performance, delivering clear reporting, and supporting proactive decision-making. This position partners with cross-functional teams to improve visibility, accountability, and execution across major capital programs.

Salary Range: $90,000 – $140,000 annually (salary may increase based on relevant experience, education, certifications, and overall qualifications).

Our client is a respected project management, project controls, and technology management firm with 30+ years of experience supporting major capital projects across transportation, utilities, oil & gas, and water throughout the U.S. The organization is certified as a Federal Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and a State of California Small Business / Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (SB/DVBE).

Position Summary

The Project Controls Specialist supports planning and execution of large infrastructure and capital construction projects by ensuring programs meet schedule, cost, and performance targets. This role works closely with project managers, engineering teams, finance, procurement, and stakeholders to monitor progress, analyze trends, produce reporting, and enhance project controls processes. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with Primavera P6 scheduling and cost management, including forecasting and variance analysis, and thrives in a fast-paced, high-visibility capital project environment.

Key Responsibilities

Schedule & Cost Management

• Develop, maintain, and monitor integrated project schedules and cost plans, including baselines, updates, and forecasts.
• Track project progress against planned milestones, budgets, and resource plans across multiple workstreams.
• Perform variance analysis, trend reporting, and identify schedule or cost risks and impacts.
• Support earned value management (EVM) and performance measurement where applicable.
• Assist with forecasting, budget status reporting, and cash flow projections as needed.

Reporting & Stakeholder Updates

• Create accurate cost and schedule performance reports for project leadership and stakeholders.
• Build and distribute dashboards, performance metrics, and executive status summaries.
• Prepare professional presentations and written updates for internal meetings and client-facing reviews.
• Maintain documentation and records of project status, changes, and forecasts.

Project Controls Processes & Systems

• Develop and maintain Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) and support project setup in project control systems.
• Coordinate change order tracking, budget alignment, cost coding, and invoice status reconciliation.
• Support or lead weekly financial and project status review meetings, including action-item follow-up.
• Identify and recommend process improvements to strengthen reporting accuracy, data quality, and controls workflows.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with project managers to align scope, schedule, budget, and forecasting assumptions.
• Liaise with finance, procurement, and accounting teams to confirm accurate cost and invoice status.
• Communicate schedule/cost risks and recommendations clearly to leadership and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in project controls, scheduling, cost management, or related functions.
• Proficiency in Primavera P6 (schedule development, maintenance, updates, and reporting) (training is available.)
• Strong skills in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint).
• Working knowledge of cost forecasting, budget tracking, and variance analysis.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to provide clear, accurate reporting to stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail with excellent organization, follow-through, and time management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting capital construction projects and/or large infrastructure programs (transportation, utilities, energy, water, heavy civil, or major public works).
• Certifications such as CAPM, PMP, or advanced project controls training.
• Experience using ERP or integrated financial systems and reporting tools (e.g., Power BI).

Work Environment

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Collaboration across cross-functional teams and stakeholder groups.
• Occasional travel may be required based on program needs.

SmartHire Disclaimer

SmartHire Inc. is a professional recruiting and consulting firm supporting clients nationwide. The details in this job description are presented for recruiting purposes and may be subject to change based on client needs. Salary ranges (if listed) may vary based on skills, experience, certifications, and geographic location. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of any required background checks, drug screening, and reference checks in accordance with client requirements and applicable law.

SmartHire Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, citizenship status, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local law.