Project Controls & Cost Lead

Project Controls & Cost Lead

Clayton Services is seeking an experienced Project Controls & Cost Lead to build and manage a comprehensive project controls function supporting a large-scale capital program. The Project Controls & Cost Lead will serve as the subject matter expert for cost forecasting, project reporting, change management, and capital project visibility across multiple concurrent projects. This is a highly visible role that requires a hands-on professional capable of developing processes, creating reporting structures, and maintaining accurate, actionable data that supports executive decision-making. The ideal candidate enjoys building systems from the ground up and thrives in entrepreneurial, fast-paced environments.

Job Type: Long Term Contract (expected to last 3-5 years) Pay Rate: $80.00 - $95.00/hour, depending on experience Benefits: Medical benefits once eligible Work Setting: Fully Remote

Project Controls & Cost Lead Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain Estimate at Completion (EAC) forecasts for active capital projects and approved funding authorizations
• Create and implement cost forecasting methodologies, project controls processes, and reporting standards
• Monitor project costs and identify potential overruns, risks, and cost drivers before they become financial issues
• Perform detailed variance analysis and provide recommendations to leadership
• Establish and maintain change management processes, including change registers and cost impact assessments
• Develop and implement standardized physical progress measurement methodologies
• Reconcile actual project costs against financial systems and reporting platforms
• Design, maintain, and improve datasets used for executive dashboards and project reporting
• Partner with operations, engineering, finance, and analytics teams to ensure data integrity and reporting accuracy
• Develop reporting structures that provide clear visibility into project performance and capital efficiency
• Establish and document repeatable processes, templates, and workflows that can scale with organizational growth
• Coordinate data inputs and reporting requirements across multiple stakeholders
• Continuously evaluate opportunities to improve reporting capabilities, forecasting accuracy, and operational visibility

Project Controls & Cost Lead Skills and Abilities:

• Expert knowledge of project controls, cost engineering, and capital forecasting methodologies
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including complex modeling and financial analysis
• Strong understanding of Estimate at Completion (EAC) forecasting and cost variance analysis
• Experience designing and implementing project controls systems and reporting frameworks
• Strong data management and reporting capabilities
• Experience working with business intelligence and reporting platforms, including Power BI preferred
• Knowledge of change management processes and progress measurement methodologies
• Ability to analyze large datasets and translate information into meaningful business insights
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Strong communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with executive leadership and cross-functional teams
• Ability to balance attention to detail with broader business objectives
• Self-starter with the ability to build structure and processes in a developing environment

Project Controls & Cost Lead Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, Accounting, Project Management, or a related field preferred
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in project controls, cost engineering, cost management, or capital project controls
• Demonstrated experience building forecasting, reporting, or cost-control systems from the ground up
• Experience supporting capital projects within energy, industrial, manufacturing, EPC, construction, infrastructure, or related environments
• Experience with business intelligence tools, data modeling, and reporting platforms strongly preferred
• Experience working with ERP, accounting, or project management systems preferred
• Professional certifications in project controls, cost engineering, or project management are highly desirable
• Proven ability to operate as an individual contributor while establishing processes and standards for future growth

Project Controls & Cost Lead - Why Join This Opportunity?

• Fully remote work arrangement
• Long-term contract assignment expected to last 3-5 years
• Highly visible role with direct interaction with company leadership
• Opportunity to build and own a project controls function from the ground up
• Significant influence on reporting methodologies, systems, and business processes
• Competitive compensation with potential performance-based incentives
• Opportunity to work on a large-scale capital program with multiple concurrent projects
• An entrepreneurial environment where your work will have a direct and measurable impact on the organization

Project Controls & Cost Lead - Immediate need. Apply today!