Cost Management Project Controls Specialist

Role summary / purpose We are seeking an experienced Principal Project Controls Specialist - Cost to provide advanced cost management, forecasting, and project controls support for a major project portfolio. The ideal candidate will have extensive Project Controls experience, expert-level Excel capabilities, and a strong background in cost forecasting, variance analysis, budgeting, change management, and project risk assessment. This individual must be capable of independently managing complex assignments, analyzing large datasets, and providing technical leadership to other Project Controls professionals. Key responsibilities Cost Management & Forecasting • Lead cost reporting, analysis, and forecasting activities across multiple construction projects • Review and analyze project cost estimates, including estimating assumptions, basis, and qualifications • Develop and maintain project budgets, forecasts, and cost performance reports • Perform cost analysis, variance analysis, trending, and burn rate evaluations • Evaluate project cost performance and identify potential financial impacts • Integrate project costs with schedules to support accurate forecasting • Develop average unit costs and support project estimating activities • Apply cost management, change control, and basic accounting principles • Monitor contractor and vendor cost performance • Provide cost reporting and analysis at the project, program, and portfolio levels Project Controls & Risk Management • Support project controls activities for the project portfolio • Review project status information provided by internal teams, contractors, and vendors • Perform project risk identification, quantification, analysis, and management • Evaluate potential cost and schedule impacts associated with project risks • Support forecasting of project cost changes and potential overruns • Review vendor change orders and assess financial and project impacts • Monitor compliance with established project controls policies, procedures, and standards • Maintain accurate project cost and risk information within designated systems • Identify project performance issues and recommend corrective actions Reporting & Data Analysis • Develop and maintain complex project controls reporting systems and analytical tools • Analyze large datasets to identify cost trends, variances, and potential risks • Prepare detailed cost reports, forecasts, and financial performance summaries • Utilize advanced Excel functions and analytical tools to support reporting and decision-making • Consolidate project information into program- and portfolio-level reporting • Communicate project performance, cost trends, risks, and recommendations to leadership • Support continuous improvement of reporting processes and project controls methodologies Project Coordination & Leadership • Collaborate with Project Managers, Project Controls teams, contractors, and external vendors • Provide technical guidance and support for complex cost management assignments • Lead and coach junior Cost Analysts and Project Controls Specialists • Support the development and implementation of project controls best practices • Coordinate cost, schedule, and risk information across multiple projects • Independently identify and resolve complex project controls issues • Maintain effective communication with stakeholders across multiple organizational levels Requirements – education & experience • Bachelor's de…