Project Controls Manager

Gardner Builders • Minneapolis, MN

1d • $90,000 - $130,000 • Onsite

About The Position

At Gardner, we believe commercial construction should feel as welcoming as it is professional. That’s why we don’t just build and renovate spaces; we build relationships rooted in hospitality. Our mission is to set the platinum standard for our clients, partners, and team members by delivering exceptional results while embodying our core values: passion, humility, excellence, empathy, and nimbleness. We bring a hospitality-driven approach to every project, ensuring that every interaction is thoughtful, responsive, and human-centered.

Who You Are
You’re curious about what’s behind the numbers and confident asking the questions that help a team see the full picture. You understand how construction projects come together and how decisions along the way affect cost, cash flow, and profitability.

You enjoy being a trusted partner to project teams. You can dig into the details, challenge an assumption with care, and turn complex financial information into a clear next step. You take ownership, follow through, and bring a hospitality mindset to the people who count on you.

At Gardner, we believe how we build matters as much as what we build. As our Project Controls Manager, you’ll help guide the financial health of large, complex projects from contract award through closeout, working closely with Project Managers, Project Executives, and our accounting team.

Requirements

• 5+ years of progressive commercial construction accounting or project management experience with a general contractor or construction manager.
• Experience supporting large, complex construction projects and collaborating with project teams, accounting, and financial leadership.
• A strong understanding of construction accounting and project economics, including forecasting, cost-to-complete, margin, and cash flow.
• Working knowledge of AIA G702/G703 pay applications, schedules of values, change orders, stored-material billing, retainage, and supporting documentation.
• Strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and the confidence to investigate discrepancies and constructively challenge assumptions.
• Clear communication, strong relationship-building skills, and the ability to manage competing deadlines without losing sight of the details.
• Proficiency with Excel, construction accounting systems, and construction management software.

Nice To Haves

• Direct experience managing financial performance on $50M+ cost-plus-fee, guaranteed maximum price projects.
• Familiarity with CMiC, Textura, and Procore.
• A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Examples of turning financial analysis into decisions that improved project outcomes.
• Experience helping project teams build stronger financial practices and more consistent processes.
• A natural connection to Gardner’s values of passion, humility, excellence, empathy, and nimbleness.

Responsibilities

• Own the financial picture of one or more large construction projects, typically $50M+ and delivered through cost-plus-fee contracts with a guaranteed maximum price.
• Drive monthly project forecasts, partnering with project teams to validate remaining costs, challenge assumptions, and maintain a dependable view of final cost and margin.
• Monitor budgets, commitments, actual costs, contingency, and change orders to identify risks and opportunities early and recommend practical next steps.
• Prepare and submit accurate owner billings, including AIA pay applications and supporting documentation, while keeping unbilled work and closeout requirements moving.
• Partner with project teams and trade partners to review pay applications, confirm contract and documentation compliance, and resolve payment questions.
• Build forward-looking cash flow forecasts, follow up on collections, and anticipate the timing of billings, payments, and retainage releases.
• Give project leaders and the Controller clear financial insights that support decisions and protect project profitability.
• Help project teams strengthen billing, cost coding, and cost management practices while contributing to better processes across accounting.

Benefits

• Annual Salary: $90,000 - $130,000 (paid weekly) + discretionary bonus.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, vision, HSA with employer contribution, and 401(k) plan with employer contribution
• Ancillary Benefits: Company-paid basic life & AD&D insurance, company-paid long-term disability, company-paid employee assistance program, accident insurance, and critical illness insurance
• Perks: Paid parking or public transportation costs, company-provided phone, and laptop.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sabbatical leave, paid bereavement leave, paid parental leave, free onsite fitness facility, and regular company and team outings.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree