Project Controls Manager

USA Rare Earth, LLC•Wheat Ridge, CO

4d•$170,000 - $190,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Project Controls Manager is responsible for developing and managing the project controls function for major capital projects. This role establishes and maintains processes, systems, and reporting for project planning, scheduling, cost control, forecasting, risk management, and performance measurement. Initially operating as a hands-on individual contributor, the Project Controls Manager will execute project controls activities directly while building the framework and team needed to support the company's growing capital program.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, Business, Finance, or a related field.
7+ years of experience in project controls, construction management, project management, or capital project execution.
2+ years of leadership or supervisory experience.
Experience supporting large industrial, mining, manufacturing, energy, or infrastructure projects.
Strong knowledge of project scheduling, cost control, forecasting, risk management, and earned value management.
Proficiency with Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar project controls software.
Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting mining, minerals processing, manufacturing, or chemical processing projects.
Professional certification such as PMP, CCP, or PSP.
Experience establishing project controls functions within a growing organization.
Knowledge of EPC/EPCM project delivery and contractor management practices.
Experience with Power BI, Primavera Analytics, SAP, Oracle, or similar reporting platforms.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement project controls standards, procedures, and reporting processes across the capital project portfolio.
Create and maintain integrated project schedules, monitor progress, and identify schedule risks and recovery opportunities.
Track project costs, commitments, forecasts, and performance against approved budgets and AFEs.
Develop and maintain earned value metrics, project forecasts, and performance reporting.
Manage project risk registers and facilitate risk identification and mitigation activities.
Validate contractor progress, review invoices, and monitor contractor performance.
Develop work breakdown structures (WBS), project coding structures, and reporting frameworks.
Coordinate with engineering, procurement, construction, and finance teams to ensure alignment of project scope, schedule, and cost objectives.
Prepare weekly, monthly, and executive-level project status reports for leadership and Board review.
Support project estimating, cash flow forecasting, change management, and capital planning activities.
Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of project controls tools, systems, and processes.
Build and manage project controls personnel as project needs evolve.