Project Controls Specialist

Stantec•Chicago, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Key Responsibilities Project Planning & Control Develop and maintain detailed project budgets, forecasts (EAC/ETC), and cash flow projections. Establish and manage cost and schedule control structures (WBS) aligned with project scope and execution plans. Monitor project performance using earned value and other key performance indicators; identify trends, risks, and variances. Support baseline development, change management, and reforecasting activities. Financial Management & Reporting Track project costs, labor utilization, and profitability across internal teams and subconsultants. Prepare and deliver regular project controls reports for project teams and leadership, including variance analysis and corrective action recommendations. Coordinate with Finance on revenue recognition, invoicing support, and financial close activities as required. Ensure compliance with internal project controls standards and external contractual requirements. Schedule Management Support development and maintenance of project schedules in coordination with Project Managers and discipline leads. Analyze schedule impacts, critical path, and resource loading where applicable. Integrate schedule data with cost and forecast reporting to provide a holistic view of project performance. Risk, Change, and Governance Support identification and quantification of project risks and opportunities. Assist with change order evaluations, pricing support, and documentation. Provide guidance on project controls best practices and mentor junior project controls staff as needed. Qualifications Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, Business, or a related field. Minimum 5 years of progressive project controls experience within a design-engineering or professional services firm. Strong knowledge of project cost control, forecasting, and earned value management in a labor-based environment. Proficiency with project controls tools and systems (e.g., Excel, project financial systems, scheduling software, Power BI or similar reporting tools). Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with Project Managers, technical teams, and finance stakeholders. Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills. Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting multi-discipline design projects and large, complex programs. Advanced Excel, P6/Project, and Power BI skills for financial modeling and dashboard reporting. Familiarity with internal governance models, stage-gate processes, or PMO environments. Professional certifications (PMP, PSP, EVP, CCP, or similar) a plus. Work Environment / Expectations Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. May support geographically distributed project teams, including global delivery centers. Hybrid or office-based role depending on location and business needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, Business, or a related field.
Minimum 5 years of progressive project controls experience within a design-engineering or professional services firm.
Strong knowledge of project cost control, forecasting, and earned value management in a labor-based environment.
Proficiency with project controls tools and systems (e.g., Excel, project financial systems, scheduling software, Power BI or similar reporting tools).
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with Project Managers, technical teams, and finance stakeholders.
Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting multi-discipline design projects and large, complex programs.
Advanced Excel, P6/Project, and Power BI skills for financial modeling and dashboard reporting.
Familiarity with internal governance models, stage-gate processes, or PMO environments.
Professional certifications (PMP, PSP, EVP, CCP, or similar) a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain detailed project budgets, forecasts (EAC/ETC), and cash flow projections.
Establish and manage cost and schedule control structures (WBS) aligned with project scope and execution plans.
Monitor project performance using earned value and other key performance indicators; identify trends, risks, and variances.
Support baseline development, change management, and reforecasting activities.
Track project costs, labor utilization, and profitability across internal teams and subconsultants.
Prepare and deliver regular project controls reports for project teams and leadership, including variance analysis and corrective action recommendations.
Coordinate with Finance on revenue recognition, invoicing support, and financial close activities as required.
Ensure compliance with internal project controls standards and external contractual requirements.
Support development and maintenance of project schedules in coordination with Project Managers and discipline leads.
Analyze schedule impacts, critical path, and resource loading where applicable.
Integrate schedule data with cost and forecast reporting to provide a holistic view of project performance.
Support identification and quantification of project risks and opportunities.
Assist with change order evaluations, pricing support, and documentation.
Provide guidance on project controls best practices and mentor junior project controls staff as needed.