Senior Principal Project Controls Spec

McDermott•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Senior Principal Project Controls Spec is tasked with solving unique and complex problems that have a broad impact on the business. They must proactively identify and solve the most complex problems that impact the management and direction of the business. They are considered specialists in the field of project controls, and they offer a broad base of knowledge about the project controls function. They impact the direction and resource allocation of programs and projects in their discipline and work within general functional policies and industry guidelines. The Senior Principal Project Controls Spec role requires conceptual and innovative thinking to develop creative solutions to project controls challenges.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or a related discipline.
Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in project controls within project-based organizations, preferably in the oil and gas, energy, or heavy industrial sectors.
Proven leadership in managing project controls on large-scale, complex EPC projects.
Deep expertise in progress management, cost control, scheduling, risk management, change control, and performance reporting.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple workstreams with minimal supervision.
Fluent in English, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational and analytical skills, with a high level of attention to detail and a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and familiar with project controls systems and tools.
Conversant with local and international QHSES (Quality, Health, Safety, Environment, and Security) regulations and standards.
Ability to operate effectively in a global, multicultural environment and represent the company with professionalism and authority.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and maintain corporate progress measurement methodologies, standards, procedures, and reporting requirements across projects.
Lead the deployment of project controls and progress measurement frameworks across project sites, ensuring alignment with centralized project controls strategies, tools, and governance standards.
Provide functional leadership and governance to project-based Progress Engineers, Project Controls Specialists, and reporting personnel, ensuring consistency in progress measurement and reporting practices across all assigned projects.
Develop and enforce project-specific procedures, work methods, and reporting protocols in accordance with company standards and client contractual requirements.
Define and manage the detailed Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), ensuring alignment and traceability across progress measurement, cost, schedule, scope, and reporting systems.
Ensure accurate collection, validation, consolidation, and reporting of progress data from Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Commissioning activities.
Establish and maintain progress measurement systems aligned with project execution strategies, contractual requirements, and corporate Project Controls standards.
Oversee the accurate and timely update of project progress data, ensuring seamless integration with centralized project reporting and performance dashboards.
Ensure the development and maintenance of project progress curves, milestone tracking reports, dashboards, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
Monitor project performance against approved baselines and identify trends, variances, risks, and opportunities affecting project delivery.
Deliver monthly project performance and progress forecasts, incorporating productivity trends, progress achievements, resource considerations, and schedule risk assessments.
Support project teams in the implementation and application of weighted progress measurement methodologies and performance reporting systems.
Collaborate with Planning, Cost Control, Risk Management, Project Management, Engineering, Procurement, and Construction teams to ensure the integration of cost, schedule, risk, and progress reporting.
Ensure all project controls functions, including cost, schedule, progress, risk, change, and reporting, are fully integrated, aligned, and executed in a coordinated manner.
Lead periodic reviews and audits of project progress measurement systems and reporting processes to ensure data accuracy, consistency, integrity, and compliance.
Guide project teams in the application of Earned Value Management (EVM) principles and project performance measurement methodologies where applicable.
Provide strategic analysis of project performance data and recommend corrective actions to improve project outcomes and forecast reliability.
Oversee the preparation and delivery of internal and external project status reports, ensuring clarity, accuracy, consistency, and strategic insight.
Develop and deliver training, mentoring, and knowledge-sharing initiatives related to progress measurement, performance reporting, and project controls best practices.
Support bid and proposal efforts by providing input on progress measurement strategies, reporting requirements, performance metrics, and execution methodologies.
Act as the central subject matter expert for project progress management and provide technical guidance to Project Controls teams across the organization.
Act as a senior advisor to project leadership, providing strategic guidance on project performance, progress trends, forecasting, and controls optimization.
Represent the Project Controls function in client meetings, audits, executive reviews, and project performance evaluations relating to progress measurement and reporting.