Sr Project Controls Specialist

Black Box Careers

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Project Controls Specialist (Schedule & Cost) plays a critical role in driving project success by managing both scheduling and cost control functions across multiple projects. This dual-role position requires a strategic, hands-on approach to project tracking, risk mitigation, and stakeholder coordination while supporting corporate-level strategy and execution. Reporting directly to the Director of Project Controls or the Sr Project Controls Management, this role acts as an extension of leading by example, providing mentorship/assistance to Jr–Mid level Project Controls Specialists, optimizing processes, and ensuring the effective implementation of project controls. As the Sr. Project Controls Specialist for assigned projects, this role is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining detailed, resource-loaded schedules and cost plans to support the Project Delivery Teams throughout the entire project lifecycle. Key responsibilities include proactively identifying potential delays and impacts, working collaboratively with internal and external partners to develop mitigation strategies, and ensuring real-time visibility into project progress. Strong communication skills are essential for engaging with project stakeholders, delivering clear reports, and supporting strategic decision-making. This position demands a deep understanding of project controls methodologies, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and the ability to drive efficiency in cost and schedule performance to meet strategic account and customer objectives.

Requirements

Strong experience in project controls for data center, structured cabling, or mission-critical construction projects.
Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6 for detailed scheduling and progress measurement.
Experience integrating schedules with ERP cost systems such as SAP or Oracle.
Solid understanding of Earned Value Management (EVM) and forecasting principles.
Experience supporting multi-building, phased data center projects across a region.
Strong skills in Microsoft Excel; Power BI or Tableau experience is a plus.
Working knowledge of GC milestone structures and data center delivery workflows.
High attention to detail and strong organizational discipline.
Ability to operate independently while adhering to established standards.
Strong communication skills and collaborative mindset.
Comfortable guiding others through technical expertise rather than authority.
Execution-focused, accountable, and solution-oriented.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Bachler degree in construction management, engineering or equivalent field experience.
Minimum 7+ years as a construction planner / scheduler for projects with contract values in excess of $15 million.

Nice To Haves

Project Management Institute Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)
Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering Planning and Scheduling Professional (PSP)
Project Management Institute Project Management Professional (PMP)

Responsibilities

Serve as an extension of the Director of Project Controls and Leadership, supporting high-level initiatives and process improvements.
Provide mentorship and training to Jr - Mid level Site Project Controls Specialists, ensuring alignment with cost and scheduling best practices.
Work closely with leadership to standardize project controls tools, reporting frameworks, and methodologies.
Develop a culture of accountability, transparency, and efficiency within the project controls team.
Take ownership of schedule and cost controls for assigned data center projects within a defined geographic region.
Serve as the primary senior Project Controls point of contact for those projects, supported by Junior and Mid-Level Project Controls Specialists.
Develop, maintain, and update detailed, resource-loaded schedules aligned with GC milestones (DEC-C Ready, ENS Ready, PR, SC) and Black Box execution sequencing.
Independently perform weekly schedule updates, logic reviews, and progress validation based on field input.
Track, forecast, and analyze project costs including labor, OFCI/OFOI material, expenses, and approved changes.
Ensure schedules and cost data accurately reflect access handovers, material readiness, and field productivity.
Perform schedule and cost variance analysis, identifying trends and potential impacts across assigned projects.
Maintain Earned Value metrics (CPI, SPI) and labor productivity tracking.
Develop and maintain labor curves, headcount forecasts, and installation productivity reports.
Support change order evaluations, bid leveling, and cost/schedule impact assessments.
Maintain alignment between schedules, ERP cost systems (SAP/Oracle), and reporting outputs.
Proactively identify schedule and cost risks tied to sequencing, access, labor availability, and material constraints.
Escalate risks and concerns to Project Controls leadership with clear, data-supported recommendations.
Assist in maintaining project risk registers and tracking mitigation actions.
Support recovery planning and schedule refinement when required.
Work closely with Project Managers, Superintendents, and field teams to ensure alignment between planning and execution.
Coordinate with procurement teams to align material deliveries with installation sequencing.
Participate in project and coordination meetings, providing schedule and cost insight as needed.
Support Project Controls Leads by providing accurate data, analysis, and field-informed perspective.