Traveling Project Controls Specialist

The Dilling Group provides industrial solutions with exceptional value. We provide services focused on Heavy Industrial Customers for Design-Build and Plan-Spec construction projects.

The Project Controls Specialist is responsible for supporting project execution through cost control, scheduling, forecasting, reporting, and performance measurement. This role works closely with project managers, field leadership, operations teams, and executive management to ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, and within budget. The Project Controls Specialist develops and maintains project control systems, analyzes project performance metrics, identifies trends and risks, and provides actionable reporting to support informed decision-making.

This position requires an individual with strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills who can work independently while collaborating effectively with multiple teams across the organization. 

Principal Duties and Responsibilities 

• Develop, maintain, and monitor project budgets, forecasts, schedules, and performance metrics.

• Create and maintain project cost reports, earned value analyses, productivity tracking, and forecasting reports.

• Assist project teams with budget development, cost coding, and financial tracking throughout the project lifecycle.

• Monitor and analyze project progress against established schedules and budgets.

• Identify project risks, variances, trends, and potential impacts, and communicate findings to project leadership.

• Coordinating and facilitating project controls review meetings with project teams and stakeholders.

• Support change management processes by tracking change orders, scope modifications, and associated cost and schedule impacts.

• Prepare executive-level reports, dashboards, and project performance summaries.

• Collaborate with field operations and project management teams to improve reporting accuracy and forecast reliability.

• Maintain project control databases, reporting systems, and documentation standards.

• Assisting in developing and implementing project control best practices, procedures, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Perform project closeout reviews, lessons learned evaluations, and final performance analyses.

• Support enterprise-level project controls initiatives and strategic reporting requirements.

• Perform other related duties and special projects assigned.

• Perform work that aligns with company standards, policies, and procedures.

Education, Training, Licenses and/or Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, Engineering, Business, Finance, Project Management, or related field preferred.

• Three or more years of experience in project controls, cost control, scheduling, estimating, project accounting, or project management support.

• Experience in industrial, commercial, mission-critical, or large-scale construction environments preferred.

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, including advanced formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis.

• Experience with Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, Power BI, or similar project controls and reporting platforms preferred.

• Familiarity with ERP, project accounting, or construction management software systems.

• Valid/current state driver's license preferred.

Additional Requirements

• Strong understanding of project controls principles, including cost management, forecasting, scheduling, earned value management, and risk analysis.

• Ability to analyze large volumes of project data and develop meaningful insights for leadership teams.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.

• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively with project managers, executives, field personnel, clients, and stakeholders.

• Advanced problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

• Attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.

• Ability to create meaningful reports, dashboards, and visual performance metrics.

• Ability to travel to project sites as needed to support project reviews and reporting efforts.

• Professional demeanor and positive, team-oriented attitude.

• Ability to pass full background screening and drug screening.

• Working from the office is preferred (as needed), with the ability to work remotely.

• Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on operational efficiency and business performance.

Education, Training, Licenses and/or Certifications  

• Proficient in Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project.

• Highly proficient in Microsoft Excel.

• Three or more years of related experience in project controls, cost scheduling, and project planning.

• Three or more years of experience in the construction or project management industry.

• Valid / Current state driver’s license (Preferred)

• Preferred: PSP (Planning & Scheduling Professional), EVP, CCM, or similar project controls certification.

Preferred Requirements 

• Plus: Experience with Power BI, SQL reporting tools, or enterprise reporting systems.

• Experience supporting large industrial, manufacturing, data center, energy, or mission-critical construction projects.

• Knowledge of construction productivity analysis, labor forecasting, and earned value methodologies.