Project Controls Manager

About the Role

The Project Controls Manager will oversee planning, scheduling, cost control, progress tracking, risk mitigation, reporting, and performance evaluation for a significant Roads and Highways initiative in Riyadh. This position aims to ensure fulfillment of project goals through robust project control frameworks, precise forecasts, and prompt communication with the Client, Project Director, and top management.

The successful applicant will lead the project controls team while collaborating extensively with clients, contractors, designers, and supervisory groups to observe project outcomes, detect risks and delays early, and suggest solutions.

Responsibilities

• Develop, review, and maintain the master schedule in Primavera P6.
• Assess baseline and revised schedules submitted by contractors, including recovery programs.
• Track schedule adherence and identify activities on the critical path.
• Perform schedule risk analyses and propose mitigation strategies.
• Evaluate Extension of Time (EOT) claims for validity.
• Establish project control processes, key performance indicators, and reporting mechanisms.
• Compare project progress against approved milestones and timelines.
• Prepare weekly and monthly status reports for the Client and management.
• Conduct variance analysis and generate schedule forecasts.
• Create executive dashboards to visualize project performance.
• Control project budgets, track commitments and expenses, and project future costs.
• Analyze cost developments and flag possible overruns early.
• Assist commercial and contract teams with variation and claim evaluations.
• Implement cost control and value engineering initiatives effectively.
• Maintain a risk register, develop mitigation plans, and identify schedule, cost, and operational risks.
• Facilitate risk review workshops with stakeholders.
• Ensure risk mitigation action plans are followed through.
• Assess contractor claims regarding delays, disruptions, and productivity impacts.
• Support the evaluation of change orders and variations.
• Review documentation and conduct schedule impact analyses for claims.
• Provide expert recommendations on entitlement and time impacts.
• Coordinate with Client representatives, contractors, authorities, and various project teams.
• Participate in progress meetings and executive briefings, presenting updates and recovery plans.
• Align engineering, construction, commercial, and project control functions towards project objectives.
• Lead, guide, and mentor planners, cost engineers, and project control engineers.
• Implement best practices and establish standards for project controls.
• Ensure consistent quality in all project control deliverables.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Engineering Management, or a related discipline.
• A Master's degree is an advantage.
• Professional certifications such as PMP or PSP (Planning & Scheduling Professional) are preferred.
• At least 15 years of relevant experience in project controls, especially on large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Extensive background in Roads, Highways, Expressways, Interchanges, and Transport Infrastructure projects.
• Previous work experience with international engineering consultancy firms.
• Experience in projects located in the GCC/KSA region is highly preferable.
• Exposure to projects with budgets exceeding SAR 500 million is desirable.

Technical Skills

• High-level command of Primavera P6 for schedule management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Project and Power BI for reporting and data visualization.
• Experience applying Earned Value Management (EVM) techniques.
• Expertise in schedule analysis, resource planning, and forecasting methods.
• Strong understanding of FIDIC contract conditions.
• Knowledge of project management methodologies and reporting structures.

Core Competencies

• Leadership excellence and team-building ability.
• Strong analytical skills coupled with problem-solving capabilities.
• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to operate efficiently within fast-moving, cross-cultural environments.
• Skilled in report writing and delivering presentations to diverse audiences.
• Attention to detail and strong commercial insight.