Director Project Controls - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend$120K — $150K *
Real Estate & Construction
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Finance, or related field; graduate degree preferred.
  • 12+ years in project controls for large-scale projects, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
  • Proven management of budgets and schedules for multi-million-dollar projects and experience establishing baselines.
  • Expertise in cost forecasting, earned value management (EVM), and risk analysis.
  • Experience with integrated project controls systems for major capital projects is essential.
  • Proficient in Primavera P6, MS Project, and cost management systems, alongside advanced Excel skills.
  • Professional certifications like CCP, PSP, PMP, or equivalent are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

  • Establish and execute strategic direction for project controls in a large-scale data center program.
  • Develop governance frameworks and reporting protocols for project controls processes.
  • Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and variance reporting while validating estimates against forecasts.
  • Lead the integration of detailed CPM schedules, monitoring critical paths and implementing recovery plans.
  • Define risk registers, lead workshops, and establish mitigation strategies.
  • Manage change control processes, evaluating impacts of scope changes and cost reduction initiatives.
  • Prepare executive dashboards and reports for senior leadership on performance, risks, and corrective actions.

Benefits

  • Support for professional development and certifications.
  • Opportunities for career advancement within a global firm.
  • Collaborative work environment with a focus on mentorship and team performance.
  • Access to advanced project controls tools and technologies.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Director of Project Controls to lead cost, schedule, and risk management for a large-scale data center construction program in Beaver County, PA, while supporting major client accounts and broader business initiatives. This is a senior leadership role responsible for establishing and overseeing robust project controls processes, ensuring accurate forecasting, reporting, and governance across all phases of delivery.

The Director will partner with project leadership, contractors, and stakeholders to maintain transparency, mitigate risks, and drive performance against budget and schedule targets. You will lead project controls teams, ensure best practices are implemented, and act as a trusted advisor to clients.

Responsibilities
  • Establish and execute the strategic direction for project controls, including cost, schedule, and risk management, for a large-scale data center program.
  • Develop and implement governance frameworks, reporting protocols, and project controls processes to ensure accuracy and compliance.
  • Oversee budgeting, forecasting, earned value analysis, variance reporting, and lifecycle cost estimating; validate estimates and track actuals against forecasts.
  • Lead development and integration of detailed CPM schedules (Primavera P6/MS Project) across design, procurement, construction, and commissioning; monitor critical path and implement recovery plans.
  • Define and manage risk registers; lead risk workshops, establish mitigation strategies, and coordinate contingency planning, including Monte Carlo analyses.
  • Manage change control processes, including evaluation of scope changes, impact analysis, and cost reduction initiatives.
  • Prepare executive-level dashboards, gateway documentation, and reports for senior leadership, highlighting performance, risks, and corrective actions.
  • Ensure alignment on cost and schedule objectives through collaboration with project managers, finance teams, and contractors; support client reporting and governance meetings.
  • Drive data integrity and reporting accuracy across all phases; utilize project controls tools and platforms (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project, cost systems).
  • Develop and maintain protocols for performance measurement, forecasting, trending, and progress reporting against project baselines.
  • Lead and mentor a high-performing project controls team; provide clear direction, conduct performance reviews, and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
  • Motivate the team through regular meetings, clear goals, and quality assurance of deliverables; ensure integration of intake, cost, and scheduling processes for end-to-end project controls.
  • Act as a key liaison with internal and external stakeholders; review implementation plans, claims resolution recommendations, and recovery strategies.
  • Support business initiatives by identifying opportunities for process improvement, knowledge sharing, and integration of best practices across projects.
  • SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.


Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Finance, or a related field; graduate degree preferred.
  • 12+ years of experience in project controls, cost management, and scheduling for large-scale construction programs (data center or mission-critical preferred), including 2+ years leading high-performing project controls teams in a consulting environment.
  • Proven ability to manage complex budgets, schedules, and risk for multi-million-dollar projects; experience establishing and monitoring baselines and performance metrics.
  • Expertise in cost forecasting, earned value management (EVM), risk analysis, and change management; strong knowledge of multiple contract delivery methods.
  • Demonstrated success in implementing and managing integrated project controls systems, including financial and scheduling controls, for major capital projects.
  • Proficiency in Primavera P6, MS Project, and cost management systems; advanced Excel skills for data analysis and reporting.
  • Professional certifications such as CCP, PSP, PMP, or equivalent highly desirable.
  • Excellent analytical, leadership, and communication skills; ability to interpret complex data, influence stakeholders, and drive performance.
  • Knowledge of industry standards, regulatory requirements, and compliance frameworks relevant to large-scale construction programs.


Additional Information

*On-site presence and requirements may change depending on our client's needs.

About Turner & Townsend

Turner & Townsend Careers

Joining Turner & Townsend offers a unique opportunity to contribute to some of the most exciting projects worldwide. As a global leader in professional services, Turner & Townsend is at the forefront of transforming the industry through expertise, innovation, and leadership.

Explore Job Opportunities

Turner & Townsend is constantly seeking skilled professionals eager to drive innovation and lead industry standards. With a variety of job opportunities available, candidates can find positions that match their skills and career aspirations. Explore employment options that span across critical sectors such as construction, project management, and consultancy.

Experience Professional Growth

Turner & Townsend is committed to the professional growth and continuous development of its team members. The company supports career advancement through robust training programs, including leadership development and diversity training, ensuring every team member has the tools and knowledge to succeed.

Internship Programs

For those starting their career journey, Turner & Townsend offers internship programs that provide a rich learning environment. Interns gain hands-on experience, working alongside seasoned professionals and contributing to impactful projects. These internships are a gateway to full-time employment and a flourishing career within the company.

Cultivating a Diverse and Inclusive Culture

Turner & Townsend prides itself on fostering an inclusive culture where diversity is celebrated. The company believes that a diverse workforce enhances creativity and drives innovation. Employees from various backgrounds are encouraged to share their unique perspectives, promoting a collaborative and supportive workplace.

Benefits and Employee Wellbeing

Understanding the importance of a work-life balance, Turner & Townsend offers comprehensive benefits designed to support the wellbeing of its team. Benefits include health care, flexible working conditions, and competitive retirement plans, all aimed at enhancing the quality of life for employees.

Join the Team

Turner & Townsend is hiring! Search open positions that align with your professional skills and interests. The company is looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Prepare your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and get ready to join a team where your contributions will be valued and your career will flourish.

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Turner & Townsend encourages continuous networking and professional development. By participating in industry conferences and company-hosted events, employees can build valuable relationships and stay current with industry trends.

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