Project Controls Manager

Role Overview

Project Controls Manager with WSP in the Middle East, based in Riyadh, responsible for planning, scheduling, cost control, progress monitoring, risk management, reporting, and performance measurement on a major Roads and Highways project.

Role Purpose

Ensure project objectives are achieved through effective project controls systems, accurate forecasting, and timely reporting to the Client, Project Director, and senior management. Lead the project controls team and work closely with clients, contractors, designers, and supervision teams to monitor project performance, identify potential risks and delays, and recommend corrective actions.

Key Responsibilities

Planning & Scheduling

• Develop, review, and maintain the master project schedule using Primavera P6.
• Evaluate Contractors' baseline schedules, recovery schedules, and revised programs.
• Monitor schedule performance and identify critical path activities.
• Conduct schedule risk analysis and recommend mitigation measures.
• Review and assess Extension of Time (EOT) submissions.

Project Monitoring & Reporting

• Establish project control procedures, KPIs, and reporting systems.
• Monitor project progress against approved schedules and milestones.
• Prepare weekly and monthly progress reports for Client and management.
• Provide schedule variance analysis and forecasting.
• Develop executive dashboards and performance reports.

Cost Control & Forecasting

• Monitor project budgets, commitments, expenditures, and forecasts.
• Analyze cost trends and identify potential overruns.
• Support commercial and contract teams in assessing variations and claims.
• Ensure effective cost management and value engineering initiatives.

Risk Management

• Maintain project risk register and mitigation plans.
• Identify schedule, cost, and operational risks.
• Coordinate risk review workshops with project stakeholders.
• Monitor implementation of risk mitigation measures.

Claims & Change Management

• Assess contractor claims related to delays, disruptions, and productivity losses.
• Support evaluation of variation orders and change requests.
• Review supporting records and schedule impact analyses.
• Provide recommendations on entitlement and time impacts.

Stakeholder Coordination

• Coordinate with Client representatives, contractors, authorities, and project teams.
• Participate in project progress meetings and executive briefings.
• Present project performance updates and recovery recommendations.
• Ensure alignment between engineering, construction, commercial, and project controls functions.

Team Leadership

• Manage and mentor planners, cost engineers, and project controls engineers.
• Establish project controls best practices and standards.
• Ensure quality and consistency of project controls deliverables.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Engineering Management, or related field.
• Master's Degree is an advantage.
• PMP, PSP (Planning & Scheduling Professional), or similar certification preferred.
• Minimum 15+ years of experience in project controls on major infrastructure projects.
• Strong experience on Roads, Highways, Expressways, Interchanges, and Transport Infrastructure projects.
• Previous experience with international engineering consultancy firms.
• GCC/KSA project experience is highly preferred.
• Experience working on projects valued above SAR 500 million is desirable.

Skills & Competencies

• Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Project and Power BI.
• Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM).
• Expertise in schedule analysis, resource planning, and forecasting.
• Strong understanding of FIDIC contracts.
• Knowledge of project management methodologies and reporting systems.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.
• Strong presentation and report-writing skills.
• High attention to detail and commercial awareness.