Job Description

Project Controls Specialist/Planner – Cost Estimating

Location: Charlotte, NC (Travel to Project Sites Required)
Employment Type: Contract

We are seeking a senior-level Project Controls Specialist/Planner with a strong background in cost estimating to support a large portfolio of environmental and heavy civil projects. This role will serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) responsible for developing, reviewing, validating, and maintaining project cost estimates while supporting project controls, forecasting, risk analysis, and strategic project execution activities.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in project estimating, cost analysis, contractor estimate evaluation, and project controls within large capital, infrastructure, utility, environmental remediation, heavy civil, or construction projects.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Estimating & Project Analysis

• Lead the development of detailed project cost estimates throughout all phases of project execution
• Perform material takeoffs, field assessments, and site evaluations to support estimate development
• Evaluate existing infrastructure, site conditions, constructability considerations, and project risks
• Develop labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and indirect cost estimates
• Utilize historical project data, benchmarking tools, and industry standards to validate estimate assumptions
• Incorporate escalation factors, contingency planning, and risk assessments into project estimates
• Support project forecasting, budget development, and cost control activities

Contractor & Vendor Estimate Review

• Review, validate, and challenge contractor, consultant, and supplier estimates
• Perform benchmarking and market analysis to verify pricing assumptions
• Support value engineering initiatives and cost optimization efforts
• Evaluate contractor change orders, scope modifications, and pricing proposals
• Ensure compliance with contractual cost reporting and estimating requirements

Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting

• Present estimating methodologies, assumptions, findings, and recommendations to project leadership
• Facilitate estimate review sessions and multidisciplinary estimate validation workshops
• Develop detailed reports, presentations, and supporting documentation for project stakeholders
• Serve as the primary point of contact for project estimating activities

Project Controls & Risk Management

• Support cost forecasting, schedule integration, and project performance analysis
• Evaluate the cost impacts of project changes, claims, and scope modifications
• Support risk analysis efforts utilizing project controls tools and methodologies
• Assist with dispute resolution and claims analysis through detailed cost evaluations
• Contribute to project controls reporting, forecasting, and analytics initiatives

Continuous Improvement & Leadership

• Lead lessons learned reviews and cost benchmarking initiatives
• Maintain and improve estimating databases, tools, and methodologies
• Support internal audits, compliance reviews, and quality assurance activities
• Provide strategic guidance to project teams and senior leadership regarding project cost management
• Support team development, mentoring, and project controls best practices

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Finance, Business Administration, Project Management, or related field
• Minimum 7 years of direct project estimating experience
• Equivalent combination of education and experience considered
• Strong understanding of project controls, cost estimating, forecasting, budgeting, and risk management
• Ability to work independently while supporting multidisciplinary project teams
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience developing and presenting technical and executive-level reports

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration or related field
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• 20+ years of relevant project controls, estimating, or cost engineering experience
• Experience supporting large capital, environmental, utility, infrastructure, or construction projects
• Experience evaluating contractor change orders and claims
• Knowledge of risk management methodologies and Monte Carlo analysis
• Experience with Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, and project controls software platforms
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Business Objects, Passport, Powerplant, Emax, and PeopleSoft

Highly Desired Experience

• Heavy civil construction estimating
• Earthwork and mass excavation estimating
• Landfill construction and closure projects
• Environmental remediation projects
• Well installation and site development projects
• Utility, energy, or industrial capital project environments