Project: Railway Construction Project
Location: Project-Based, Remote Area
The role is working for a large multinational design and engineering consultancy working on part of the largest rail network in the GCC/Middle East. Currently we are at bidding stage for the project. If awarded and if CV is approved by client, we will look to start in March 2026.
Role Purpose
The Project Controls Manager will be responsible for establishing, managing, and maintaining all project control functions for the railway construction project, including planning, scheduling, cost control, progress measurement, risk management, and reporting. The role ensures accurate forecasting, effective performance monitoring, and timely decision support to enable successful delivery of the project in accordance with contractual, cost, and schedule requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Planning & Scheduling
- Develop, implement, and maintain the integrated project baseline schedule in accordance with contract requirements and approved construction methodology.
- Ensure alignment between engineering, procurement, construction, testing, and commissioning schedules.
- Manage schedule updates, progress measurement, critical path analysis, and delay impact assessments.
- Support extension of time (EOT) analyses and claims through accurate schedule records and analyses.
Cost Control & Budget Management
- Establish and manage the project cost control system, including budgets, cost breakdown structures, and cost codes.
- Monitor actual costs versus budget, identify variances, and forecast final project costs.
- Coordinate closely with commercial and finance teams to ensure consistency between cost, commitments, and payments.
- Support change management, variations, and claims with cost and schedule impact assessments.
Progress Measurement & Reporting
- Define progress measurement methodologies and performance indicators for all project disciplines.
- Collect, validate, and analyze progress data from engineering, procurement, and construction teams.
- Prepare regular project controls reports, dashboards, and presentations for the Client, Engineer, and senior management.
- Provide early warning of potential schedule or cost risks and recommend mitigation measures.
Risk Management
- Develop and maintain the project risk register in coordination with the project management team.
- Facilitate risk identification workshops and quantitative/qualitative risk analyses.
- Monitor risk mitigation actions and incorporate risk impacts into cost and schedule forecasts.
Change & Interface Management Support
- Support the management of changes, variations, and claims by providing timely and accurate project control input.
- Coordinate with engineering, construction, procurement, and interface teams to ensure consistent data and assumptions.
- Maintain records supporting contractual entitlements and project performance history.
Systems, Procedures & Governance
- Establish project controls procedures, workflows, and governance structures.
- Implement and manage project controls software and systems (e.g., Primavera P6, cost control and reporting tools).
- Ensure data integrity, document control alignment, and compliance with client and corporate requirements.
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, mentor, and manage project controls staff, including planners, cost engineers, and progress analysts.
- Ensure adequate resourcing, competency, and training of the project controls team.
- Promote best practices and continuous improvement in project controls processes.
Qualifications & Experience
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related technical / engineering discipline.
Experience
- Minimum of ten (10) years relevant professional experience in project controls on major infrastructure or construction projects.
- Proven experience on large-scale railway or linear infrastructure projects is highly desirable.
- Experience working under FIDIC-based contracts and on projects with international clients or consultants is an advantage.
Technical & Professional Competencies
- Strong expertise in planning, scheduling, cost control, and project performance management.
- Advanced proficiency in project controls software (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project, cost control systems).
- Solid understanding of construction methodologies, contract administration, and claims support.
- Ability to analyze complex data and present clear, actionable insights to senior management.
Skills & Attributes
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and reporting abilities.
- Proactive, detail-oriented, and capable of working under pressure in a dynamic project environment.
- High level of professionalism, integrity, and commercial awareness.
