Project Controls Performance Lead

Location: Fresno, CA (Hybrid)

About the Company

Our client is a respected project management, project controls, and technology project management consulting firm with 30+ years of experience supporting major capital programs across transportation, utilities, oil & gas, and water throughout the U.S. The organization supports high-visibility infrastructure programs requiring strong governance, cross-functional coordination, and performance-driven execution. The firm is certified as a Federal Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and a State of California Small Business / Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (SB/DVBE).

Position Summary

The Project Controls Performance Lead is responsible for management of the program’s Capital Baseline (funded and unfunded). This role serves as a senior leader within the PMO organization and partners with Cost, Schedule, and Risk leads to collate, monitor, and report performance against the baseline, ensuring overall performance stays on track and providing forward-looking trend assessments.

A core focus of this role is performance metrics—developing, maintaining, and reviewing project controls data (budget, cost forecast, schedule, and risk) to deliver accurate, timely performance reporting and variance analysis, and to support key stakeholder reporting such as Business Plans and Project Update Reports.

Key Responsibilities

Performance Metrics, Variance & Trend Reporting

• Define and support how progress is measured against the Capital Baseline, including performance metrics and measurement methods.

• Develop, maintain, and review controls data (budget, cost forecast, schedule, risk) and provide accurate, timely performance reporting and variance analysis, including forward-looking trend assessments.

Capital Baseline Ownership & Governance

• Serve as the key PMO resource in charge of the Capital Baseline, including technical supporting documents, systems, and underlying baseline data.

• Integrate the baseline across functions/branches through coordination with the PMO Cost Control team.

• Maintain controls against changes to the Capital Baseline aligned with governance processes.

• Assess estimates, costs, risks, and schedule updates for adherence to the Capital Baseline.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Risk Integration

• Support development of annual budgets for sections of the program, including year-over-year movements and multi-year forecasts.

• Compare and analyze trends and risks against original cost estimates and budgets; identify mitigation opportunities to bring cost trends back in line with estimates and budgets.

• Drive process, procedure, and system improvements across risk management, working with the wider business to integrate requirements.

Reporting & Stakeholder Deliverables

• Manage technical documents associated with Business Plans, Project Update Reports, and other stakeholder-required reporting.

• Partner with the Reporting function to provide strategic direction for monthly and annual reporting so information is prioritized appropriately, accurate, appropriately detailed, and submitted on time to enable decision-making and meet stakeholder requirements.

Data Structures & Scalable Reporting

• Work with the Controls team to build scalable structures (WBS, ABS, and other project-specific data structures) to enable rolled-up reporting across the organization.

• Operate as the “big picture” baseline expert to ensure consistency and robustness of data and reporting; continuously review baseline processes, structures, and data and recommend improvements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business Management, Project Management, or related technical field and 10 years of experience in transit and/or program controls.

• Expertise in project management principles and practices, data management and cost control, cost planning and reporting techniques, and construction project phases/disciplines.

• Strong analytical skills to provide cost analysis and solutions; ability to research and compile data, maintain accurate records, meet deadlines, and communicate effectively while following company policies.

• Experience managing and motivating controls teams on major programs; strong liaison, coordination, and negotiation skills with internal and external stakeholders to support program controls requirements.

• Experience leading and developing reporting, controls, and baseline management methodologies, procedures, and presentations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

• Proficiency with desktop publishing software, Visio, and professional graphics tools.

• Proficiency with data analytics tools such as Power BI; working knowledge of Primavera P6.

• Excellent organization and time management, attention to detail, ability to work under pressure; strong technical writing and presentation skills.

SmartHire Disclaimer

This job description provides only a summary of the typical functions associated with this role and is not intended to represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all responsibilities, tasks, or duties. The actual responsibilities, tasks, and duties assigned may differ from those outlined, and additional duties may be assigned. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice. SmartHire is not legally responsible for any changes to the jobholder’s responsibilities or activities implemented by our clients that differ from those described herein.

SmartHire is posting this position on behalf of our client, and the salary range provided is determined by the client. Actual compensation offered will depend on various factors determined by the hiring company, including candidate qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and internal equity considerations. SmartHire is not legally responsible for any changes in salary, benefits, or bonuses made by our clients.