Project Controls Manager - Utilities (Oakland)

Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Project Controls Manager to lead and oversee project controls functions in support of large-scale utility infrastructure programs. This role is responsible for managing cost, schedule, forecasting, reporting, and performance tracking across a portfolio of capital projects. The Project Controls Manager works closely with project managers, engineering, construction, finance, and executive stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered with strong financial discipline, schedule control, and data integrity in accordance with established utility standards and governance models.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead project controls activities for a portfolio of utility infrastructure projects, including cost control, schedule management, forecasting, and performance reporting.
• Develop, maintain, and oversee integrated project controls processes aligned with utility governance, compliance, and reporting requirements.
• Manage project budgets, forecasts, and change management activities to ensure financial accuracy and transparency.
• Oversee schedule development, updates, and analysis to identify risks, trends, and impacts to project delivery.
• Develop and deliver standardized reporting on project performance, including earned value, variance analysis, risk exposure, and executive dashboards.
• Partner with Project Managers and Construction Managers to support decision-making, identify mitigation strategies, and resolve cost or schedule challenges.
• Ensure data integrity across project controls systems and tools; validate inputs, assumptions, and outputs.
• Support audits, regulatory reporting, and financial reviews by ensuring controls, documentation, and traceability are maintained.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and mentoring to project controls staff or consultants as applicable.
• Drive continuous improvement of project controls processes, tools, and reporting standards.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of project controls experience supporting capital projects in utilities, infrastructure, or other regulated environments.
• Proven experience managing cost and schedule controls for multiple concurrent projects or programs .
• Strong knowledge of project controls principles, including budgeting, forecasting, scheduling, earned value, and variance analysis.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for financial analysis, modeling, and reporting.
• Experience working with project controls and enterprise systems (e.g., SAP, Primavera P6, or similar tools).
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work independently while leading cross-functional coordination in a structured, compliance-driven environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience supporting electric, gas, water, or other utility infrastructure capital programs.
• Experience with portfolio-level reporting and executive dashboards.
• Familiarity with regulatory, audit, and governance requirements common to utility environments.
• Experience leading or supervising project controls teams in a matrixed organization.

Perks & Benefits

• Hybrid Work Model – Enjoy a balance of remote and in-office work to enhance work-life harmony.
• Climbing PTO – Annual increasing paid time off for freedom and flexibility.
• Paid Holidays – Observance of 9 federal holidays.
• Health & Wellness – Programs and initiatives to prioritize physical and mental well-being.
• Comprehensive Benefits – Medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with retirement plans with company match.
• Career Growth Opportunities – Robust learning and development programs for professional advancement.
• Culture-Focused Environment – Thrive in an inclusive, vibrant culture that values diversity, teamwork, and respect.