Project Controls Specialist

Job Description

The Facility Services Department (FSD) is responsible for the operations and maintenance of the MIT Lincoln Laboratory complex in support of the research mission. It also furnishes the design, engineering, and construction needs of the Laboratory, addressing its ever-changing program requirements. The department's overarching goal is to provide prompt, quality service in a wide spectrum of responsibilities in compliance with the federal building codes, and manage many services that impact the workplace quality of life for the Laboratory's population.

As stewards of over 2-million SF of laboratory facilities, FSD manages a large portfolio of construction projects for research labs, office space, capital renewal, emergency repair and deferred maintenance efforts. FSD has a large in-house construction staff that manages the execution of all these projects. We are seeking a project controls professional to evaluate data, quality control data, create smart reporting, assess risk, help prioritize initiatives, lead meetings, assign resources and more to assist management with the overall project process.    

Areas of Responsibility

• Work closely with project managers to develop, monitor and update integrated project plans and schedules so that projects can be executed in the most efficient manner possible.
• Integrate multiple schedules into a master project schedule to ensure alignment with department resources and funding.
• Record and maintain project financial forecasts and cash flow as driven by project schedules and as developed and reported by project managers.
• Monitor schedule deviations and variances and assist project managers in the developing of alternative methods for corrective action.
• Prepare and provide schedule progress reports, trending charts and schedule analysis on a periodic basis.
• Develop reporting to track scope changes, Analyze trends and variances that potentially affect project performance.
• Lead assigned performance improvement initiatives.  Assist in the identification of opportunities in the project delivery process and work across all levels of the organization to implement corrective actions.
• Apply critical thinking to generate solutions; focus on process rather than isolated events; obtain multiple assessments of a situation and be systematic in identifying and eliminating variation and trouble spots; use tools to define problems; evaluate alternative solutions.  Develop outcome measurement and analytic strategies including identification of key metrics and data sources.  Establish practical data collection, change management and communication plans.
• Facilitate the sharing of best practices across the department.
• Develop and promote consistent performance systems and processes across the organization that build upon existing programs in place.
• Lead the implementing Project Management software (PROCORE) and associated business processes and procedures.
• Collaborate with process owners and lead the transition of current manual processes to project management tools and automated workflows

Skills and Knowledge

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.  Ability to work with all levels of management and staff. MUST be a self-starter and highly motivated 
• Knowledge of and ability to understand design, architecture, engineering and construction principles and concepts. 
• Strong organizational, analytical, verbal & writing skills, to include solid experience in writing functional guidelines specifications.
• Creative and innovative, demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in work style to better respond to multiple requests/tasks and handle sudden changes in priorities.
• Subject matter expertise using various project management software systems; preferably to include PROCORE
• Extremely proficient in MS Project, MS Excel, MS Office.
• Able to embrace and participate in change or process improvement initiatives.
• Strong analytical and technical skills, ability to problem solve, critical thinking and a desire to see the department reach its goals.
• Experience in major change initiatives and/or projects within interdisciplinary teams with an ability to develop project measures of success, analyze progress and evaluate outcomes.
• Superior interpersonal and demonstrated facilitation skills, including the ability to
• motivate and influence others, build effective interpersonal relationships, and be able to foster and contribute to a positive and productive team environment.

Education and Experience

• The applicant must have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering, Project Management, or Business
• A Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or the willingness to obtain the certification within one year of hire is desirable
• Applicant preferably would have 5 to 10 years of experience in the management of project portfolio schedule and preferably controls experience using Construction Management Software that includes financial and schedule management