Senior Principal Project Controls Spec
McDermott International
Job Overview:
The Senior Principal Project Controls Spec is tasked with solving unique and complex problems that have a broad impact on the business. They must proactively identify and solve the most complex problems that impact the management and direction of the business. They are considered a specialist in the field of project controls, and they offer a broad base of knowledge about the project controls function. They impact the direction and resource allocation of programs and projects in their discipline and work within general functional policies and industry guidelines. The Senior Principal Project Controls Spec role requires conceptual and innovative thinking to develop creative solutions to project controls challenges.
Lutech Resources has over 25 years’ experience providing tailor made recruitment and integrated resource management to leading Engineering, Energy and Manufacturing sector companies worldwide. We set ourselves apart from others in the industry by building long term relationships with both our clients and candidates based on a mutual understanding of their targeted industry and a passion for excellence. With every engagement, our goal is to quickly place qualified talent with the best suited employer. We have a genuine understanding of candidates and clients’ needs. Along with a dynamic and effective service, we strive for positive outcomes for everyone, every time.
Essential Qualifications and Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or a related discipline.
- Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in project controls within project-based organizations, preferably in the oil and gas, energy, or heavy industrial sectors.
- Proven leadership in managing project controls on large-scale, complex EPC projects.
- Deep expertise in cost control, scheduling, risk management, change control, and performance reporting.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple workstreams with minimal supervision.
- Fluent in English, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational and analytical skills, with a high level of attention to detail and a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and familiar with project controls systems and tools.
- Conversant with local and international QHSES (Quality, Health, Safety, Environment, and Security) regulations and standards.
- Ability to operate effectively in a global, multicultural environment and represent the company with professionalism and authority.
#LI-FM1
Key Tasks and Responsibilities:
- Ensure the full implementation and integration of all project controls tools, systems, and methodologies required for effective project execution, tailored to both corporate standards and specific project characteristics.
- Lead the deployment of project controls frameworks across project sites, ensuring alignment with centralized project controls strategies and tools.
- Develop and enforce project-specific procedures, work methods, and reporting protocols in accordance with company standards and client contractual requirements.
- Provide strategic oversight and leadership to assigned project controls personnel, including Planning Engineers, Cost Controllers, and Analysts, ensuring consistent performance and professional development.
- Define and manage the detailed Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) at Levels 4 and 5, ensuring full traceability across cost, schedule, scope, and reporting systems.
- Oversee the accurate and timely update of project progress data, ensuring seamless integration with centralized project reporting and performance dashboards.
- Establish and maintain project schedule and cost baselines, ensuring alignment with contractual milestones, execution plans, and risk-adjusted forecasts.
- Deliver monthly project planning forecasts, incorporating progress trends, resource availability, and schedule risk assessments.
- Maintain and manage schedule float tables, proactively adjusting activity sequences to preserve critical path integrity and project completion targets.
- Review and validate cost bookings, ensuring accurate allocation to project cost codes and compliance with financial controls.
- Provide monthly cost forecasts, integrating actuals, commitments, trends, and change impacts to support financial planning and executive reporting.
- Ensure project risks are systematically identified, assessed, and mitigated in collaboration with project leads, and maintain stewardship of the project risk register.
- Provide timely and accurate data to the Project Contracts Manager to support the issuance of Change Notices and contractual claims.
- Maintain the Change Register and coordinate the collection of supporting documentation for submission of Change Proposals.
- Ensure all project controls functions—cost, schedule, risk, change, and reporting—are fully integrated, aligned, and executed in a coordinated manner.
- Lead the implementation and governance of the change control process, ensuring timely identification, evaluation, and resolution of changes.
- Oversee the preparation and delivery of internal and external project status reports, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and strategic insight.
- Ensure the control, traceability, and timely distribution of technical documents and project correspondence, in accordance with project procedures and document control standards.
- Act as a senior advisor to project leadership, providing strategic guidance on project performance, risk exposure, and controls optimization.
- Represent the project controls function in high-level client meetings, audits, and executive reviews, demonstrating authority and accountability for project performance metrics.

