Scheduler

Lead Project Controls Specialist / Lead Scheduler

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Lead Project Controls Specialist to play a critical leadership role in planning, scheduling, and performance management on complex construction and EPC projects. This is a Lead scheduler position suited for a professional who thrives in dynamic environments, has deep Primavera P6 expertise, and brings proven outage and field experience.

In this role, you will act as a trusted advisor to project leadership—driving schedule integrity, cost performance, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement—while mentoring junior team members and strengthening project controls best practices across the organization.

What You’ll DoProject Planning, Scheduling & Performance

• Lead on‑line and off‑line planning and scheduling activities using Primavera P6, supporting projects through all phases of the lifecycle
• Develop, maintain, and analyze fully integrated, resource‑loaded project schedules
• Facilitate schedule review meetings, progress updates, and coordination with internal teams and subcontractors
• Perform regular field walks to validate schedule progress and productivity
• Develop schedule fragnets across multiple phases for repeatable scope execution
• Identify, lead, and execute rebaseline efforts when required

Cost Control, Earned Value & Forecasting

• Support the development and execution of Earned Value Management (EVM) plans
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (CPI, SPI, productivity, key commodities, labor trends)
• Conduct detailed labor rate and cost multiplier analysis, accounting for economic and market conditions
• Assist in establishing and maintaining the project cost management system
• Provide accurate forecasts and early warnings on emerging risks or adverse trends

Reporting, Risk & Change Management

• Produce and maintain custom dashboards and reports that clearly communicate project health
• Ensure performance metrics are well understood by project leadership and stakeholders
• Assist in the development of Project Controls, Schedule Management, Risk Management, and Change Management Plans
• Support contract‑compliant change management practices and risk mitigation strategies
• Facilitate periodic project review meetings as the primary Project Controls liaison

Systems, Governance & Data Integrity

• Administer and maintain Primavera P6 databases, controlling access and ensuring data integrity
• Manage the integration and quality review of subcontractor schedules
• Establish and enforce schedule backup and version‑control standards across client and internal systems
• Collaborate across sectors to set and maintain project controls standards

Leadership & Collaboration

• Serve as a Project Controls Ambassador, championing best practices across teams
• Mentor and guide junior project controls professionals
• Participate in internal and customer-facing project status and governance meetings
• Collaborate early with project teams to identify risks, constraints, and corrective actions

What You BringEducation & Experience

• Post‑secondary degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a quantitative discipline
• Lead‑level experience in project controls or scheduling, preferably with an EPC self‑perform contractor
• Outage experience and strong construction field exposure
• Experience supporting mega‑projects or multi‑project portfolios

Technical Expertise

• Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills (data analysis, reporting, dashboards)
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, JDE, or similar)
• Experience with cost management or estimating systems (Hard Dollar, EcoSys, PRISM, or equivalent)

Professional Skills

• Highly analytical and adaptable thinker
• Detail‑oriented with a strong focus on quality and data integrity
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Collaborative team player and confident stakeholder partner
• Agile, flexible, and effective in fast‑moving project environments
• Innovative problem solver with a proactive mindset

Why Join Us

• Work on high‑impact, complex projects where your expertise truly matters
• Be a key voice influencing project strategy, performance, and leadership decisions
• Lead, mentor, and shape the next generation of project controls professionals
• Join a team that values innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement

*This position is currently scheduled at 5 10's with overtime being paid at 1.5 per hour. During outages work weeks may be up to 70 hours, including overtime pay* This position is located in North Anna- Louisa County, VA.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Richmond, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $76.92 - $85.00/hr.

Per Diem 7 days a week- $175 per day

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Richmond,VA.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

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