Senior Project Controller (Cost)

Job Description

At IPS, we are global leaders in developing innovative solutions for the consulting, architecture, engineering, project controls, procurement, construction management, and CQV of technically complex facilities, primarily in the life sciences industry. We are looking for a talented Senior Project Controller, Cost, to join our dedicated team at our office located in Somerset, New Jersey, or our headquarters in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania.

In this role, you will support all phases of the project costs and schedule reporting using the most current industry practices and software. You will also integrate with engineering, procurement, cost, schedule, technical & construction disciplines for seamless reporting to ensure effective project delivery.

Additional Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with the Project Manager (PM), Discipline Leads, and Engineers to ensure accurate and consistent reporting across all project platforms.
• Coordinate with the team to understand and contribute to the development of estimates used in bid package budgeting.
• Provide support for PNR and BRR updates and maintain report accuracy and consistency across systems.
• Partner with the PM and Procurement Manager to manage budget comparison tools and systems.
• Assist in translating bid breakdowns into Schedules of Values (SOVs) and maintain a working knowledge of contract scopes and line items.
• Lead the development and presentation of cost reports using Procore, Power BI, and UDF, and manage spend plan updates and reporting.
• Set up and maintain dashboards and custom reporting tools in coordination with the project team.
• Work effectively in a collaborative and fast-paced project environment that encourages positive contributions and teamwork.
• Support estimating, procurement, and project management efforts related to scope coordination, work package definition, contract development, and bid evaluation as directed by the PM.
• Engage in company-wide collaboration to enhance systems, processes, and institutional knowledge for continuous improvement.
• Facilitate agreement on contractor SOVs, monitor progress, and validate invoicing and payments.
• Coordinate with accounting to align project billing with current funding and client invoices, ensuring complete documentation at every stage.
• Actively participate in change control processes, including tracking cost trends and assisting in the validation and integration of pricing adjustments and change orders.
• Operate and support integrated cost reporting systems.
• Prepare detailed cost reports covering budgets, changes, commitments (POs), spending, anticipated costs, and forecasts, ensuring data integrity and reliable project forecasting.
• Contribute to processes related to budgeting, invoicing, change control, and cost forecasting across the EPCQ (engineering, procurement, construction, and qualification) project life cycle.
• Create clear visualizations, graphics, and outputs to support team communication. Provide updates on cash flow projections, staffing plans, and contingency usage.
• Support alignment between cost and schedule data, and assist in the preparation of schedule progress reports, trend analysis, and schedule assessments.
• Note: Schedule development is managed by a separate Scheduling role.
• Support the PM and project team in closeout activities and documentation.
• Compile historical cost data and capture key lessons learned at project completion.
• For applicants located in the state of New Jersey, the salary offered for this role is between $107,000 and $143,000, but the actual salary offered is dependent on experience, skill set, and education.
  
  

Qualifications & Requirements

• BS degree in engineering or related technical field, construction management, or applicable experience.
• 10 years of professional experience.
• Aptitude, ability, and capacity to progressively broaden knowledge of engineering, procurement, construction, and qualification (EPCQ) processes in the Pharma/Biotech Industry.
• Strong analytical and computer skills.
• Experience with data management tools (MS Excel, MS Access, Power BI, etc.
• Excellent collaboration, communication, and organizational skills are required, with the ability to prioritize and manage large amounts of information to effectively meet deadlines.
• Desire to work towards PMI, AACEI, or other industry certifications.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to financial ERP systems is desirable.
  
  

Physical Demands

• Must be able to stand, sit, and walk for prolonged periods.
• Must possess the ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl as required.
• Must be able to climb ladders as necessary.
  
  

Work Environment

• Must be able to work in both indoor and outdoor environments, which may include exposure to varying working conditions.
• Must be able to adhere to strict cleanroom gowning protocol.
  
  

Travel

• This position will have 50% travel, or as required by the assigned project.
• Position may be assigned to the client site for an extended period.
• Overnight travel or staying in the city of the Client’s location is possible, depending on the assignment.
• Please review the IPS Travel Policy.
• You will visit construction sites and will be required to take site safety training and adhere to site safety rules.
• Must have access to reliable transportation.
• Must have the ability to travel and commute on a daily or routine basis.
  
  

Safety

• This position is a safety-sensitive position.
• The employee is designated for field work and attends activities at client sites where they work in construction, process, packaging, manufacturing, research, or other "non-administrative" areas.
  
  

All interviews are conducted either in person or virtually, with video required.

About Us

IPS, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a global leader in technical consulting, architecture, engineering, procurement, construction management, commissioning, qualification, and validation services for technically complex facilities. Integration is how we think and work. It requires the ability to unite existing and emerging technologies into a process that reliably delivers products and accelerates speed to market. That end-to-end mindset allows us to be agile and anticipate challenges as we move projects toward operational readiness. IPS applies design and delivery expertise, client-side experience, and supplier-side insight to every project. We infuse our curiosity, our passion, and our commitment to partnership in delivering solutions at any scale. We meet our clients where they are and get them to where they need to go. That’s only possible when we care as much as our clients do.

Specialties

Process Architecture, Process Design, Engineering, Construction, Commissioning, Qualification, LEAN Project Delivery, Strategic Master Planning, Energy Conservation Management, Project Controls, Program/Project Management, Operations/Logistics Strategy and Planning, EPCMV, and Staffing Services.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at IPS without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic predisposition or carrier status, veteran, marital, or citizenship status, or any other status protected by law. IPS is proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

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