Client's Underlying Needs and Priorities:

• Effective Project Control: The client needs a strong leader to ensure projects stay on schedule and within budget. This is evident in the emphasis on compliance with their Project Controls standards, earned value management, and risk management.
• Experienced Leadership: They are looking for someone with extensive experience in managing project controls in the construction industry, specifically within urban transportation projects. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of leading teams and delivering successful outcomes.
• Strong Communication and Collaboration: The role requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively convey project performance status to various stakeholders, including the project team, clients, and joint venture partners.
• Proactive Problem Solving: The client needs someone who can identify and address potential issues before they escalate. This is highlighted by the emphasis on risk management, variance analysis, and proposing corrective actions.
• Commercial Acumen: The candidate should possess strong commercial awareness and be able to support the Commercial and Procurement teams in claims assessment, negotiations, and dispute resolutions.
• Continuous Improvement: The client values individuals who can contribute to the improvement of their Project Controls policies and guidelines.

Key Challenges:

• Complex Projects: Urban transportation projects are often complex and involve multiple stakeholders, tight deadlines, and strict regulatory requirements.
• Cost and Schedule Control: Managing costs and schedules within the dynamic environment of large-scale infrastructure projects is a significant challenge.
• Risk Mitigation: Identifying and mitigating potential risks that could impact project delivery is crucial.
• Effective Communication: Ensuring clear and timely communication across all project stakeholders is essential for success.
• Talent Management: Leading and motivating a team of Project Controls professionals to achieve project objectives.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Extensive Experience: 15+ years of experience in project controls within the construction industry, with a focus on urban transportation projects.
• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead and motivate teams, build strong relationships, and foster a collaborative environment.
• Technical Expertise: Strong understanding of project controls principles, earned value management, risk management, and scheduling techniques.
• Commercial Acumen: Ability to understand and interpret contract documents, assess claims, and participate in negotiations.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex information to diverse audiences.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Proactive and analytical mindset, with a proven ability to identify and resolve issues effectively.
• Software Proficiency: Familiarity with industry-standard project controls software, such as Primavera and SAP.

Conclusion:

The client is facing the typical challenges of delivering complex urban transportation projects on time and within budget. They need a highly experienced and capable Project Controls Director who can effectively lead a team, manage risks, and ensure successful project outcomes. The ideal candidate will possess a strong combination of technical expertise, leadership skills, commercial acumen, and communication abilities.