Project Controls Manager

At Gardner, we believe commercial construction should feel as welcoming as it is professional. That’s why we don’t just build and renovate spaces; we build relationships rooted in hospitality. Our mission is to set the platinum standard for our clients, partners, and team members by delivering exceptional results while embodying our core values: passion, humility, excellence, empathy, and nimbleness. We bring a hospitality-driven approach to every project, ensuring that every interaction is thoughtful, responsive, and human-centered.

You’re curious about what’s behind the numbers and confident asking the questions that help a team see the full picture. You understand how construction projects come together and how decisions along the way affect cost, cash flow, and profitability.

You enjoy being a trusted partner to project teams. You can dig into the details, challenge an assumption with care, and turn complex financial information into a clear next step. You take ownership, follow through, and bring a hospitality mindset to the people who count on you.

At Gardner, we believe how we build matters as much as what we build. As our Project Controls Manager, you’ll help guide the financial health of large, complex projects from contract award through closeout, working closely with Project Managers, Project Executives, and our accounting team.

• Project teams trust the numbers and have a clear understanding of where their projects are headed financially.
• Forecasts reflect reality, with assumptions thoughtfully challenged and remaining costs accurately accounted for.
• Financial risks and opportunities are identified early, with practical recommendations that help protect margin and cash flow.
• Owner billings and trade partner payments are accurate, timely, and supported by complete documentation.
• Cash needs are anticipated, collections stay on track, and payment issues are addressed before they create larger challenges.
• Project Managers and Project Executives count on you as an engaged partner who asks good questions, follows through, and helps them make informed decisions.
• Owners, trade partners, and teammates experience Gardner’s hospitality through your responsiveness, clarity, and care.

• Own the financial picture of one or more large construction projects, typically $50M+ and delivered through cost-plus-fee contracts with a guaranteed maximum price.
• Drive monthly project forecasts, partnering with project teams to validate remaining costs, challenge assumptions, and maintain a dependable view of final cost and margin.
• Monitor budgets, commitments, actual costs, contingency, and change orders to identify risks and opportunities early and recommend practical next steps.
• Prepare and submit accurate owner billings, including AIA pay applications and supporting documentation, while keeping unbilled work and closeout requirements moving.
• Partner with project teams and trade partners to review pay applications, confirm contract and documentation compliance, and resolve payment questions.
• Build forward-looking cash flow forecasts, follow up on collections, and anticipate the timing of billings, payments, and retainage releases.
• Give project leaders and the Controller clear financial insights that support decisions and protect project profitability.
• Help project teams strengthen billing, cost coding, and cost management practices while contributing to better processes across accounting.

• 5+ years of progressive commercial construction accounting or project management experience with a general contractor or construction manager.
• Experience supporting large, complex construction projects and collaborating with project teams, accounting, and…