Project Planning & Controls (PP&C) Manager
Kepler Communications
Key Responsibilities:
- Champion the process of balancing resource planning and allocation across programs to optimize for program needs
- Provide decision input to inform budgeting and hiring decisions
- Develop and implement project controls standards, procedures, and best practices across the project portfolio
- Oversee project scheduling, cost control, risk management, and performance reporting functions
- Establish and maintain project control systems and tools to support effective project management within an Earned Value Management (EVM) framework
- Ensure compliance with organizational project management methodologies and industry standards, including the AS9100 quality standard.
- As the business scales, build and lead the team of schedulers and PP&C analysts who monitor and analyze project portfolio performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs)
- Lead the development of dashboards and visualization tools for project performance tracking
- Partner with the Director of Program Management in providing regular portfolio status reports to senior leadership and stakeholders
- Continuously evaluate and improve project controls processes and procedures
- Lead implementation of new project management tools and technologies, improving excellence in program execution
- Champion best practices sharing across the organization
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, Business Administration, or related field
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification required
- Minimum of 8+ years of experience in project controls, project management, or related field
- 3+ years of management or supervisory experience
- Demonstrated experience managing large-scale, complex projects or portfolios
- Experience in manufacturing, preferably aerospace manufacturing.
- Expert proficiency in project management software (Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, etc.)
- Strong knowledge of earned value management (EVA) principles and practices
- Experience with project controls systems and databases
- Proficiency in data analysis tools (Excel, Power BI, Tableau, etc.)
- Understanding of cost estimating, scheduling, and risk management principles
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and presentation abilities
- Leadership and team development capabilities
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities
- Strategic thinking and business acumen
- Change management and process improvement expertise
Bonus Points:
- Master's degree preferred (MBA, MS in Project or Engineering Management, or similar)
- Planning and Scheduling Professional (PSP) certification preferred
- Certified Cost Professional (CCP) or similar cost management certification preferred
- Six Sigma certification advantageous
- Experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies
- Knowledge of contract administration and procurement processes
- Experience with regulatory compliance and audit processes
- Familiarity with industry-specific standards (e.g., AACE, PMI, APM)