Director of Scheduling

Location(s)

• Chicago, Illinois (headquarters-based position)

Compensation

• $145,000–$175,000 base salary, with final compensation dependent on individual skills and experience.

Position Summary

The Director of Scheduling is a senior project controls leader responsible for developing, maintaining, and optimizing schedules for high-voltage transmission line and substation projects from early-stage planning through construction, energization, and closeout. The role serves as the scheduling subject matter expert, applying advanced CPM, schedule risk analysis, EVM, and project controls practices while partnering with engineering, construction, contractors, IT, finance, and senior leadership to improve schedule performance and portfolio-wide consistency.

Job Function

• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules throughout the full project life cycle, from conceptual planning through project closeout, for greenfield and upgrade transmission line and substation projects.
• Provide scheduling expertise to engineering teams developing conceptual design options, execution strategies, and construction sequencing alternatives.
• Assess project-specific constraints, including permitting, land acquisition, long-lead equipment procurement, and access logistics, to create accurate baseline schedules reflecting scope, sequence, and resource requirements.
• Perform Schedule Risk Analysis (SRA) using quantitative techniques, including Monte Carlo simulation, to identify critical-path vulnerabilities and develop mitigation and contingency strategies.
• Develop and maintain scheduling tools, templates, and methodologies to improve scheduling accuracy, efficiency, and consistency across the project portfolio.
• Provide schedule input for risk review meetings and recommend float-management and contingency-reserve strategies.
• Present project schedules, performance reports, and risk analyses to senior management, project stakeholders, and clients.
• Serve as the Scheduling Subject Matter Expert (SME), providing expert guidance and promoting continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
• Coordinate with contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers to validate schedule inputs, review submitted schedules, and confirm that milestones and contractual completion dates are achievable.
• Track schedule performance and variances using Earned Value Management (EVM) and other performance metrics, updating schedules to reflect changes in scope, design, or execution approach.
• Ensure scheduling activities comply with organizational policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Support evaluation and selection of an enterprise-level project scheduling software platform by defining functional requirements, coordinating vendor demonstrations and assessments, and recommending a solution aligned with the long-term project controls strategy.
• Lead integration of project schedule data with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, partnering with IT and finance to automate data flows, align schedule and cost information, and enable real-time project performance reporting.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of project scheduling experience, including at least 5 years leading the development and management of schedules for high-voltage (>230 kV) transmission line and substation projects.
• Two or more years of field experience as a Construction Manager or Field Engineer on substation or transmission line projects is preferred.
• A master’s degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, equipment, and sequencing for high-voltage transmission line and substation projects.
• Expertise in Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling, including development and maintenance of Level 1 through Level 4 project schedules.
• Advanced working knowledge of Oracle Primavera P6 is required; proficiency in Microsoft Project is also expected.
• Knowledge of industry standards and best practices for project scheduling, schedule management, and schedule performance measurement.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel, for schedule data analysis and reporting.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, time-management, and organizational skills, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• Strong written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate complex schedule information to non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, consultants, contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to contribute effectively within a growing organization.
• Ability to travel 10–20% of working days within North America.
• Valid non-CDL driver’s license.
• PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) certification is highly preferred.
• AACE International Planning & Scheduling Professional (PSP) or Certified Cost Professional (CCP) certification is preferred.
• Professional Engineer (PE), PMI Project Management Professional (PMP), and Six Sigma certifications are preferred.
• Experience developing schedules for FERC Order 1000 competitive transmission proposals is preferred.
• Knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM) methodologies and EVMS compliance requirements for large capital projects is preferred.
• Familiarity with transmission project permitting processes, including NEPA, state siting, and right-of-way acquisition, and their integration into project schedules is preferred.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD, SAP, and other project management software is strongly desired.

Appealing Facts About Living in Chicago, Illinois

• Chicago offers extensive public transportation options, including CTA rail and bus service, as well as commuter rail connections throughout the metropolitan area.
• The city provides access to Lake Michigan, miles of lakefront trails and beaches, and a large network of parks and recreational spaces.
• Chicago has a nationally recognized dining, arts, music, theater, and cultural scene, with year-round festivals, museums, and entertainment.
• O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport provide strong domestic and international travel access.
• The metropolitan area supports a diverse economy and a large professional community across engineering, construction, infrastructure, energy, finance, technology, and other industries.

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