Scheduler (00577) at PMA Consultants in Chicago, IL

Position Summary

The Scheduler plays a key role in supporting the successful planning and execution of manufacturing facility capital projects by developing and maintaining detailed project schedules throughout all phases of the project lifecycle, including planning, design, procurement, construction, commissioning, startup, and closeout. This role supports complex manufacturing, industrial, and advanced technology facility projects for a variety of public and private sector clients.

Working independently on moderately complex assignments, the Scheduler develops and maintains project schedules, performs schedule analysis and forecasting, and collaborates with project managers, engineers, contractors, and client stakeholders to support successful project delivery. The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling principles, is proficient in Oracle Primavera P6, and effectively communicates schedule performance, risks, and recommendations to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Note: This opportunity is available at multiple levels. Final placement will be determined based on the selected candidate’s experience, skills, and alignment with business needs. We are committed to providing fair and equitable consideration for all applicants.

Organizational Responsibilties

• Develop and maintain summary- and detailed-level project schedules in Oracle Primavera P6 to support engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, startup, and project closeout activities.

• Interpret contract documents and apply scheduling requirements, project specifications, and project milestones to schedule deliverables.

• Maintain schedule integrity by ensuring accurate activity sequencing, durations, calendars, constraints, logic, and relationships.

• Support the development and maintenance of Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), activity coding structures, project calendars, and schedule baselines.

• Assist with the development of resource-loaded and cost-loaded schedules, as required.

• Gather, validate, and incorporate schedule progress updates from project managers, engineers, contractors, vendors, and field personnel.

• Monitor project progress against approved baselines and key milestones, identifying schedule variances, critical path activities, and potential impacts to project delivery.

• Perform basic schedule analysis, forecasting, and schedule quality reviews to support project planning and execution.

• Assist with schedule recovery planning, what-if scenario analyses, and Time Impact Analyses (TIA), as applicable.

• Prepare schedule updates, dashboards, reports, narratives, and performance metrics for internal and client stakeholders.

• Analyze schedule data to support routine project reporting, forecasting, and project review meetings.

• Participate in project meetings to communicate schedule updates, capture project changes, and support planning activities.

• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, contractors, and client representatives to validate schedule information and support successful project execution.

• Continue developing knowledge of Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling theory, Primavera P6, PMA scheduling standards, and industry best practices.

• Apply feedback from senior schedulers to improve schedule quality, reporting accuracy, and forecasting capabilities.

• Develop a working knowledge of earned value management (EVM) principles and their application to schedule performance.

• Demonstrate initiative, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective problem-solving while managing multiple priorities.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two (2) years of scheduling, project controls, project planning, or related experience supporting engineering, construction, manufacturing, industrial, or capital projects.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, mathematics, statistics, data analytics, finance, accounting, or a related technical or quantitative field.
• A Master's degree in engineering, construction management, mathematics, statistics, data analytics, finance, accounting, or a related technical or quantitative field may be considered as part of the candidate's overall qualifications and relevant professional experience.
• Experience developing and maintaining project schedules using Oracle Primavera P6.
• Microsoft Project experience can be considered in lieu of Primavera P6.
• Working knowledge of Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling principles and schedule development best practices.
• Experience supporting manufacturing facilities, food and beverage, pulp and paper, industrial, or other capital facility projects is preferred.
• Experience with schedule analysis, forecasting, reporting, and earned value management (EVM) principles is preferred.
• Proficiency with Oracle Primavera P6, Microsoft Excel, and other project scheduling tools.
• Strong analytical, organizational, written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary project team.
• considered as part of the candidate's overall qualifications and relevant professional experience.
• Professional certifications such as PMI-SP, PMP, PSP, CCP, or similar credentials are preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered in lieu of the stated minimum qualifications.

Additional Requirements

Physical: Standing or sitting for long periods; must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times and spend extended hours in front of a computer screen.

Cognitive: Problem-solving, written, and verbal communication skills; computer and software skills; and ability to read and interpret text online or in printed form.

About PMA

At PMA, employee well-being is a daily priority. We offer a combination of workplace options that include a PMA office location; work-from-home; or a client site. Wherever we work, we openly share knowledge as we believe that collaboration with peers improves our work product and that pursuing subject matter expertise is a lifelong endeavor.

We are committed to a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. We affirm and respect diverse backgrounds and opinions because we believe they yield the best solutions for our clients. We promote emotional intelligence and trust by nurturing these values within our new hires.

We encourage staff to develop rewarding, long-term careers at PMA, and we implement formal leadership development programs that help you attain your goals. At PMA, shared success is a core value. Every employee who contributes is recognized, celebrated, and rewarded. We look for self-driven candidates eager to assume responsibility and join a community of respect founded on collaboration and accountability, not titles. If you aim to transform the project management practice toward continuous improvement of project outcomes, the profession, and yourself, PMA looks forward to warmly welcoming you to our team.

We offer competitive pay and benefits, wellness programs for you and your family, and career development opportunities to advance your professional goals.

As a PMA professional, you will be empowered to make timely and effective decisions and significant daily contributions to complex facets of project delivery. Join a team that has achieved a world-class reputation in the construction industry and has been voted a “Best Place to Work.”

PMA offers competitive wages and comprehensive benefits, including medical, prescription, dental, vision, time off with pay, 401(k) with company match, life, disability, and professional development reimbursement for qualifying employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression), disability, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. Qualified female and minority applicants are encouraged to apply.

EOE, including persons with disabilities and veterans.

VEVRAA federal contractor.