Director, Project Controls

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Meow Wolf opens portals of possibility. Come as you are! 

We are individuals who inspire creativity in people's lives through art and exploration, so that our combined imaginations can transform the world we live in. We create immersive and interactive experiences that transport audiences into fantastic realms of story and exploration.  Our Vision is to be the world’s leading creative company, reimagining the paradigm of art and storytelling, to make a positive difference in the world.  

We share a strong commitment to Belonging through our values of: 

• Collaborative Creativity: We believe the act of creating together amplifies possibilities.

• Provocative Playfulness: We celebrate the unexpected because it is the doorway to discovery.

• Outsiders Welcome: We are all outsiders at heart, and we create space for everyone to feel like they belong.

• Authentic Compassion:We are “kind punks” - supportive to each other and standing up for what we believe in.

• Audacious Courage: We have the courage to radically reinvent ourselves to push the boundaries of art.

If this all sounds like YOU, read on….

Job Description:

DIRECTOR OF PROJECT CONTROLS

Job Disclosures:

Location: (On-site) Santa Fe, NM

Job Summary:

The Director of Project Controls oversees and manages the Project Controls Team in each of their subject matter areas: Planning and Estimating. This leader is responsible for the successful planning and delivery of large, complex, multi-disciplined projects, providing leadership to strategically manage risks against scope, schedule, and budget. The role oversees the estimating and scheduling functions across the full project lifecycle, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and alignment with creative vision and financial feasibility.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the Project Controls Team, providing oversight for project-specific estimating, budgeting, and scheduling across the full project lifecycle, from early ideation through delivery.

• Supervise, mentor, and actively develop a high-performing and scalable team of managers and professionals, including the Scheduling/Planning Manager and Estimating Manager.

• Establish and maintain standardized project controls procedures, tools, and cost databases to ensure accuracy and consistency across all projects, including the development and validation of Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), scope documents, and cost forecasts.

• Collaborate closely with Project Leadership, Creative, Finance, Show, and Operations to align project strategies with company priorities and ensure the creative vision aligns with financial feasibility.

• Translate high-level business goals into actionable project plans and actively partner with leadership to develop comprehensive risk registers and incorporate schedule/cost risk analyses into project baselines.

• Report on the health of the project to Project Leadership, providing high-level reports, presentations, and scenario analyses, and serving as the main point of contact for escalating critical risks and concerns within the Project.

• Implement best practices, continuously evaluate project delivery methodologies, and leverage emerging tools and technologies to enhance productivity in delivery.

• Build and maintain a historical cost database and benchmarking library to continuously improve accuracy and inform strategic decision-making.

Required Qualifications

• Deep understanding of project management methodologies and managing diverse internal and external stakeholders.

• Demonstrated experience in overseeing estimating, scheduling/planning, or cost control, preferably 10+ years in construction or themed entertainment.

• Strong experience in overseeing domestic and international multi-faceted projects

• Proven leadership experience in managing project management professionals and building high-performing teams.

• Proficiency with core industry tools such as P6, Autodesk Construction Cloud, and Google Suite.

• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills with the ability to partner with creative and executive leadership.

• Experience in domestic and international multi-faceted projects.

• Solid understanding of business drivers and market conditions.

• Strong analytical skills.

• Proven track record in meeting aggressive schedules; clearly defining deliverables and timetables with demonstrated ability to balance multiple priorities in complex environments to successful project completion.

• Strong work ethic and high level of confidentiality using good judgement and an exceptional sense of accountability.

Work Environment and Physical Demands 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed must be representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensure, experience, and/or ability required.  

Work Environment:

This role operates in a combination of office, remote, and occasional on-site project environments. The position requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including finance, operations, project management, and external vendors or contractors. The work environment is fast-paced and deadline-driven, with responsibilities that include cost estimating, forecasting, scheduling, and project performance tracking. The role may require periodic site visits to support project planning and execution, which can involve exposure to active construction or installation environments. Flexibility is required to manage shifting priorities and project timelines.

Physical Demands:

This role is primarily sedentary and requires extended periods of sitting, working at a computer, and analyzing data. The position also involves occasional standing, walking, and site visits, which may require navigating uneven surfaces, construction areas, or exhibition spaces. Minimal lifting (typically up to 20 pounds) may be required. The role requires the ability to communicate effectively, including speaking, listening, and reviewing detailed reports and documentation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

The employee will comply with company and OSHA standard workplace safety protocols. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Work Schedule:

This is a full-time position averaging 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm MT or 10am to 6pm MST  – occasionally requiring flexibility to work during evenings or weekends based on business needs, as well as travel to off-site locations depending on the role and need. 

Supervisor Responsibilities:

This position does require supervisory responsibility.

Travel 

This position will require some travel (10%-25%)

Other Duties 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.  

IMPACT: Meow Wolf is committed to our DIY roots and grassroots community support principles. To document that commitment, we converted our legal designation into a Delaware Public Benefit Corporation and have certified as a B Corporation. As a B Corp, we have a triple bottom line of supporting financial, social and environmental wellbeing in our community.

INCLUSION:  Meow Wolf is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to ensuring all employees enjoy and thrive in a work environment where differences make us the vibrant, wonderful community we are! All employment decisions at Meow Wolf are based on business need, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, veteran status, service in the military or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

BENEFITS:

The choices we make concerning our benefits during enrollment periods are among the most important we select for ourselves and our families. As part of the total compensation package for full-time employees, Meow Wolf offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes various options to meet individual healthcare and financial needs along with many perks.  

• Medical Insurance options: PPO & HDHP*

• Dental and Vision Insurance*

• HSA, HRA, and FSA options*

• 401k Retirement Plan

• Company paid Life Insurance Policy and Disability Coverage(s)*

• Voluntary Critical Illness and Life Insurance Policies*

• Company Paid Employee Assistance Program

• Paid Parental Leave for 12 weeks

• Discount off Meow Wolf Gift Shop Merch and Cafes

• Admission to Meow Wolf attractions for employees and guests

*Regular or Project Based Full-time positions

Please visit www.meowwolf.com/careers for more information.