Nobian is building AI into the operating model of its capital project controls function, and we need someone to make it real. This role sits at the intersection of PMO controls expertise and AI implementation. You will own the digital and AI layer of Project Controls: identifying what to automate in cost estimation, scheduling, and PMO reporting, and then building and embedding the tools to do it.
You are not a generalist improvement manager. You understand cost engineering and scheduling well enough to know exactly what to automate, and you have the technical capability to go build it.
Your challenge
Design and deploy AI tools and agents that automate repeatable PMO tasks, cost estimation, schedule baseline generation, variance flagging, gate pack assembly, with human review at defined decision points.
Own the data layer: SAP connectivity, data quality, and the infrastructure that makes AI-assisted controls possible.
Translate NPM framework requirements into digital workflows and automated artefacts, digitising gate requirements, controls standards, and reporting obligations.
Build AI literacy across the controls team and the wider Projects & Engineering organisation, helping engineers, planners, and project directors understand and interrogate AI-generated outputs.
Run structured pilots, measure what works, and scale it, turning experiments into repeatable institutional capability.
Your responsibilities
Working knowledge of capital project cost estimation and controls, cost, schedule, risk, in a live project delivery environment;
Hands-on experience building digital tools or automations: Power BI, Python, SAP integration, or similar;
Practical experience with AI implementation, including agentic AI or multi-step AI workflows, not just AI-assisted single tasks;
You came up through PMO or project controls and moved into digital/AI, or the reverse;
You can read a project cost report, spot the structural problems, and build a tool that catches them systematically;
You are comfortable challenging senior project managers directly when controls quality is at risk, you do not need a formal assurance title to do that.
This is our offer
Annual gross salary: EUR 72.000 – EUR 115.000 (fulltime).
Attractive bonus scheme.
35 vacation days.
Initial year contract for 32-40 hours a week with possibility of permanent extension.
Training and development opportunities in an international, technically ambitious environment.
Have you got what it takes?
Capital project cost estimation and controls is the right starting point for AI: structured data already exists in SAP and other systems, and tasks are repeatable at scale. A 10% improvement in estimate accuracy has direct commercial impact across the portfolio. You will not be implementing someone else’s vision, you will be defining and building it, with visibility to senior leadership. The function is structured for controls independence: your outputs carry authority because you do not report into project delivery.
Success in this role is also a blueprint. The AI implementation model built in Project Controls is designed to be replicated across other areas of the Projects & Engineering organisation, including Engineering and Standardisation, as the ambition scales. Furthermore, you recognize yourself in the following points:
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, project management, or a related technical discipline;
8–12 years of relevant experience with meaningful time in capital project environments (manufacturing, chemicals, energy, or heavy industry);
Experience with SAP PS/PM, Microsoft Project Online, Microsoft Power Platform, Cleopatra, Power Apps and Power BI is an advantage;
Working knowledge of data modelling and ontology, specifically how to structure and standardise project data to make it consistent and AI-readable across projects;
Familiarity with AI applications in pre-project phases (FEL-1/FEL-2), including parametric estimating, reference class forecasting, and early risk modelling, is a strong advantage;
Fluent in English; Dutch and/or German an advantage.
Are you eager to start your career at Nobian as an Project Excellence Manager?
Then we are looking forward to receiving your online application via our website. Please use the ‘apply’ link on this page. Any questions? Then contact Sylvia Baars, Talent Acquisition Partner,
[email protected] . Applications via email won’t be considered. #LI-SB1
A pre‑employment screening, such as a Certificate of Conduct (VOG), is part of the selection process.
Within Nobian, we are committed to cultivate a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where every individual feels valued, respected, and supported as it is crucial for the success of Nobian to build a sustainable future. We therefore welcome all applicants and recruit regardless of sexual orientation, gender, identity, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability or age.
