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Independent Project Manager Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

This role provides independent project controls reviews across a diverse portfolio of generation ... Earned Value Management (EVM) metrics * Forecasts and contingency plans * Business cases and ...

Project Controls Manager

The Woodlands, TX · On-site

$92.30 - $166.85/hr

This role provides independent project controls reviews across a diverse portfolio of generation ... Earned Value Management (EVM) metrics * Forecasts and contingency plans * Business cases and ...

This role provides independent project controls reviews across a diverse portfolio of generation ... Earned Value Management (EVM) metrics * Forecasts and contingency plans * Business cases and ...

Project Manager

Houston, TX · On-site

$85 - $125/hr

The Project Manager will work independently with minimal supervision and serve as the primary point of contact for both customers and internal operations. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments and teams. * Strong customer service and relationship management skills. * Ability to lead teams and drive project ...

The Project Manager will work independently with minimal supervision and serve as the primary point of contact for both customers and internal operations. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Project Manager

Stafford, TX · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments and teams. * Strong customer service and relationship management skills. * Ability to lead teams and drive project ...

New

The Project Manager II will play a pivotal role in the Rig Technologies business unit, ensuring the ... Ability to work independently and make sound decisions. * Excellent communication and presentation ...

Ability to work independently and make sound decisions. * Excellent communication and presentation ... Project management and customer focal point for all NOV associated project work scopes: Total Cost ...

... independent when needed be a teamplayer have strong project management skills be able to work under ... pressure in a busy setting be able to see the overall picture and cooperate across borders possess ...

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Showing results 1-20

Independent Project Manager information

See Houston, TX salary details

$34.6K

$92.4K

$145.8K

How much do independent project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for independent project manager in Houston, TX is $92,395.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,600.00 and $110,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an independent project manager?

Independent Project Managers are professionals who oversee and coordinate projects on a contract or freelance basis, rather than being employed by a single organization. They manage timelines, budgets, resources, and communication among stakeholders to ensure successful project completion. Their independence allows them to take on projects across different industries and clients, providing flexibility and a broad range of experience. Independent Project Managers must be skilled in project management methodologies, problem-solving, and client relations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent project manager?

To thrive as an Independent Project Manager, you need strong project management skills, experience leading cross-functional teams, and typically a bachelor’s degree in business, management, or a related field. Familiarity with project management software like Microsoft Project, Asana, or Trello, and certifications such as PMP or PRINCE2, are often required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and self-motivation help you effectively manage stakeholders and adapt to changing project demands. These skills and qualities ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and to the satisfaction of all parties involved.

What are some common challenges faced by independent project managers, and how can they effectively address them?

Independent Project Managers often encounter challenges such as aligning diverse stakeholder expectations, managing multiple projects simultaneously, and ensuring clear communication without the support of a larger in-house team. To address these issues, it's important to establish robust communication channels early, set clear project goals and deliverables, and use reliable project management tools to stay organized. Building strong relationships with clients and project teams can also help anticipate potential roadblocks and foster collaborative problem-solving.

What is the difference between Independent Project Manager vs Project Coordinator?

AspectIndependent Project ManagerProject Coordinator
CredentialsPM certifications (PMP, CAPM), relevant experienceEntry-level certifications, organizational skills
Work EnvironmentFreelance or contract basis, client sites, remoteOffice or project site, supporting project teams
Employer & IndustryConsulting firms, corporations, clients across industriesOrganizations, project teams, internal departments

While both roles involve project work, an Independent Project Manager manages projects independently, often on a contract basis, with a focus on planning, execution, and delivery. A Project Coordinator supports project managers by handling administrative tasks, scheduling, and communication. The Independent Project Manager typically has more experience and certifications, working in diverse environments, whereas the Project Coordinator plays a supportive role within organizations.

Can independent project managers work independently?

Yes, independent project managers typically work independently, managing projects without direct supervision. They often operate as freelancers or consultants, utilizing skills in planning, communication, and tools like project management software to deliver results autonomously.

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Independent Project Manager jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Independent Project Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Independent Project Manager job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,395 per year, or $44.4 per hour.

Project Controls Manager

Leidos

The Woodlands, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 500 rated business services


Job description

Leidos Engineering is seeking an experienced Project Controls Manager (PCM) to support a centralized capital project oversight organization responsible for evaluating and assessing large-scale capital projects prior to funding and stage-gate approvals. This role provides independent project controls reviews across a diverse portfolio of generation, transmission, distribution, nuclear, facilities, and IT projects valued at $30M+.
The successful candidate will perform comprehensive project assessments focused on cost, schedule, risk, estimating, earned value management, and overall project readiness. This is a highly visible role with regular interaction and presentations to executive leadership, including Vice Presidents and senior decision-makers responsible for project funding approvals. Unlike traditional project controls positions that focus on developing schedules or managing project execution, this role is centered on independent analysis, evaluation, and governance.
The ideal candidate is a well-rounded project controls professional who understands the full project lifecycle and can independently evaluate project performance across cost, schedule, risk, estimating, and execution readiness. This individual combines strong analytical skills with executive-level communication capabilities and is comfortable providing objective assessments that influence major capital funding decisions. This role will function in office in The Woodlands, TX 4 days/week, and the estimated pay range (salaried) is 135-140k.
Key Responsibilities
  • Perform independent project health assessments for capital projects progressing through formal funding and stage-gate approval processes.
  • Evaluate project readiness, maturity, and overall execution strategy during key project phases.
  • Review and analyze project controls documentation including:
    • Cost estimates
    • Schedules
    • Risk registers and analyses
    • Earned Value Management (EVM) metrics
    • Forecasts and contingency plans
    • Business cases and supporting project documentation
  • Utilize project controls best practices to identify gaps, risks, concerns, and improvement opportunities.
  • Conduct schedule quality reviews utilizing tools such as Acumen Fuse or similar schedule diagnostics software.
  • Evaluate quantitative risk analyses and Monte Carlo simulation outputs using Crystal Ball or equivalent risk modeling tools.
  • Engage project teams to obtain required documentation, clarify assumptions, and validate findings.
  • Develop comprehensive assessment reports and recommendations within established review timelines.
  • Present findings and recommendations to executive leadership and funding gate review committees.
  • Provide objective recommendations regarding project advancement, corrective actions, or additional requirements prior to funding approval.
  • Support oversight of a portfolio of approximately 140 capital projects across multiple business sectors.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, Business, or related field.
  • 10+ years of project controls experience supporting large industrial or capital projects.
  • Demonstrated expertise across multiple project controls disciplines including:
    • Cost management
    • Scheduling
    • Risk management
    • Estimating
    • Earned Value Management (EVM)
    • Forecasting and performance analysis
  • Experience reviewing and assessing projects rather than solely supporting project execution.
  • Strong analytical and technical writing skills with the ability to synthesize large volumes of information into executive-level reports.
  • Experience presenting findings and recommendations to senior leadership.
  • Ability to quickly assess unfamiliar projects and develop informed recommendations within aggressive timelines.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Utility industry experience supporting generation, transmission, distribution, nuclear, or major infrastructure projects.
  • Experience with large industrial capital projects in energy, oil & gas, petrochemical, manufacturing, or heavy construction environments.
  • Hands-on field experience supporting project execution, construction, commissioning, or project controls activities.
  • Experience with stage-gate governance processes and capital project funding approvals.
  • Proficiency with Acumen Fuse, Primavera P6, Crystal Ball, or similar project controls and risk analysis tools.
  • Background performing quantitative risk analysis and Monte Carlo simulations.
  • PMP, EVP, PSP, CCP, or related project controls certifications preferred.

At Leidos, the opportunities are boundless. We challenge our staff with interesting assignments that provide them with an opportunity to thrive, professionally and personally. For us, helping you grow your career is good business. Apply today!
PDSPM
PowerDelivery
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
June 22, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $92,300.00 - $166,850.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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