About this Event
Welcome to the February 2026 Networking and Technical Event! Join us for an evening filled with learning and connecting. Please note that the location has changed - The event will now take place at the Society Clubhouse. Don't miss this exciting chance to collaborate and grow professionally. See you there!
About the Presentation:
The Project Controls Managers’ Playbook: How to Thrive in the New Era
Project controls and project management have been established since the 1960s and 70s, with the advent of AACE and PMI and the development of their bodies of knowledge. The basic concepts established are still sound according to a CII study; however, the world has changed with advancements in technology, evolving contract strategies, the reduction of experienced resources and competition for resources among contractors, consultants, owners, and other stakeholders.
The differing perceptions of project controls, the impact of company values on project delivery and a roadmap to becoming a project controls manager will be discussed.
This presentation considers the changing project landscape, digital transformation, the central role of project controls in project governance and proposes a project controls manager's playbook for the new era.
The Project Controls Managers’ Playbook: A Survivor’s Guide for a New Era
Project controls and project management have been well established since the 1960s and 70s with the advent of AACE and PMI and the bodies of knowledge developed. The basic concepts established are still basically sound according to a study by CII, however, the world is changed by disruptive technology, trends in contract strategy and shrinking experienced resources at all levels and competition for resources.
At times, project controls responsibilities may be encroached upon due to the blurring of roles in the digital data environment and in the analysis of data and lack of understanding of the role.
Values about work life, relocation, team management and communications, the perception of the project controls’ role at the project and the portfolio level will be discussed as well as the roadmap to becoming a project controls manager.
This paper is further to an earlier paper entitled The Project Controls Manager’s Survival Guidebook, considering the changing landscape, the digital transformation, the major role of project controls in project governance and a project control’s manager’s playbook in todays' world. It also considers the AACE body of knowledge and how it can bridge the gap with its recommended practices, guidelines and professional and certifications for the current and next generation of project controls managers and project controls professionals.
About the Presenter:
Leslie (Les) McMullan, FAACE and PMP, has over 45 years of experience in project controls and project management on major capital projects in North America and internationally. He graduated from McGill University in Montreal and has worked in most major industries, including nuclear, pulp and paper, petrochemical, mining, metallurgy, and infrastructure.
Les has had an accomplished career working with both consulting and owner organizations. He has held various positions, including estimator, cost controller, senior project controls manager, and project manager. He has held management positions in several firms, including Vice President of Project Services at SNC-Lavalin, General Manager of Project Services at Rio Tinto, and Global Director of Project Controls at Hatch. Currently, he serves as Managing Director of Project Controls at Techne PMC.
Les was President of the Montreal Section of the AACE International for many years. He later served for four years on the AACE International Board of Directors, first as Regional Director, then as President of AACE Canada, and as VP of Regions for North America. In 2012, he was named a Fellow of AACE International, and in 2024, he received the AACE Award of Merit.
He has served as a frequent guest lecturer at McGill University and Concordia University and has also presented at the University of Montreal and the University of Sherbrooke.
See you there!
AACE Toronto Section Team
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Society Clubhouse, 967 College Street, Toronto, Canada
CAD 20.00 to CAD 35.00
