The energy sector faces pressure from unpredictable markets, shifting regulations, and ambitious project scopes. Large programs often struggle with scheduled drift, incomplete data, and cost uncertainty. These challenges hinder long-term planning and prevent project teams from providing executives with reliable insights. Many leaders rely on traditional reporting tools that only describe what went wrong after the fact. For over 15 years, Sr. Project Control Specialist Parthiv Varma has worked to solve these problems. His career began in field engineering, where hands-on exposure to large-scale projects led him to transition into data-driven project controls.
Energy and infrastructure projects have become more complex. As a result, the industry demands stronger analytics and integrated systems for better forecasting and decision-making. However, many projects still depend on spreadsheets and fragmented software, which slows response time.
The shift has created a need for specialists who combine technical skill with strategic insight. Varma brings that blend to his work. “From an early stage in my career, I realized I had a passion for solving complex problems and bringing clarity to challenging projects,” he says. With expertise in Primavera P6, SAP, Excel, Power BI, and advanced earned value management (EVM), along with specialized skills in cost estimating, variance analysis, and EVM integration, he helps organizations transition from static reporting to predictive analysis.
Varma’s work spans oil and gas, utilities, energy, and infrastructure. Across these sectors, he has managed multi-billion-dollar portfolios, ensuring financial discipline through rigorous cost forecasting and risk mitigation. In this capacity, he observed the consequences of incomplete baselines, unclear scope, and late reporting. Nevertheless, he learned that cost and schedule systems are effective only when they align real-world work with accurate project forecasts. “I've developed tailored approaches that provide true predictive insights rather than just retrospective analysis,” he says. As a result, Varma has gained a reputation for rigorous forecasting, practical risk analysis, and steady leadership in high-pressure environments.
In a sector that increasingly demands precision, accountability, and agility, Varma’s approach offers a blueprint for delivering complex projects on time and within budget. Whether steering billion-dollar infrastructure programs or mentoring the next generation of project control specialists, Parthiv Varma exemplifies what it means to bring budget precision to the heart of energy project success.
The seasoned Project Control Analyst is known for turning complex data into clear insights that executives can trust. His work style centers on accuracy, transparency, and a steady focus on long-term objectives. These traits guide how he supports teams and approaches EVM for complex programs. “I was inspired to help projects stay on track, manage risks, and turn ambitious ideas into reality,” Varma says.
Varma treats earned value management as a strategic advantage. Many teams use EVM to report cost and schedule variance after the fact. However, he uses it to identify patterns early and prevent issues before they accelerate. Additionally, he aligns EVM with change management, risk analysis, and schedule quality checks to ensure each metric reinforces the others.
For example, when working on an extensive energy program with aggressive milestones, he built a forecasting process that combines P6 schedules with SAP cost data and live performance updates. The system produced weekly predictive estimates that helped leadership course-correct before any variance took hold.
“Over the years, I have refined my ability to analyze performance data, forecast trends, and implement proactive solutions that enhance project profitability and long-term sustainability,” Varma says. This expertise earned him a nomination for the Lifetime Achievement Award at the APM Project Control Professional of the Year Awards in the UK. The honor reflects his long-standing impact on the industry.
He was also nominated and formally applied for a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Global Project Management Awards (GPMA).
He also holds the PMP certification, which provides formal validation of his technical skills.
Professionals like Varma are shifting project controls from a reporting function to a strategic discipline. “For me, project control is a mission to deliver value, maintain accountability, and drive meaningful growth across industries,” he says. This perspective highlights where the field is headed. Varma has already established himself as an active thought leader, publishing articles on AI-driven cost control and risk management in energy infrastructure and contributing to industry interviews on technology adoption.
Parthiv Varma aims to advance digital transformation in project management. For instance, he looks forward to introducing AI-driven forecasting, automated reporting, and unified data systems. By 2030, he envisions project controls as a fully integrated, data-driven discipline. He also plans to continue sharing insights through future publications and speaking engagements at professional forums, including PMI and AACE conferences. His long-term goal is to lead a PMO or project controls organization. “I am ready to lead that data-driven future, driving innovation and excellence on every project I touch,” he says.