James (Vince) Sanderson
Director of Construction & Project Controls – Special Projects
Alcoa
United States
Director of Construction & Project Controls – Special Projects
Alcoa
United States
With more than 30 years of experience leading complex capital projects across the globe, James (Vince) Sanderson is a seasoned expert in Project Controls, Construction Management, and Project Delivery. His career spans a wide range of industries — including shipbuilding, power generation, mining, refining, demolition, and environmental remediation — reflecting his versatility and depth of expertise.
Currently serving as Director of Construction & Project Controls for Special Projects at Alcoa, Vince plays a pivotal role in advancing breakthrough technology initiatives that are shaping the future of industrial project execution.
Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership positions with leading organizations such as Coeur Mining, SSR Mining, Rio Tinto, URS Corporation, KBR, and the Tennessee Valley Authority, overseeing large-scale projects in both the U.S. and internationally.
Renowned for his strategic leadership and technical acumen, Vince is passionate about building high-performing teams, driving operational excellence, and fostering collaboration between project management and controls functions to ensure predictable, high-value outcomes.
His extensive industry experience and deep understanding of project lifecycle dynamics have made him a respected voice in the Project Controls community — one dedicated to advancing the profession and inspiring the next generation of project leaders.
To connect with Vince, visit his LinkedIn profile.
The project controls profession is undergoing a profound transformation. As automation reshapes routine tasks, analytics becomes central to decision-making, and strategic thinking takes center stage, the skills and competencies that define success are evolving rapidly.
This panel brings together hiring managers, emerging talent, and seasoned industry veterans to explore what the future holds for project controls professionals. Panelists will discuss how job roles are shifting, the critical skills that will define the next decade, diverse career pathways in an evolving landscape, and practical strategies for both individuals and organizations to prepare for what’s ahead.
Join us for an honest conversation about adapting to automation, meeting new talent demands, and building careers that thrive in a more digital, data-driven, and strategically focused project controls environment.