Principal Project Controller

Job Description: Salary: £53k to £65k Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.

Your Impact Are you interested in being an integral part of high performing teams delivering advanced technical capabilities and services? We are looking for skilled, enthusiastic and motivated individuals experienced in Project Planning at the programme or portfolio level to join our growing Project Controls team. We have opportunities covering a range of technologies and experiences across the project Lifecycle, from development projects to full scale production, bid and campaign activities and supporting the development of Project Controls practices across international partnerships. All roles will be acting as an integral member of the Integrated Project Team to deliver project controls for the safe and successful delivery of the Integrated Project Teams strategy and projects.

What you’ll do as a Principal Project Controller:

• Accountable for the quality and integrity of the Project Controls on Projects/ Programmes through the application of consistent processes, methods, governance and provision of guidance to the wider IPT.
• Working as part of an IPT, drive and promote optimal schedule quality and best practice management techniques including application of schedule risk analysis at all stages of the project lifecycle
• Provide Project Controls support to the establishment and management of activities in the bid phase to ensure best practice is followed, risks managed and schedules can transition to execution with minimal impact
• Manage the integrity of Partner/Subcontractor schedules to ensure dependences are clearly identified and risks managed/identified within the Leonardo project schedule
• Conduct what if analysis/ scenario planning to drive decision taking and risk mitigation
• Identify and manage Schedule Risks, apply Schedule Risk Analysis Techniques, work proactively with the project team to implement mitigation plans and corrective actions and monitor their effectiveness
• Ensure Project Controls metrics and measures (inc EV) are consistently applied, understood and relevant action taken to drive required outcomes and achievement of Company standards/ Project Objectives
• Coach and train other members of the Project Controls function as required
• Actively contribute to IPT and Business area Project reviews (SDR, PPRP, Schedule Reviews etc) through delivering the Project Controls inputs and leading on these aspects in the reviews
• Identify, support and drive continuous improvement initiatives working both across the function and within the business area
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with all functions across the Business Area/ IPT in order to influence project activities
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with all functions across the Business Area/ IPT in order to influence project activities

What you'll bring

• Comprehensive and demonstrable Project Controls/ Planning experience with proven expertise in all aspects of planning, project controls and project management methodologies (inc AGILE) across Projects of varying value/ complexity
• Expert User in one or more Planning/ERP Tools (Primavera P6 and/or SAP)
• Breadth of experience in all parts of lifecycle and experience in the phases of initiation, planning and execution
• Proven collaboration, communication, planning, problem solving, decision making skills
• Application of Schedule Risk Analysis including identification, methods of analysis and recommendations for management
• Commercial and financial acumen
• Ability to engage and influence cross-functional teams and recognise and positively interact with stakeholders up to SVP level
• Able to work independently, in compliance with all procedures and able to recognise appropriate escalation scenarios
• Experience of coaching, mentoring or team leadership
• This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit:

Why join us

• At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work-life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.
• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role. For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety. At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Primary Location: GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300 Contract Type: Employee-Permanent Hybrid Working: Hybrid International, multicultural, innovative, technological: this is Leonardo. The company’s passionate and talented team is strongly influenced by STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) expertise, with a diverse range of experience that enables colleagues to share knowledge and know-how across the generations. Leonardo always wants to expand its talent pool, here you can find the right opportunity for you!

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