Project Controls Manager – Defence

Overview

As Project Controls Manager you lead cross-functional controls teams on high-risk, complex projects. You’ll shape scope, integrate cost, schedule, and risk data, and ensure auditable decision-making with strong governance. You’ll collaborate with clients, suppliers, and internal teams to drive performance insights and delivery outcomes for defence and regulated environments. This role offers exposure to major programmes and the chance to influence delivery in a globally respected consultancy.

Pay / Benefits

• opportunities to work on site with clients
• focus on work-life balance and flexible working
• inclusive culture with DE&I networks
• supportive environment for career development
• career progression in major defence programmes
• equal opportunity employer

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-discipline Project Controls teams on high value projects
• Define scope with exclusions, interfaces, dependencies and develop WBS
• Establish and maintain Performance Measurement Baseline and change control
• Integrate supplier Project Controls requirements and analyse supplier data
• Ensure scope, cost, risk and schedule alignment
• Analyze performance data (Earned Value Management) to inform decisions
• Coordinate with Finance on Cost and Cash ETC and EAC profiles
• Apply Quantitative Risk Analysis for effective risk management
• Support Project Managers in resource deployment and schedule loading
• Establish governance for auditable decision making
• Assure quality and integrity of project outputs
• Foster delivery recovery and stakeholder communication
• Promote learning and process improvements; mentor team members
• Build strong on-site client presence and cross-functional collaboration
• Advocate diversity, inclusion and empowerment within teams

Key requirements

• Proven track record delivering projects in defence or other highly regulated sectors
• Project Controls experience across the full lifecycle
• Experience in two or more Project Controls disciplines (Planning/Scheduling, Cost Estimation, Cost Control, Risk Management, Performance Reporting) and related tools
• Strong understanding of Integrated Project Controls operations
• Proactive, curious, can-do attitude; comfortable in uncertain environments
• Strong communication and leadership; ability to influence and develop teams
• Degree in a relevant field or equivalent qualifications/experience
• Member of a relevant professional body (e.g., APM, PMI)
• Ability to make risk-based decisions with unclear parameters
• Adapt leadership style to audience; flexible in uncertainty
• Competence in required software tools; willingness to work across sectors
• Desire to work with various clients and across locations
• Willingness to travel and work on site 2–3 days a week
• UK MoD Security Clearance eligibility (SC)

• Strong communication and leadership
• Influence and motivation of teams
• Collaborative and inclusive mindset
• Earned Value Management
• Cost estimation and control
• Risk management and Quantitative Risk Analysis

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