Programme Controls Manager

Programme Controls Manager

Leonardo Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

The Project Controls Manager will lead the planning, cost, risk, and data management functions across a portfolio of complex, cross‑sector programmes. The role ensures planning accuracy, consistency of approach and effective use of data analytics to enhance visibility, performance, and delivery confidence.

• Lead the consistent implementation of project controls frameworks, tools and reporting standards across all projects and sectors.
• Promote planning accuracy and integrity, ensuring project baselines and forecasts are robust, realistic and data‑backed.
• Oversee cost, schedule and risk integration to provide a clear and holistic view of performance at both project and portfolio levels.
• Ensure the creation and maintenance of detailed project schedules using Primavera P6 and related applications.
• Drive consistency of planning approach across projects, aligning with business standards and reporting cycles.
• Champion the use of accurate, data‑led planning to underpin credible forecasts and risk‑adjusted delivery plans.
• Champion data quality, governance and analytics within all project controls activities.
• Lead integration of SAP and P6 data to support automated performance dashboards, trend analysis and executive reporting.
• Help develop and deliver meaningful analytics and insights that influence decision‑making and resource prioritisation.
• Maintain and embed robust risk and change management practices that support proactive control and accountability.
• Provide early warning through trend and variance analysis, enabling timely interventions to safeguard performance.
• Lead and inspire a team of project controllers, fostering collaboration, excellence and continuous learning.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to develop capability, confidence and consistency within the project controls and project management community.
• Engage and influence stakeholders at all levels, demonstrating the benefits of integrated planning and analytics in driving project success.

• Extensive experience in project controls leadership within complex, multi‑sector or large‑scale environments.
• Strong technical proficiency in Primavera P6, SAP or associated project controls tools.
• Proven track record in planning accuracy, performance forecasting and data‑driven decision support.
• Skilled in risk management, change control, earned value and performance analysis.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with ability to influence senior leaders.
• Experience in coaching, mentoring and developing teams to achieve consistency and excellence.
• Degree in engineering, project management or related discipline; professional accreditation (APM, PMI or equivalent) preferred.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical capability and delivery focus.
• Passionate about data quality and the use of analytics to drive project performance.
• Advocates for best practice, continuous improvement and cross‑sector alignment.

This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Additional personnel security controls (National Security Vetting) may apply, including eligibility for Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit

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.

Flexible leave – accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.

Retirement – award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.

Wellbeing – free access to mental health support, financial advice and employee‑led inclusion networks.

Performance – bonus scheme available to employees at management level and below.

Learning – free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and Linked In Learning.

Referral – financial reward through our referral programme.

Flexible benefits – spend up to £500 annually on private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships etc.

Flexible working – hybrid hours with part‑time options available for this role.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.

Primary: GB – Edinburgh

Additional: GB – Basildon, GB – Bristol – Others, GB – Luton – Cap. Green 300, GB – Southampton

Contract type:
Permanent

Working arrangement:
Hybrid

Mid‑Senior Level

Full‑time