Project Controls Lead

Are you a Head of Project Controls/Project Controls Lead looking join a leading civil engineering contractor delivering complex infrastructure projects across the UK. This role is ideal for someone with a strong site background who understands how jobs are really built, and can translate that knowledge into robust, realistic and defensible project controls.

If you know production rates because you've physically delivered the work, you understand how long earthworks, drainage, concrete pours, piling, structures or utilities actually take to build, and you can develop programmes from first principles rather than relying on historic assumptions, your real site experience will genuinely set you apart in this role.

The Role
As Project Controls Lead, you will take ownership of planning, scheduling and performance management across major civil engineering schemes. You'll work closely with project teams to ensure programmes, cost forecasts and reporting reflect real‑world delivery conditions, not theoretical models.

Key responsibilities include:

Developing and maintaining detailed construction programmes from first principles
Producing realistic activity durations, sequencing, methods and logic based on practical site knowledge
Carrying out take‑offs and resource assessments grounded in actual production rates
Leading progress measurement, performance tracking and early identification of delays or opportunities
Working with engineers, commercial teams and project managers to ensure accurate reporting and forecasting
Supporting change management, compensation events and scenario planning
Providing clear, evidence‑based advice on programme risk, mitigation and recovery
Ensuring project controls processes are consistent, transparent and aligned with contractual requirements
This is a hands‑on role where your operational background is essential.

About You
We're looking for someone who brings genuine delivery experience and can apply it to front‑end project controls.

You will have:

A background as a Site Engineer, Section Engineer, Sub Agent or Project Engineer in civil engineering
Strong understanding of construction methodologies, sequencing, temporary works and buildability
Ability to take off from first principles and develop programmes without relying on templates
Realistic appreciation of production rates, constraints and site logistics
Experience in planning, project controls or scheduling (Primavera P6 or similar beneficial)
Strong analytical skills and confidence in challenging unrealistic assumptions
Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach
A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to site when required

What's on Offer

Competitive salary and benefits package
Car or car allowance
Opportunities to progress into senior project controls, planning or project leadership roles
Exposure to major infrastructure projects and strategic business planning
A supportive environment that values practical engineering experience over theoretical planning

Who This Role Suits
This role is perfect for someone who has built jobs, understands the realities of civil engineering delivery, and wants to step into a role where that experience shapes how projects are planned, monitored and controlled.

This is an excellent career growth opportunity!

Aldwych Consulting values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application.

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies we are acting as an Employment Agency, and when advertising temporary/contract vacancies we are acting as an Employment Business