Programme Controls Manager

Job Summary

The Project Controls Manager will lead planning, cost, risk, and data management across complex cross‑sector programmes, ensuring planning accuracy, consistency of approach, and effective use of data analytics to enhance visibility and performance.

• 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, ensuring alignment with business standards and reporting cycles.
• Champion the power of accurate planning to underpin credible forecasts and risk‑adjusted delivery plans.
• Champion data quality, governance, and analytics within all project controls activities.
• Lead the integration of SAP and P6 data to support automated performance dashboards, trend analysis, and executive reporting.
• Develop and deliver meaningful analytics and insights that influence decision‑making and resource prioritisation.
• Maintain 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.
• Promote cross‑sector collaboration and the sharing of best practice to enhance organisational maturity in project controls.

• 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 the ability to influence senior leaders.
• Experience in coaching, mentoring, and developing teams to achieve consistency and excellence.
• Degree in engineering, project management, or a 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.
• Inspires confidence and collaboration through leadership and clear communication.
• 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 referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, which could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit

• Generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
• Employer contribution of up to 15% to an award‑winning pension scheme.
• Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee‑led networks championing inclusion and diversity.
• Eligibility for a bonus scheme for employees at management level and below.
• Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and Linked In Learning.
• Financial reward through a referral programme.
• Up to £500 annually on flexible benefits, including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships, and more.
• Flexible working with hybrid hours and options; part‑time arrangements may be discussed.

• Primary
  
  Location:
  
  Edinburgh, United Kingdom
• Additional Locations:
  Basildon, Bristol, Luton, Cap Green 300, Southampton
• Contract Type:
  Permanent
• Working Mode:
  Hybrid
• Employment Type:
  
  Full‑time
• Seniority Level: Mid‑Senior