Project Controls Manager
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Job Description & Person Specification
Job Title: Project Controls Manager
Job Purpose
The Project Controls Manager (PCM) is responsible for establishing, leading, and continuously maturing a multi-site, integrated Project Controls function across a complex programme environment.
This role ensures robust governance, integrated controls, and transparent performance management across cost, schedule, risk, and change. The PCM provides independent assurance and insight to enable informed decision-making at Programme and Executive Board level, ensuring delivery remains controlled, predictable, and aligned to contractual and strategic objectives.
Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities
Project Controls Leadership & Governance
- Establish and lead a high-performing, multi-disciplinary Project Controls function (planning, cost, risk, EVMS, reporting, and controls).
- Define and implement the PMO operating model, including governance frameworks, RACI structures, and reporting cadence.
- Standardise controls processes and methodologies across multiple sites, shipyards, and delivery partners.
- Act as the senior authority for controls governance, assurance, and data integrity.
Integrated Planning & Scheduling
- Lead the development and maintenance of fully integrated, resource-loaded programme schedules.
- Ensure alignment between engineering, procurement, manufacturing, and delivery plans.
- Implement schedule governance, including critical path analysis, schedule health metrics, and performance tracking.
- Drive consistency in planning standards, tools, and practices across all delivery locations.
Earned Value Management (EVMS)
- Implement and mature EVMS in line with industry best practice (e.g., defence programme standards).
Cost Control & Forecasting
- Own and govern programme-level Estimate at Completion (EAC) processes.
- Maintain cost baseline integrity and ensure full traceability of changes.
- Challenge and validate forecasts with Control Account Managers (CAMs) and functional leads.
- Integrate cost, schedule, and risk data to produce credible and forward-looking forecasts.
5Risk & Opportunity Management
- Establish and embed structured risk and opportunity management frameworks.
- Lead quantitative risk analysis (QRA), including schedule and cost risk modelling.
- Integrate risk exposure into programme forecasts and decision-making.
- Facilitate senior-level risk reviews and provide clear, actionable risk reporting.
6Change & Baseline Control
- Govern baseline management across scope, schedule, and cost.
- Ensure disciplined and auditable change control processes are implemented and adhered to.
- Maintain alignment between contractual commitments and internal delivery baselines.
- Provide assurance that all changes are accurately reflected across programme controls.
Executive & Customer Reporting
- Deliver high-quality monthly programme performance reports and dashboards.
- Provide clear, concise narrative explaining performance drivers, risks, and forecast outcomes.
- Present insights to senior leadership, executive boards, and customer representatives.
- Act as the primary interface for all customer-facing controls assurance and reporting activities
Continuous Improvement & Transformation
- Drive the transition from reactive reporting to proactive performance management.
- Implement data standards, digital tools, and reporting automation.
- Promote a culture of accountability and ownership of programme controls across all sites.
- Develop and execute a Project Controls capability roadmap, including succession planning.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Essential
- Proven experience leading Project Controls or PMO functions within complex, multi-site programmes.
- Strong expertise in:
- Earned Value Management (EVMS)
- Integrated planning and scheduling
- Cost control and forecasting
- Risk and opportunity management
- Demonstrated ability to influence and challenge senior stakeholders constructively.
- Strong analytical capability with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
- Excellent communication skills, including executive-level reporting and presentation.
- Experience developing, mentoring, and leading high-performing teams.
- Sound understanding of employment legislation, people management practices, and inclusion.
Desirable
- Experience within defence, maritime, or large-scale infrastructure programmes.
- Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., SAP PS) and enterprise planning tools (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project).
- Experience implementing or maturing EVMS frameworks.
Qualifications
- Degree (or equivalent experience) in Engineering, Project Management, Business, or a related discipline.
- Relevant professional certification (e.g., APM, PMI, ACostE) is desirable.
Working Environment
- Primarily office-based with regular interaction across multiple sites.
- Travel (including overnight stays) may be required.
Physical Requirements
- Predominantly desk-based role involving computer use.
- Minimal physical risk.
Leadership & Management Expectations (M2 Level)
Leadership
- Accountable for team performance, resource allocation, and delivery outcomes.
- Provides direction, coaching, and development to team members and subordinate leaders.
- Responsible for performance management, recruitment, and succession planning.
Decision-Making & Autonomy
- Operates with a high degree of autonomy within strategic objectives.
- Decisions have a direct impact on programme cost, schedule, and performance outcomes.
- Contributes to policy development and process improvement within the function.
Problem Solving & Complexity
- Manages complex, cross-functional challenges requiring analysis of multiple variables.
- Applies advanced technical and operational knowledge to deliver solutions.
- Anticipates risks and proactively mitigates programme issues.
Communication & Influence
- Engages regularly with senior leaders, customers, and external partners.
- Leads cross-functional collaboration across programmes and sites.
- Influences strategic decisions through data-driven insight and professional credibility.
Values
All employees are expected to uphold the organisation’s core values:
Service – Trust – Excellence – Agility – Dedication – You
These values underpin behaviours, decision-making, and performance expectations for this role.