Project Management & Controls Director

SCX is a UK-based engineering business with a reputation for innovation, precision, and delivery in complex mechanical handling and kinetic architecture systems. Our projects span Defence, Aerospace, Nuclear, Sports & Entertainment and Infrastructure—placing SCX at the heart of some of the most exciting and challenging engineering environments in the UK and beyond.

As we continue to scale and invest in our people, systems, and delivery capability, we are seeking a senior operational leader to act as the right hand to the BuD (Business Unit Director) —owning day-to-day execution and shaping the operational future of the business.

Purpose of the Role

As Project Management & Controls Director, you will play a central role in leading SCX’s multidisciplinary operations—covering engineering support, planning, procurement, production, delivery and operational performance. You will serve as a key member of the senior leadership team and a trusted deputy to the BUD, with day-to-day authority to run the business and ensure all functions are aligned, resourced, and delivering.

You will help translate strategy into action, lead critical improvement programmes, and ensure that SCX delivers complex, engineered projects safely, on time, and to the highest standards of quality and customer satisfaction. You’ll also be a visible leader inside and outside the business—building relationships with clients, suppliers, and colleagues, and helping to strengthen our leadership culture.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and Develop a High-Performing Operational Team

• Line manage cross-functional teams across planning, production, procurement, and delivery support functions.
• Build team capability through coaching, mentoring, clear objectives, and high expectations.
• Support succession planning and the development of future leaders across the business.
• Foster a delivery-focused culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Act as Deputy BuD

• Step in for the BuD where required—representing SCX in internal and external forums, client meetings, and senior leadership discussions.
• Operate with full authority to manage day-to-day operations, ensuring timely decision-making and delivery execution.
• Contribute to business-wide planning and help steer the strategic direction of SCX alongside the BUD.

Drive Operational Excellence

• Lead operational planning, resourcing, and scheduling across all live and upcoming projects.
• Maintain strong coordination between engineering, procurement, production, testing, and delivery.
• Set and track KPIs for quality, safety, cost, productivity, and customer satisfaction—intervening early where performance drifts.
• Take shared responsibility for cost and delivery performance in line with business and project budgets.

Shape and Standardise Operational Systems

• Map and improve core operational processes—removing inefficiencies, reducing handover friction, and building scalability.
• Implement and optimise digital tools (e.g. ERP, planning dashboards, Power BI) to improve visibility and control.
• Champion structured improvement methodologies (Lean, 5S, root cause analysis) and embed a continuous improvement mindset.

Support Complex Engineering Delivery

• Work alongside Project Managers and Engineering leads to align operational plans with project scope, sequencing and technical risk.
• Proactively manage capacity, materials, and bottlenecks to maintain project momentum.
• Represent operational considerations in client meetings and internal reviews with authority and technical credibility.

Lead Resource & Capacity Planning

• Ensure labour and resource plans are aligned to demand forecasts, project schedules and long-term business needs.
• Work with internal teams and suppliers to ensure capability is in place to support both steady-state and peak delivery.
• Feed accurate operational insight into commercial planning, pricing and business case decisions.

Champion Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Maintain a strong and visible focus on HSE compliance, safe systems of work, and operational discipline.
• Collaborate closely with the Quality team to uphold the highest standards across manufacturing and delivery.
• Lead by example in client commitment, team conduct, and shared ownership of delivery outcomes.

Strengthen Leadership Culture

• Act as a visible and values-driven leader across the business—supporting culture, discipline, and pride in SCX’s reputation.
• Model behaviours expected of senior leaders and help shape how leadership shows up at all levels.
• Support the BUD in communicating vision, reinforcing standards, and bringing people with us as we grow.

Candidate Requirements

• We’re looking for a proven leader with the capability to run operations day-to-day—and the judgement, composure and ambition to grow into a wider leadership role as the business scales.
• Significant experience in operations management within an engineering, manufacturing, or technical project delivery environment.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, resolve complex issues, and deliver results in a fast-moving, project-based business.
• Strong background in production planning, supply chain coordination, and delivery performance management.
• Technically credible—comfortable working around engineered systems and confident engaging in client-facing delivery conversations.
• Excellent people leadership skills with experience of managing through others, developing talent, and improving team performance.
• Operationally disciplined—able to drive process, structure and system adoption without creating bureaucracy.
• Familiarity with Lean tools, ERP and production planning systems, and continuous improvement practices.
• Commercially aware, with an understanding of cost, margin and schedule impacts in project delivery.
• Resilient and composed under pressure, with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Degree, HND or equivalent experience in a relevant technical or engineering discipline preferred.

Location: Sheffield

Travel: Occasional travel to customer sites, suppliers and UK project locations as required.

Job Benefits

• Flexible Start and Finish Times: Shape your day with flexible start and finish times around our core working hours.
• Pension Scheme: We operate a salary sacrifice pension scheme and reinvest our savings directly back into your pension pot.
• Annual Leave: New starters receive 25 days of holiday, plus statutory bank holidays.
• Need a Few More Days? Our holiday purchase scheme lets you buy up to 3 additional days of holiday each year.
• Long Service Awards: After 5 years with us, your holiday entitlement increases by 1 day. After 10 years, it increases by another day.
• Employee Referral Scheme: Refer suitable candidates who align with our values, and you’ll be rewarded for helping us build a great team.