Project Controls Manager

Job Description

Overview

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Project Controls Manager to lead the delivery of integrated project controls services across major commissions, supporting programme certainty, informed decision-making and successful project outcomes.

The successful candidate will provide leadership across cost management, planning and scheduling, risk management, change control, performance reporting and governance while working closely with clients, project teams and senior stakeholders.

Role Summary

The Project Controls Manager is responsible for establishing, leading and continuously improving project controls functions across one or more projects or programmes. The role ensures robust planning, performance management, forecasting and governance processes are implemented to support successful delivery against cost, schedule and performance objectives.

You will act as a trusted advisor to project and programme leadership, providing timely insight, challenge and assurance to support strategic and operational decision making.

Your role

Project Controls Leadership

• Lead and manage project controls teams across multiple projects and programmes.Develop high-performing teams through coaching, mentoring and professional development.

• Drive excellence and consistency in the application of project controls processes, tools and methodologies.

• Foster collaboration across planning, cost management, risk, change, reporting and commercial functions.

• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and data-driven decision making.

Planning and Scheduling

• Establish and maintain integrated project schedules and programme controls frameworks.

• Oversee development of baseline schedules, critical path analysis and delivery milestones.

• Monitor progress against plans and provide early warning of emerging schedule risks.

• Ensure programme performance metrics accurately reflect current delivery status.

• Support recovery planning and schedule optimisation initiatives where required.

Cost Management and Forecasting

• Develop and manage project budgets, forecasts and cost control processes.

• Monitor project expenditure and assess cost performance against approved baselines.

• Lead cost reporting, earned value management and forecast accuracy improvements.

• Provide robust analysis of project trends, opportunities and potential cost pressures.

• Support strategic financial planning and investment decisions.

Risk and Opportunity Management

• Establish and maintain project risk and opportunity management processes.

• Facilitate risk identification, assessment, mitigation and monitoring activities.

• Ensure risk information is integrated into cost and schedule forecasts.

• Support project and programme leadership in developing effective mitigation strategies.

• Promote proactive management of emerging project threats and opportunities.

Change Control and Governance

• Lead the implementation and management of change control processes.

• Assess impacts associated with scope, schedule and budget changes.

• Ensure all changes are appropriately evaluated, documented and approved.

• Monitor cumulative change impacts and maintain alignment with project objectives.

• Support governance forums and change approval boards.

Performance Reporting and Analytics

• Produce and oversee high-quality project controls reporting and dashboards.

• Analyse project performance data to identify trends, risks and opportunities.

• Transform complex project information into clear and actionable insights for stakeholders.

• Present performance updates to clients, project directors and executive leadership teams.

• Drive the use of digital tools and data analytics to enhance project visibility.

Stakeholder and Client Management

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients, suppliers, contractors and key stakeholders.

• Act as the principal point of contact for project controls matters.Support client assurance activities, audits and reviews.

• Provide strategic project controls advice to senior management and programme leadership.

• Develop trusted partnerships that contribute to successful project delivery.

Assurance, Compliance and Controls

• Ensure compliance with AtkinsRéalis standards, client requirements and industry best practice.Support project audits, governance reviews and assurance activities.

• Maintain robust project controls documentation and records.Ensure adherence to relevant regulatory and contractual requirements.

• Contribute to the development and enhancement of organisational project controls capability.

About you

• Degree qualification or equivalent professional experienceAPM, PMP, PRINCE2 Practitioner, or equivalent certification.

• Experience delivering project controls services on major infrastructure, engineering or construction programmes, Extensive knowledge of planning, scheduling, cost management, risk management and change control disciplines.

• Proven experience in a Project Controls Manager, Senior Project Controls Manager or Programme Controls role.

• Strong stakeholder management and communication skillsLeadership experience in managing cross-functional teams.

• Demonstrated leadership and team management experienceExperience in project performance reporting and forecasting.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

• Understanding of project governance frameworks and assurance requirements.

• Familiarity with NEC contracts and UK construction standards.

• Strategic thinking and attention to detail.

• Ability to present complex information clearly to diverse audiences.

• Proficiency in project controls software (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project, cost tools)

• Adaptability and high ethical standards.

• Commitment to continuous improvement.

• Advanced MS Excel skills.

• Experience within rail, nuclear, defence, transportation or major capital projects.

• Working knowledge of NEC contracts and commercial management principles.

• Experience of integrated earned value management approaches.

• Excellent knowledge of Primavera P6, Power BI, Microsoft Project and enterprise reporting systems.

• Familiarity with BIM, digital delivery and data analytics environments.

• Professional membership of APM, ACostE, ICE or similar institutions.

• Project Controls accreditation or equivalent professional certification.

Rewards & benefits

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Make the most of a myriad of opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise. And combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life. Be rewarded. Find out more.

About AtkinsRéalis

We're AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people. Find out more.

Additional information

Security Clearance

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer. If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance. We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop to be the best we can be. So, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups to support all employees. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to offering an interview to all applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria. If you would like to be considered under this commitment, please let us know at the application stage.

Worker Type

Employee

Job Type

Regular

At AtkinsRéalis, we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly believe that world-class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion or disability, but enriches itself through these differences.