Associate Director - Project Controls Manager - Defence

Mace; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Hybrid working

Medical health cover

Life insurance

Income protection insurance

Pension scheme

Discretionary annual salary reviews

Family friendly policies

22 days annual leave + 2 Mace days + 3

Job summary

Mace, Preston, is seeking an Associate Director - Project Controls Manager to join our Defence team, supporting a high-profile, highly regulated defence programme critical to national security. The role starts early 2027; security clearance required.

You will deliver end-to-end project controls from design through commissioning, maintain schedule visibility and critical path, and coordinate schedules across delivery partners while coaching the project controls team.

Qualifications

• HND or equivalent in engineering, construction, quantity surveying or related discipline.
• Proven project controls/PM experience in consultancy or construction.
• Strong knowledge of project controls methodologies and techniques.
• Experience with earned value analysis.
• Ability to build and maintain client relationships.
• Willingness to travel; UK SC/DV clearance eligibility.
• Nuclear sector experience desirable.

Responsibilities

• Deliver end-to-end project controls from design through commissioning.
• Ensure visibility, accuracy and transparency of the project schedule and critical path.
• Act as focal point for schedule control and progress measurement across scope.
• Support development and ongoing use of project controls processes and systems.
• Coordinate across engineering, PM, procurement and commercial teams.
• Support schedule management and reporting including cost and earned value.

Skills

Project controls

Schedule management

Earned value

Cost reporting

Team coaching

Stakeholder management

Nuclear sector experience

Education

HND or equivalent qualification in engineering/construction

Tools

Project controls software

Job description

We are looking for a talented Associate Director - Project Controls Manager (gerneralist) to join our Defence team in Preston, supporting the delivery of a high profile and highly regulated Defence programme that is critical to national security. Please note:This requirement is expected to commence in early 2027. As a result, candidates may not be contacted immediately after applying; however, all applications will be carefully reviewed and considered. Due to the security requirements associated with the role, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain UK Security Clearance. You'll be responsible for:

• Delivering end to end project controls management from design through to commissioning.
• Ensuring clear visibility, accuracy and transparency of the project schedule, with specific responsibility for the critical path.
• Acting as the focal point for schedule control and progress measurement within the assigned scope, supporting decisions related to resource allocation and activity sequencing.
• Supporting the Project Controls Lead and Project Managers in the development, implementation and ongoing use of project controls processes, procedures and systems.
• Providing coordination, direction and oversight across assigned areas or scopes of work, working closely with engineering, project management, procurement and commercial teams.
• Supporting project schedule management and reporting, including cost and earned value reporting, and coordination of schedules across delivery partners.
• Assisting in leading, coaching and supporting members of the Project Controls team.
• An HND or equivalent qualification in engineering, construction, quantity surveying or a related discipline.
• Proven experience in a project controls or project management role within a consultancy or construction environment.
• A strong understanding of project controls methodologies and techniques.
• Experience using appropriate project controls systems and software.
• Good working knowledge of earned value analysis.
• The ability to build and maintain effective client relationships and support strong, motivated teams.
• Experience working in complex, regulated environments.
• Nuclear sector experience is desirable.
• Flexibility to travel as required.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain UK security clearance (SC/DV)

Integrity

Always do the right thing: We influence positive outcomes within our industry, while always aligning with our compliance obligations.

Create opportunity

For our people to excel: We champion a continuous improvement culture throughout all activities, inspiring our people and teams to develop. Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. We are also open to discussing part time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable within the role.

Benefits

• Car allowance.
• Hybrid working.
• Medical health cover.
• Life insurance.
• Income protection insurance.
• Pension scheme.
• Discretionary annual salary reviews.
• Family friendly policies.
• 22 days annual leave + 2 Mace days + 3 days Christmas shutdown + 1 additional day leave for every 2 years of service + Bank holidays.

Our values

Safety first

Going home safe and well: We champion a safe, diverse and inclusive working environment, understanding the importance of wellbeing in every team.

Client focus

Deliver on our promise: We own the quality of deliverables, strategic outcomes and build long term relationships with our clients.