Head of Project Controls

Carrington West; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 122,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

Carrington West is seeking a Head of Project Controls in Milton Keynes. You will lead a 25–35 person multi-disciplinary team in cost, planning (P6), risk and estimating, reporting directly to the Project Director.

This hybrid role requires a proven track record on large infrastructure projects, deep NEC and EVM knowledge, and the ability to briefing senior stakeholders. You will influence performance, manage interfaces, and ensure the programme delivery stays on track in a fast-moving

Qualifications

• Proven leadership of large project controls teams (25-30+ people).
• Strong NEC contract knowledge and EVM expertise.
• Scheduling proficiency with P6 (Primavera).
• Experience presenting to executive stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a large, geographically dispersed project controls team.
• Act as an active client, ensuring work aligns with the overall programme.
• Oversee flow of critical performance data, including NEC submissions, earned value (EVM), and weekly quantity reports.
• Prepare and present performance updates to senior executives, including the Chief Programme Officer.

Skills

Leadership

Client relations

Stakeholder management

Data-driven

Education

Experience in large infrastructure projects

Tools

NEC contracts

Earned Value Management (EVM)

P6 (Primavera)

Job description

Are you a director-level project controls leader looking to make your mark on a project that is already exceeding its goals?

Role

Head of Project Controls

Location

Milton Keynes (Hybrid 2 days WFH)

Salary

£122,000 - £132,000

This is an opportunity for a Head of Project Controls to lead a 35-strong team on the EKFB section of HS2-the largest, most dynamic, and highest-performing area of the project, with a £2 billion annual spend. This is not a recovery role, you will be joining a team that is smashing its targets and working with an intelligent, data-driven contractor.

As the Head of Project Controls, you will be the day-to-day leader for a multi-disciplinary team of 25 -35 specialists in cost, planning (P6), risk, and estimating. Reporting directly to the Project Director, you will:

• Lead and Inspire: Manage a large, geographically dispersed team, setting objectives and driving their performance.
• Be an Active Client: Embody our "eyes on, hands-on" approach, confidently challenging our joint venture partners and ensuring project-level work aligns with the overall programme.
• Manage Key Interfaces: Oversee the flow of critical performance data, including NEC contractual submissions, earned value (EVM), and weekly quantity reports.
• Influence at the Top: Prepare and present performance updates to senior executive stakeholders, including the Chief Programme Officer.

Ideal candidate will have

• Proven Leadership: Demonstrable experience leading large project controls teams (25-30+ people) on complex, major infrastructure projects (e.g., heavy civils, nuclear, major transport).
• Technical Expertise: A strong background in project controls, with deep knowledge of NEC contracts, Earned Value Management (EVM), and scheduling tools like P6 (Primavera).
• Stakeholder Management: Experience presenting to executive-level stakeholders and the ability to tailor complex information for different audiences.
• Collaborative Mindset: A background from a client, contractor, or consultancy environment is welcome; a blend is ideal but not essential.