Head of Project Performance and Controls

Sir Robert McAlpine; Hendy; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in the UK is seeking a Head of Project Performance and Controls for a major industrial project in South Wales. This role involves establishing a robust project controls framework to ensure safe and high-quality delivery. The ideal candidate will have proven leadership experience in large-scale infrastructure projects, deep technical expertise, and strong analytical capabilities. The company offers a competitive rewards package and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Flexible benefits

Performance-related progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven senior leadership experience in large-scale UK infrastructure or industrial projects.
• Deep technical expertise in project controls and contract management.
• Strong analytical capability with excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Establish and improve the project controls framework.
• Lead a multi-disciplinary project controls team and manage contractors.
• Provide performance insight to senior stakeholders through reporting.

Skills

Leadership in project controls

Cost control

Risk management

Planning

Analytical skills

Commercial acumen

Tools

Primavera P6

Job description

Sir Robert McAlpine is delivering a major multi-year construction programme in Port Talbot, South Wales, involving heavy construction and civil engineering works across a major industrial site. Beginning with critical enabling works, this programme forms a central part of a £1bn+ megaproject to build the world's largest electric arc furnace, driving a greener, decarbonised future and setting new standards in engineering excellence.

We are seeking a Head of Project Performance and Controls on this major industrial project in South Wales. This is a critical leadership role, with accountability for establishing and embedding a robust project controls framework that underpins safe, predictable, and high‑quality delivery.

You will provide strategic direction and hands‑on leadership to a multi‑disciplinary project controls team, as well as manage specialist contractors, ensuring clear governance and transparent, real‑time insight across cost, programme, risk, and change. Through disciplined performance management and collaborative leadership, you will play a key role in ensuring the project is delivered.

Key responsibilities:

• Establish, lead, and continuously improve the project controls framework across cost, programme, risk, change, document control, and performance reporting, providing clear governance and assurance.
• Lead a high‑performing, multi‑disciplinary project controls team and manage specialist contractors, delivering accurate forecasting, earned value, schedule control (Primavera P6), and robust risk and opportunity management.
• Provide clear, timely performance insight to senior stakeholders through structured reporting, dashboards, and variance analysis, while supporting procurement, governance forums, audits, and tender submissions.

Skills & Experience:

• Proven senior leadership experience in project controls on large‑scale UK infrastructure, industrial, or energy projects, with accountability for complex, multi‑million-pound programmes.
• Deep technical expertise in planning, cost control, forecasting, EVM, risk management, and document control, with strong working knowledge of NEC and FIDIC contracts.
• Strong analytical capability and commercial acumen, coupled with the credibility and communication skills to influence decision‑making at executive and board level.

Rewards

We invest in your growth with wide‑ranging, performance‑related progression opportunities. Our competitive rewards package includes flexible benefits designed to suit your lifestyle and priorities.