Project Controller

National Physical Laboratory; Teddington; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Physical Laboratory is seeking a Project Controller to oversee project management excellence across a range of initiatives affecting UK innovation and quality of life. The successful candidate will demonstrate expertise in project controls and will work closely with stakeholders to ensure effective delivery, helping to maintain NPL's status as an industry leader.

Benefits

Flexible working

Positive work-life balance

Social activities

Health and well-being support

Qualifications

• Highly proficient in project management techniques.
• Experience in managing risks and issues across projects.
• Ability to develop and apply project management processes.

Responsibilities

• Estimate, plan, and control projects for effective delivery.
• Provide training to Project Managers in specialist areas.
• Deliver progress updates and manage project reviews.

Skills

Project controls management

Risk management

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Education

Project management qualification or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

MS Project

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Do you want to be part of something amazing and have the opportunity to work on a broad range of projects of direct relevance to UK innovation and quality of life?

Put simply, we set the standards by which everything is measured. In doing so, the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is helping to combat issues on a global scale such as climate change, curing diseases, and the development of cutting-edge communications technology.

You will be part of NPL’s Portfolio Office, which provides PMO services across NPL to ensure all our projects are managed to the highest standard. The Portfolio Office continuously develops improvements across our project portfolio to help Project Managers deliver their projects effectively and efficiently.

Your project management skills and attention to detail will enable industry-leading scientists, engineers, and analysts to work together to deliver unique projects using cutting-edge technology. You are a specialist in planning, controls, and estimating. You will work closely with senior stakeholders and exhibit excellent influencing skills to enable delivery. The successful candidate’s responsibilities will include:

1. Working with Project Managers, either as part of the project team or when requested individually, to estimate, plan, and control projects.
2. Responding proactively to PMs requests (Professional and Technical) for specific tasks, such as project planning, scheduling, critical path analysis, estimation, tracking, status reporting, risk, and configuration management.
3. Creating and delivering training to all Project Managers and wider staff in specialist knowledge areas.
4. Providing progress updates in accordance with governance frameworks, highlighting any risks and opportunities, key variances as appropriate, and advising on recovery options if project delivery performance is not hitting targets.
5. Performing reviews on projects to inform if a project is ready to move to the next stage. Recommending actions to improve progress.
6. Providing specialist knowledge and skills to ensure NPL is seen as a role model in project management by our customers, partners, stakeholders, and staff.

About You

About the Role

Do you want to be part of something amazing and have the opportunity to work on a broad range of projects of direct relevance to UK innovation and quality of life?

Put simply, we set the standards by which everything is measured. In doing so, the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is helping to combat issues on a global scale such as climate change, curing diseases, and the development of cutting-edge communications technology.

You will be part of NPL’s Portfolio Office, which provides PMO services across NPL to ensure all our projects are managed to the highest standard. The Portfolio Office continuously develops improvements across our project portfolio to help Project Managers deliver their projects effectively and efficiently.

Your project management skills and attention to detail will enable industry-leading scientists, engineers, and analysts to work together to deliver unique projects using cutting-edge technology. You are a specialist in planning, controls, and estimating. You will work closely with senior stakeholders and exhibit excellent influencing skills to enable delivery. The successful candidate’s responsibilities will include:

1. Working with Project Managers, either as part of the project team or when requested individually, to estimate, plan, and control projects.
2. Responding proactively to PMs requests (Professional and Technical) for specific tasks, such as project planning, scheduling, critical path analysis, estimation, tracking, status reporting, risk, and configuration management.
3. Creating and delivering training to all Project Managers and wider staff in specialist knowledge areas.
4. Providing progress updates in accordance with governance frameworks, highlighting any risks and opportunities, key variances as appropriate, and advising on recovery options if project delivery performance is not hitting targets.
5. Performing reviews on projects to inform if a project is ready to move to the next stage. Recommending actions to improve progress.
6. Providing specialist knowledge and skills to ensure NPL is seen as a role model in project management by our customers, partners, stakeholders, and staff.

About You

We are looking for a Project Controller who is committed to excellence and will provide leadership and management to ensure the successful delivery of a range of projects and contracts. Organised, business-savvy, and with great communication skills, you’re a natural influencer who can manage projects positively. Beyond that, we’re looking for people who’ll thrive in an environment like ours. At NPL, we learn from each other, respect each other, and work together to do better for ourselves and our customers. We aim to keep things simple and effective.

Essential experience and abilities:

• Highly proficient in project controls management techniques and their application.
• Managing risks and issues within projects, programmes, or portfolios, and communicating to multiple stakeholders across the business.
• Excellent communication skills and stakeholder management.
• Experience in developing and applying project management processes and tools, with a willingness to continually improve.
• Proficiency in all aspects of Microsoft Office.

Desirable experience and abilities:

• Experience managing high-complexity projects or programmes within a PMO environment, demonstrating commitment to established methodologies for successful delivery.
• Experience working on projects with multiple partners from industry, government, and academia, with a multidisciplinary and technical scope.
• Proficiency in MS Project (training available).
• Project management qualification or equivalent is desirable.

Please note that applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert. We encourage interested applicants to apply promptly, as the closing date may be brought forward at any time.

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but specific departments may have tighter nationality, residency, and security requirements. You will be asked about this during the recruitment process.

About Us

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence providing cutting-edge measurement science, engineering, and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK.

NPL and DSIT are committed to diversity and equality of opportunity, welcoming applications from candidates regardless of background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age. We especially encourage applications from women, disabled, Black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates. Candidates meeting the minimum criteria will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.

At NPL, we believe our success stems from the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and respected. We are committed to health and well-being, offering flexible working, social activities, and a positive work-life balance. We also make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process upon request.