Project Controller

National Physical Laboratory; Teddington; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading measurement science laboratory in Teddington is seeking a Project Controller to provide leadership in project delivery, ensuring successful management of various projects and contracts. The ideal candidate will possess advanced skills in project controls, stakeholder communication, and will thrive in a collaborative environment that drives quality and innovation. This position offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and be integral to significant projects impacting UK innovation.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Positive work-life balance

Broad range of social activities

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in project controls management.
• Proven track record of managing risks and issues across various projects.
• Demonstrated ability in effective stakeholder communication.
• Experience in developing project management processes and tools.

Responsibilities

• Work with Project Managers to estimate, plan, and control projects.
• Provide proactive support for project planning and tracking.
• Deliver training for Project Managers on project controls.
• Keep stakeholders informed with progress updates and governance.
• Review projects to assess readiness for progression.

Skills

Project controls management techniques

Risk management

Stakeholder management

Excellent communication skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Project management qualification or equivalent

Tools

MS Project

Job description

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 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:

• Working with Project Managers, either as part of the project team, or when requested individually to estimate, plan and control projects.


• 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 etc.


• Creating and delivering training to all Project Managers and wider staff in specialist knowledge areas.


• Provide progress updates in accordance with governance frameworks highlighting any risks and opportunities, and key variances as appropriate, and advise on recovery options if project delivery performance is not hitting targets.


• Performing reviews on projects to inform if a project is ready to move to the next stage. Recommend actions to improve progress.


• Providing specialist knowledge and skills to ensure NPL are seen as exemplar in project management by our customer, 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 in a positive way. 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 for our customers. And whilst we are always looking to stretch beyond what we know, we don’t make things more complicated when there’s no need.

Essential experience and abilities

• Highly proficient in project controls management techniques and their application


• Managing risks and issues within projects / programmes / 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, and a willingness to continually improve.


• Proficiency in all aspects of Microsoft Office

Desirable experience and abilities

• Demonstrable experience in managing high‑complexity projects / programmes or a prioritisation approach within a PMO environment. Demonstrable commitment to learning and using established portfolio and programme and project management methodologies to enable successful delivery.


• Experience in working on projects that have multiple partners from industry, government and academia, are multi‑disciplinary and have a technical scope of work.


• Proficiency in MS Project desirable (training is available)


• Project management qualification or equivalent is desirable.

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

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process.

About Us

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

NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled, black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All dis candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.

At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we hold memberships and accreditation to ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome, please see our page.

We are committed to the health and well‑being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work‑life balance, along with a broad range of. Our are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success.

To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process.