Project Controls Lead

Copello; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Defence technology firm is searching for a Project Controls Lead to oversee the project controls team in London. The successful candidate will implement effective project controls, foster a culture of excellence, and ensure compliance with project standards. Relevant experience in managing project controls in regulated environments is essential, alongside expertise in tools like Primavera P6 and EVMS processes.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in Project Controls and Cost Management in regulated industries.
• Expert knowledge of EVMS processes.
• Strong experience in managing controls throughout project lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the project controls team for collaboration and excellence.
• Drive improvements across all project control disciplines.
• Ensure compliance with project controls standards.

Skills

Project Controls

Planning

Cost Management

Team Leadership

Continuous Improvement

Oracle Primavera P6

EVMS processes

Tools

Primavera P6

Deltek Cobra

ERP systems

Job description

Copello are supporting a Defence technology client in their search for a Project Controls Lead. As a Project Controls Lead you will be responsible for overseeing the project controls team, ensuring the operating of effective project controls across the entire portfolio.

You will be responsible for fostering a culture of excellence within the project controls team and implementing robust project controls to mitigate risks, enhance profitability, and ensure successful project delivery. You will shape and embed departmental procedures to ensure the maintenance, execution and control of project performance measurement baselines within a robust project controls environment to ensure delivery of best value to our customers.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and mentor a talented project controls team—fostering collaboration, growth, and excellence.
• Drive continuous improvement across all project controls disciplines, including scheduling, estimating, cost control, resourcing, and performance reporting.
• Champion the application of EVMS (ANSI / APM standards preferred) and ensure consistent performance measurement.
• Utilise advanced expertise in Primavera P6, Deltek Cobra, and ERP systems to assure high-quality project controls outputs.
• Ensure compliance with project controls standards and governance across all programmes.
• Support bid activity with credible, robust plans, estimates and risk assessments.
• Engage confidently with senior leaders, customers, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Provide training, coaching, and support to develop capability across the wider project community.

We are looking for

• Significant, demonstrable Project Controls, Planning and / or Cost Management experience in the defence or other regulated industry, managing controls throughout the entire project lifecycle.
• Strong awareness of commercial operations, and / or prime contract experience with, ideally in a SSRO QSC / CAAS reporting environment
• Expert knowledge and application of EVMS processes within an EVM system.
• Expert user of Oracle Primavera P6.
• Significant experience using cost management and finance systems
• A strong disposition for professionally maintaining project-wide adherence and compliance to processes, and procedures, sometimes in the face of adversity
• Providing training and / or mentoring within a cohesive team environment