Project Controls Lead

AtkinsRéalis; Highgate; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure consultancy in the UK is seeking an experienced Project Controls Lead to drive project controls delivery on major infrastructure schemes. This full-time role, based in Birmingham, offers a competitive salary of £65,000 to £80,000 and the flexibility of hybrid working. You'll lead a talented team across various sectors and contribute significantly to strategic project implementations while fostering ethical practices and supporting professional development within the consultancy.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Hybrid working flexibility

Excellent pension scheme

Car allowance

Healthcare package

Professional development investment

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Senior Project Controls Manager or equivalent.
• Extensive background managing large-scale projects worth £50m+.
• Demonstrable experience leading PMO functions.
• Ability to manage governance frameworks on complex projects.
• Commitment to ethical practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the project controls plan and procedures.
• Integrate data from all project controls functions.
• Drive project controls delivery across various sectors.
• Collaborate with project managers to achieve project objectives.
• Lead a team of project controls professionals.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic mindset

Process improvement

Communication

Job description

Are you an experienced Project Controls Lead or Senior Project Controls Manager looking for a strategic leadership opportunity in infrastructure? We're recruiting a Project Controls Lead in Birmingham to lead project controls delivery and drive commercial excellence across major infrastructure schemes across the UK. This is a full-time, permanent role offering autonomy and the chance to shape delivery strategy on large scale projects worth £50m+. Join a rapidly growing ethical consultancy at the forefront of major infrastructure delivery. You'll lead a talented project controls team across nuclear, highways, rail, aviation, utilities and water sector projects. Working with established client relationships and the opportunity to develop your own business portfolio, this role offers real strategic impact and clear progression into senior consultancy leadership.

CLIENT

We are recruiting for a leading and rapidly expanding infrastructure consultancy specialising in cost management, project management and project controls across the UK's most complex and high‑profile schemes. They are recognised as an ethical, personable consultancy with a strong reputation for delivering excellence on major infrastructure programmes including nuclear, highways, rail, aviation, utilities and water projects. With values rooted in kindness, ethical practice, transparency and honesty, our client is committed to community outreach and supporting charitable initiatives. They invest in mentoring their employees to reduce knowledge gaps and fostering long‑term professional development. You'll join a collaborative team that champions sustainable infrastructure delivery across the UK. This infrastructure consultancy supports clients from early stage through to delivery completion on major infrastructure frameworks and PMO engagements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the project controls plan and associated procedures
• Embed robust breakdown structures, integrating data from all project controls functions (cost, schedule, risk, change management) to establish a unified baseline
• Drive project controls delivery across nuclear, highways, rail, aviation, utilities and water sector schemes
• Establish and embed governance frameworks and project controls procedures across client engagements
• Collaborate with project managers and engineers to ensure project objectives are achieved within scope, schedule and budget constraints
• Liaise with clients and other stakeholders to manage expectations and ensure alignment with project goals
• Oversee cost planning, budget forecasting, cost reporting and financial controls on major infrastructure programmes
• Manage the risk management process in line with NEC and bespoke infrastructure frameworks
• Lead a team of project controls professionals and provide guidance, mentorship and training
• Ensure compliance with professional standards (APM, RICS) and promote ethical, transparent project delivery practices

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Senior Project Controls Manager, Project Controls Lead or equivalent leadership role in infrastructure or major project delivery
• Extensive background managing large‑scale infrastructure projects (£50m+)
• Demonstrable experience leading PMO functions and establishing governance frameworks on complex infrastructure programmes
• Experience with infrastructure frameworks and compliance requirements (NEC contracts, bespoke client frameworks)
• Established client relationships and proven business development capability
• Strategic mindset with ability to see the long‑term picture and drive process improvement
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills across senior client and delivery teams
• Ability to work independently whilst fostering a collaborative, mentoring culture
• Commitment to ethical practices

Benefits

• Competitive salary: £65,000 - £80,000 (depending on experience)
• Hybrid and remote working flexibility
• Excellent pension scheme
• Car allowance for UK‑wide travel
• Professional fees support (APM, RICS memberships)
• Comprehensive healthcare package
• Tailored progression pathway to senior consultancy leadership roles
• Mentoring and professional development investment
• Work with a UK‑leading consultancy