Project Controls Lead - Defence

Searchability; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 72,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A global Defence Organisation in London is seeking an experienced Project Controls Lead to oversee a team and ensure delivery excellence across Defence portfolios. This role demands a strong background in project controls, cost management, and risk analysis. The ideal candidate will hold an active UK Security Clearance (SC) and have expertise in Earned Value Management using tools like Primavera P6 and Deltek Cobra. The position offers a competitive salary and hybrid working options.

Benefits

Company benefits

Bonus

Qualifications

• Active UK Security Clearance (SC) - UK Eyes Only.
• Significant experience in project controls, planning, or cost management across the full project lifecycle.
• Expert knowledge of Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) and associated standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and coach the project controls team.
• Oversee project controls functions including scheduling and cost estimating.
• Assure the quality and compliance of all departmental outputs.

Skills

Leadership skills

Cost management

Scheduling

Risk analysis

Team collaboration

Education

Professional qualifications such as MAPM, ChPP, or PMP

Tools

Primavera P6

Deltek Cobra

ERP systems

Job description

Project Controls Lead – SC Cleared

Brand new opportunity for a Project Controls Lead to work with a global Defence Organisation in London.

• Permanent opportunity
• Salary up to £85,000
• West London based
• Hybrid working
• Company benefits + bonus
• Must be SC Cleared (UK Eyes Only project)
• To apply, email: [e-mail] or call: 07704 152 640

About the role

Are you ready to play a key role in delivering some of the UK’s most advanced Defence programmes? We’re seeking an experienced Project Controls Lead to oversee a high-performing team within a complex, multi-domain engineering and technology environment. This is a unique opportunity to help shape and embed robust project control processes across major Defence portfolios, ensuring delivery excellence and measurable impact.

The Opportunity

As Project Controls Lead, you’ll be responsible for developing and maintaining a culture of precision and accountability across all aspects of project control — including scheduling, cost management, resourcing, and risk analysis. You’ll drive the continuous improvement of systems and standards, ensuring projects are delivered efficiently, on time, and within budget. You’ll play a pivotal role in implementing and assuring best practice in Earned Value Management (EVM), performance measurement, and reporting, while providing clear insights to support senior decision-making and programme success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and coach the project controls team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence.
• Oversee project controls functions including scheduling, cost estimating, forecasting, and analysis to provide accurate management information.
• Ensure consistent application of Earned Value Management (EVM) standards, preferably to ANSI or APM levels.
• Utilise tools such as Primavera P6, Deltek Cobra, and ERP systems to manage project performance data.
• Assure the quality and compliance of all departmental outputs and processes.
• Support bid activity and business development through credible estimates, planning input, and risk assessments.
• Train, mentor, and develop project controls staff to build organisational capability.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, both internally and externally, to support informed decision-making.

About You

You’re an experienced project controls professional with a deep understanding of cost, schedule, and risk management in complex Defence or highly regulated environments. You combine technical proficiency with strong leadership skills and the ability to influence senior stakeholders across multi-disciplinary teams.

You should have:

• Active UK Security Clearance (SC) - UK Eyes Only
• Significant experience in project controls, planning, or cost management across the full project lifecycle.
• Expert knowledge of Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) and associated standards.
• Proficiency in Oracle Primavera P6, Deltek Cobra, and related cost or ERP tools.
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of Defence or government contracting frameworks.
• Proven ability to mentor and develop others within a cohesive, high-performing team.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Professional qualifications such as MAPM, ChPP, or PMP are desirable.

Why Join

You’ll be part of a mission-driven Defence organisation solving some of the most complex challenges in national security and advanced systems engineering. Expect to work on high-impact programmes that shape the future of UK Defence capability, within an organisation that values innovation, collaboration, and professional growth.