Senior Project Controller

ZipRecruiter; Luton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading airport infrastructure firm is seeking a Senior Project Controller to oversee capital projects ranging from £250k to £5 million. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in project management within the infrastructure sector, strong leadership abilities, and a proven track record in delivering concurrent projects. This full-time role is based in Luton, requiring excellent stakeholder engagement skills and proficiency in project management tools.

Qualifications

• Significant project/programme management experience in infrastructure or construction.
• Proven track record of delivering multiple concurrent capital projects up to £5m.
• Strong leadership skills with experience of leading other project managers.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of capital projects ensuring robust planning and timely execution.
• Manage resource planning and risks while ensuring compliance with internal controls.
• Oversee contractor performance, ensuring projects meet milestones and obligations.

Skills

Project/programme management experience

Leadership and team management skills

Stakeholder engagement

Risk and change management

Commercial awareness

Education

Degree in Engineering, Construction, Project Management or related

Tools

MS Project

P6

Power BI

Excel

Job description

Job Description

Title: Senior Project Controller

Department: Infrastructure

Reports To: Head of Capital Delivery

Direct Reports: 2x Project Managers

Work Patterns: Full Time

Job Purpose Summary:

The Senior Project Controller is a leadership role within the Capital Delivery team at London Luton Airport. This role is accountable for the end-to-end oversight, control, and successful delivery of a portfolio of small to medium-sized capital projects, typically ranging from £250k to £5 million in value. These projects span multiple disciplines, including infrastructure, terminal operations, facilities, and enabling works.

The role combines strategic programme oversight with hands-on delivery leadership, ensuring that projects are scoped, planned, funded, and executed to meet time, cost, quality, and safety requirements. As a senior figure within the Infrastructure Directorate, the role will work cross-functionally and play a key part in stakeholder engagement, governance assurance, and alignment with corporate objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Lead the delivery of a portfolio of small to medium-sized capital projects, ensuring robust planning, cost control, and timely execution.
• Provide senior oversight and direction to project managers, ensuring alignment to delivery methodologies, standards, and airport operational requirements.
• Manage resource planning, programme sequencing, and interdependencies to optimise delivery and minimise operational disruption.
• Provide strategic reporting on project progress, risks, issues, and financial performance to the Head of Capital Delivery and internal boards.
• Ensure effective governance, including compliance with internal controls, approvals processes, and contract management standards.
• Support the development of business cases, option appraisals, and investment submissions, working closely with Finance and Commercial teams.
• Lead risk management across the portfolio, ensuring mitigation plans are implemented and monitored.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including Operations, Safety, Engineering, Procurement, and IT.
• Oversee contractor and consultant performance, ensuring contractual obligations and project milestones are met.
• Champion continuous improvement, lessons learned, and contribute to the development of delivery frameworks, tools, and best practices.

Qualifications Required:

Essential

• Significant project/programme management experience in infrastructure or construction, ideally in an operational airport, transport, or similarly regulated environment.
• Proven track record of delivering multiple concurrent capital projects up to £5m in value.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience of leading other project managers or technical professionals.
• Deep understanding of project controls, planning, cost management, and governance requirements.
• Commercial awareness with experience in contract management (e.g., NEC, JCT), procurement processes, and financial oversight.
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement and communication, with the ability to influence at senior levels.
• Demonstrable risk and change management capabilities across live operational environments.
• Proficient in project management and reporting tools (e.g., MS Project, P6, Power BI, Excel).

Desirable:

• Degree in Engineering, Construction, Project Management, or related field.
• Professional accreditation such as MAPM, PMP, MSP, or equivalent.
• Familiarity with airport development standards and regulated project environments.
• Health & Safety qualification (e.g., SMSTS, IOSH) beneficial.