Head of Programme Controls - Dublin North - €100K plus excellent benefits

Darwin Hawkins; Dublin; On-site; EUR 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Darwin Hawkins is seeking a Head of Programme Controls for a major Dublin North infrastructure portfolio. The role leads cost, scheduling, risk and reporting across a €3bn capital investment programme and reports to the senior management team.

You will shape commercial performance, drive governance, and build a multidisciplinary team to deliver value for money on high‑risk, large‑scale projects. The successful candidate will bring 15+ years in infrastructure programmes, with strong governance,

Qualifications

• 15+ years' experience on complex construction/infrastructure programmes
• Strong commercial background with cost management and financial governance experience
• Proven leadership of multidisciplinary teams on large-scale projects
• Excellent stakeholder management and ability to influence senior leadership
• Third-level qualification in Quantity Surveying, Engineering or Schedule Management; SCSI/RICS membership advantageous

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Programme Controls function with consistent cost, scheduling, risk and reporting standards.
• Oversee cost management strategies, financial controls and benchmarking for capital expenditure.
• Develop and oversee integrated project schedules aligned with capital investment priorities.
• Establish portfolio-wide risk and contingency management frameworks with quantified analysis.
• Provide commercial insights to support major investment decisions and governance boards.
• Drive improvements in portfolio reporting and data quality across the programme.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing multidisciplinary team.

Skills

Programme controls leadership

Cost management

Scheduling

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Education

QS/Engineering degree

Job description

Job Title: Head of Programme Controls – Major Infrastructure & Capital Projects

Sector: Infrastructure / Construction

Location: Dublin North

Our Client

Our client is a large, well-established infrastructure organisation undertaking a significant €3bn capital investment programme. As part of this major investment in infrastructure development, the organisation is seeking to appoint a Head of Programme Controls to join its senior leadership team.

Why should you apply?

This is an excellent opportunity to take on a senior leadership role within one of Ireland's largest capital investment programmes, with responsibility for overseeing programme controls across a €3bn portfolio of major infrastructure projects.

You will have significant exposure to senior leadership and play a key role in shaping the commercial and operational performance of major capital projects. The position offers the opportunity to lead and develop a multidisciplinary team, influence strategic investment decisions and establish best-in-class processes across cost management, scheduling, risk and reporting.

Who should apply?

This role will suit an experienced senior professional from a Quantity Surveying, Construction, Engineering or major infrastructure background with the following experience:

• 15+ years' experience working on complex construction, infrastructure or major capital investment programmes.
• Strong commercial background with extensive experience in cost management, programme controls, financial governance and project delivery.
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary teams across large-scale, high-value projects and programmes.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior leadership and drive strategic decision-making.
• Third-level qualification in Quantity Surveying, Engineering or Schedule Management. SCSI, RICS or other relevant professional membership advantageous.

Role and Reporting Lines

Reporting to the Head of Functions, you will be a key member of the Infrastructure Senior Management Team, leading the Programme Controls function across a substantial portfolio of capital projects. Responsibilities will include:

• Lead and develop the Programme Controls function, establishing consistent processes and standards across cost, scheduling, risk and reporting.
• Oversee cost management strategies, financial controls, estimating and benchmarking, ensuring effective management of capital expenditure and value for money.
• Lead the development and oversight of integrated project schedules, ensuring realistic timelines, resource planning and alignment with capital investment priorities.
• Establish and oversee portfolio-wide risk and contingency management frameworks, including quantified cost and schedule risk analysis.
• Work closely with senior leadership and programme boards, providing commercial insights and recommendations to support major investment decisions.
• Play a central role in annual capital budgeting, expenditure monitoring and future capital investment planning.
• Drive improvements in portfolio reporting, data quality and performance monitoring, ensuring accurate and transparent information across the programme.
• Build, mentor and develop a high-performing multidisciplinary team of cost, scheduling, risk and programme controls professionals.