At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead project controls and ensure quality across innovative projects in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and access to 4,000+ online courses.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values creativity and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in project controls and planning, with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Your impact
We are looking for an experienced Principal Project Controller to join our team in CS3. The CS3 Project Controls team is undergoing an exciting transformation in our ways of working - this is a high visibility opportunity to work across our Sectors to embed good practices as well as work within our IPT teams. If you have a background in data governance & remediation, then we are particularly keen to hear from you!
Accountabilities include:
- Accountable for the quality and integrity of the Project Controls on Projects/ Programmes through the application of consistent processes, methods, governance and provision of guidance to the wider IPT.
- Working as part of an IPT, drive and promote optimal schedule quality and best practice management techniques including application of schedule risk analysis at all stages of the project lifecycle.
- Provide Project Controls support to the establishment and management of activities in the bid phase to ensure best practice is followed, risks managed and schedules can transition to execution with minimal impact.
- Manage the integrity of Partner/Subcontractor schedules to ensure dependencies are clearly identified and risks managed/identified within the Leonardo project schedule.
- Conduct what if analysis/ scenario planning to drive decision taking and risk mitigation.
- Identify and manage Schedule Risks, apply Schedule Risk Analysis Techniques, work proactively with the project team to implement mitigation plans and corrective actions and monitor their effectiveness.
- Ensure Project Controls metrics and measures (inc EV) are consistently applied, understood and relevant action taken to drive required outcomes and achievement of Company standards/ Project Objectives.
- Coach and train other members of the Project Controls function as required.
- Actively contribute to IPT and Business area Project reviews (SDR, PPRP, Schedule Reviews etc) through delivering the Project Controls inputs and leading on these aspects in the reviews.
- Identify, support and drive continuous improvement initiatives working both across the function and within the business area.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with all functions across the Business Area/ IPT in order to influence project activities.
What you’ll bring
- Comprehensive and demonstrable Project Controls/ Planning experience with proven expertise in all aspects of planning, project controls and project management methodologies (inc AGILE) across Projects of varying value/ complexity.
- Expert User in one or more Planning/ERP Tools (ideally including Primavera P6 and/or SAP).
- Breadth of experience in all parts of lifecycle and experience in the phases of initiation, planning and execution.
- Proven collaboration, communication, planning, problem solving, decision making skills.
- Application of Schedule Risk Analysis including identification, methods of analysis and recommendations for management.
- Commercial and financial acumen.
- Holds APMG Project Controls Foundation and Practitioner Level Certification or meets the criteria to undertake this training.
- Ability to engage and influence cross-functional teams and recognise and positively interact with stakeholders up to VP level.
- Works independently, in compliance with all procedures and able to recognise appropriate escalation scenarios.
- Experience of coaching, mentoring or team leadership.
Security Clearance
This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).
Why join us
At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.
- Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
- Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
- Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity.
- Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
- Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
- Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
- Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
- Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.
For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website. Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.
At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.
Be part of something bigger - apply now!
Primary Location: GB - Edinburgh
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
Principal Project Controller employer: 慨正橡扯
At Leonardo, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in Edinburgh that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our comprehensive benefits package, including generous leave, a robust pension scheme, and extensive learning opportunities, ensures that our employees thrive both personally and professionally. Join us to be part of a diverse team dedicated to shaping the future of Aerospace, Defence, and Security while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Project Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Principal Project Controller role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how they align with your experience in project controls. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your background in data governance and project management makes you the perfect fit for the role. Keep it concise but impactful—this is your chance to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining us at Leonardo and contributing to our exciting transformation.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Project Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in project controls and data governance. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Principal Project Controller, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your expertise in planning and project management methodologies. Use metrics where possible to show the impact of your work – we love numbers!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us and gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at Leonardo!
How to prepare for a job interview at 慨正橡扯
✨Know Your Project Controls Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of project controls methodologies, especially around schedule risk analysis and governance. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past projects, as this will show your expertise and confidence in the role.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with cross-functional teams, prepare examples that highlight your collaboration and communication skills. Think about times when you influenced stakeholders or led a team through a challenging project phase.
✨Prepare for Scenario Planning Questions
Expect questions around 'what if' scenarios and risk mitigation strategies. Have a few examples ready where you successfully identified risks and implemented effective mitigation plans. This will demonstrate your proactive approach to project management.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Their Tools
If you're an expert in tools like Primavera P6 or SAP, make sure to mention this during your interview. If you have experience with other planning/ERP tools, be prepared to discuss how those skills can transfer to their systems.
