Project Director - Controls Analytics in Birmingham

Project Director - Controls Analytics in Birmingham

Birmingham Full-Time 70000 - 90000 € / year (est.) Home office (partial)
AECO

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative analytics solutions for major infrastructure projects and drive strategic client relationships.
  • Company: Join AECOM, a global leader in infrastructure consulting, making a real-world impact.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work options, competitive pay, and a supportive environment for personal growth.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to uplifting communities and enhancing lives.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of infrastructure while developing your leadership skills in a dynamic team.
  • Qualifications: 15+ years in project controls or consultancy with strong leadership and analytical skills.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € per year.

Work with Us. Change the World. At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

Our award-winning AECOM Controls team within the Infrastructure & PMO Operating Unit is a trusted partner to public and private sector clients across the UK and globally. We specialise in delivering Controls Analytics across Cost, Risk, Planning and Performance, supporting major infrastructure and capital investment programmes. We combine best-in-class project controls with advanced analytics to enable clients to make timely, data-driven decisions that improve project outcomes, strengthen governance, and enhance performance across portfolios, programmes and projects.

As a Project Director within Controls Analytics, you will lead the definition, mobilisation and oversight of analytics-enabled project controls services across complex infrastructure programmes and PMOs. You will translate client challenges into practical, scalable solutions, working through multi-disciplinary teams of data engineers, analysts, and project controls professionals. While not hands‑on in build, you will provide solution direction, assurance, and executive-level interpretation of insights. You will also play a key role in work winning, including shaping bids, developing propositions, and identifying growth opportunities within existing and new client accounts.

Key Responsibilities
  • Strategic Client Leadership: Act as a trusted advisor to Programme Directors, Sponsors and senior client stakeholders. Provide strategic direction on controls analytics, PMO performance, and data-driven decision‑making. Translate complex data and controls outputs into clear, actionable executive insights.
  • Delivery Oversight & Solution Leadership: Lead the set‑up and oversight of Controls Analytics delivery across projects, programmes and portfolios. Define controls operating models, reporting frameworks, and governance structures. Provide direction and assurance to delivery teams (data engineers, analysts, controls specialists). Ensure solutions are fit‑for‑purpose, scalable, and aligned to client outcomes.
  • Controls Analytics and PMO Transformation: Shape and implement integrated controls analytics approaches covering cost, schedule, risk, change, and performance. Oversee the development of executive reporting, dashboards, and KPI frameworks. Drive adoption of insight‑driven performance management and proactive intervention practices. Support clients in improving controls maturity, data quality, and governance.
  • Work Winning & Business Development: Play a leading role in bids, proposals, and client pursuits. Develop and articulate compelling Controls Analytics propositions aligned to market needs. Identify and drive organic growth opportunities within existing client engagements. Build strong external relationships to enhance AECOM’s market presence.
  • Team & Capability Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop high‑performing, multidisciplinary teams. Foster a consultancy mindset, ensuring teams deliver value beyond core scope. Contribute to the development of methods, tools, and accelerators. Support recruitment, succession planning, and capability growth aligned to business strategy.
  • Risk, Change & Performance Insight Leadership: Ensure integration of risk, contingency and scenario analytics into controls frameworks. Guide development of change analytics and forecasting models to support decision‑making. Enable clients to move from retrospective reporting to predictive and forward‑looking insights.

Here’s What We’re Looking For: Degree in Engineering, Project Management, Finance, Data/Analytics or related discipline. Professional certifications (APM, PMI, MSP, RICS, AACE or similar) desirable. Typically 15+ years’ experience across project/programme controls, PMO leadership, and/or consultancy.

Skills & Experience:

  • Leadership & Consulting: Proven experience operating at senior leadership level within complex programmes or consultancy environments. Strong track record in client engagement, influencing senior stakeholders, and leading delivery teams. Commercial awareness with experience contributing to work winning and account growth.
  • Controls & Domain Expertise: Deep understanding of project controls disciplines: cost, planning, risk, change and performance. Experience across major infrastructure or capital programmes in sectors such as transport, energy, water or defence. Strong appreciation of PMO delivery models and governance structures.
  • Analytics & Digital Understanding: Strong understanding of controls analytics solutions, dashboards and performance frameworks. Familiarity with tools such as Power BI, Primavera P6, PRISM, Aconex, and data architectures. Ability to guide teams on data integration, modelling and insight generation, without needing to build directly.

To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in‑person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment. You will have the flexibility you need to do your best work with hybrid work options. Whether you’re working from an AECOM office, remote location or at a client site, you will be working in a dynamic environment where your integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering mindset are championed. AECOM provides a wide array of compensation, benefits and well‑being programs to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person’s potential, and we’ll help you reach yours. We are a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to applicants who have a disability or long‑term condition, who meet the minimum/essential criteria for the role.

Project Director - Controls Analytics in Birmingham employer: AECO

At AECOM, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our Manchester office provides employees with the opportunity to engage in meaningful projects that have a positive impact on communities while enjoying flexible working arrangements and comprehensive benefits. With a strong focus on professional development and mentorship, we empower our team members to grow their careers within a globally recognised firm dedicated to delivering a better world.

AECO

Contact Detail:

AECO Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Project Director - Controls Analytics in Birmingham

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. The more people know you’re looking for opportunities, the better your chances of landing that dream job.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching AECOM and understanding their projects. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission of delivering a better world. Confidence is key, so practice makes perfect!

Tip Number 3

Don’t just wait for job postings! Be proactive and reach out directly to hiring managers or teams at AECOM. Express your interest in their work and how you can contribute to their goals. It shows initiative and enthusiasm!

Tip Number 4

Utilise our website to apply! We’ve got all the latest openings and resources to help you through the application process. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on what’s happening at AECOM.

We think you need these skills to ace Project Director - Controls Analytics in Birmingham

Project Controls
Controls Analytics
Data-Driven Decision-Making
Client Engagement
Strategic Direction
Delivery Oversight
Governance Structures

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Project Director role. Highlight your experience in project controls and analytics, and show how your skills align with AECOM's mission to deliver a better world.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As this is a senior role, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've led teams, influenced stakeholders, and driven successful project outcomes in complex environments.

Be Data-Driven:Since the role focuses on Controls Analytics, emphasise your analytical skills and familiarity with tools like Power BI or Primavera P6. Provide specific instances where your data-driven decisions have positively impacted projects.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application reaches the right people and gives you the best chance to showcase your fit for the role at AECOM.

How to prepare for a job interview at AECO

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you have a solid understanding of project controls, analytics, and the specific challenges faced in infrastructure projects. Brush up on key concepts like cost management, risk assessment, and performance metrics. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to AECOM's mission.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Project Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead multidisciplinary teams. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully guided teams through complex projects or influenced senior stakeholders. Highlight your strategic thinking and how you've driven business growth.

Be Data-Driven

Familiarise yourself with analytics tools and frameworks relevant to the role, such as Power BI or Primavera P6. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to inform decision-making and improve project outcomes. Showing that you can translate complex data into actionable insights will set you apart.

Engage with the Company Culture

AECOM values innovation and community impact, so be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. Share your thoughts on how you can contribute to their mission of delivering a better world. This will show that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in being part of their team.