At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-profile client engagements and deliver innovative Controls Analytics solutions.
- Company: Join AECOM, a trusted partner in infrastructure and project management.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and mentorship in a collaborative setting.
- Why this job: Shape the future of project controls and make a real impact on major infrastructure projects.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in project controls or consultancy, with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 120000 £ per year.
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.
Opportunity:
- Leading high‑profile client engagements
- Shaping and delivering Controls Analytics solutions
- Driving work‑winning and business growth
- Developing our team and capability
These are senior leadership roles with a balance of delivery oversight, strategic advisory, and market‑facing responsibilities. You will operate as a trusted advisor to client executives while helping expand AECOM's Controls Analytics proposition across key accounts and sectors.
Responsibilities:
- 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.
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.
Qualifications & Experience:
- 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.
At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. 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. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person's potential, and we'll help you reach yours.
Senior Director - Controls Analytics & PMO Strategy in St Albans employer: AECOM
AECOM is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee development, we provide ample opportunities for growth and advancement within our award-winning Controls team, all while working on high-profile projects that make a real impact in the infrastructure sector. Our inclusive culture fosters a sense of belonging, ensuring that every team member can contribute to meaningful solutions that drive success for our clients and communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Director - Controls Analytics & PMO Strategy in St Albans
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Senior Director role. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers and showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their approach to Controls Analytics and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they do.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how you can drive work-winning strategies and enhance performance across portfolios. Highlight your leadership skills and how you've successfully led multidisciplinary teams in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining AECOM and contributing to our award-winning Controls team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Director - Controls Analytics & PMO Strategy in St Albans
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 analytics. We want to see how your skills align with the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Leadership Experience:Since this role is all about senior leadership, don’t forget to emphasise your past experiences leading teams and engaging with clients. We’re looking for examples that demonstrate your ability to influence and drive business growth.
Be Data-Driven:Given the focus on analytics, it’s crucial to showcase your understanding of data-driven decision-making. Include any relevant projects where you’ve used analytics to improve outcomes or performance, as this will resonate with us.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at AECOM
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of project controls, analytics, and PMO strategies. Brush up on key concepts like cost management, risk assessment, and performance metrics. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're the right fit for a senior leadership role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led multidisciplinary teams and influenced senior stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your experience in driving business growth and work-winning strategies. This is crucial for demonstrating your capability to lead high-profile client engagements.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since this role involves translating complex data into actionable insights, be ready to discuss your experience with analytics tools like Power BI or Primavera P6. Share specific instances where your analytical skills have led to improved project outcomes or decision-making.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about AECOM's approach to Controls Analytics and PMO transformation. This not only shows your interest in the company but also gives you a chance to demonstrate your strategic thinking and understanding of the industry.
