Project Cost Controller in Harwell

• Assigned ESA Manager(s) / Head of Project Control & Management Support Section
• Location
• Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (Onsite at ESA ECSAT)
• Company

Akkodis is a global leader in engineering, technology, and R&D, harnessing the power of connected data to drive digital transformation and innovation for a smarter, more sustainable future.

As part of the Adecco Group, Akkodis employs over 50,000 engineers and digital specialists across 30 countries in North America, EMEA, and APAC.

Our teams bring extensive cross-sector knowledge in critical technology areas such as mobility, software services, robotics, simulations, cybersecurity, AI, and data analytics, enabling clients to tackle complex challenges in today’s rapidly evolving markets.

With a comprehensive solution portfolio across four service lines—Consulting, Solutions, Talents, and Academy—Akkodis supports clients from concept through to full-scale deployment and optimisation.

Our diverse offerings help organisations rethink product development, accelerate productivity, reduce time-to-market, and prepare for the future.

At Akkodis, you’ll join a dynamic environment that values continuous learning and global collaboration, where you can make a meaningful impact through innovative projects that shape the future of technology.

Scope

The Project Controller will support ESA managers and project teams in the planning, monitoring, controlling, and reporting of space programmes and projects at the European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications (ECSAT) in Harwell.

The role is responsible for providing project control expertise across cost, schedule, risk, procurement, contract management, financial planning, reporting, and governance activities, ensuring successful programme delivery in line with ESA processes and regulations.

Role

We are looking for a Project Controller to join our Akkodis Aerospace team, working onsite at the European Space Agency (ESA) in Harwell, United Kingdom.

Akkodis has proudly supported the Aerospace & Defence industry for decades, with long-standing partnerships across Europe's leading organisations, including ESA.

In this role, you will provide comprehensive project control and management support to ESA programmes and activities, contributing to innovative projects in telecommunications, integrated applications, climate change, technology, and science.

The successful candidate will work closely with ESA project managers, finance and procurement services, and industrial partners to manage programme cost, schedule, risk, contracts, and reporting activities while supporting informed programme decision-making and governance.

Responsibilities

• Support identified manager(s) on all activities related to project costs, schedules, risks, project management processes, and administrative functions.
• Support procurement activities from tender preparation through to contract closure.
• Monitor programme performance, identify deviations from plans, and recommend recovery actions.
• Prepare management reports, dashboards, KPIs, and programme status updates.
• Support project managers in negotiations with industrial contractors.
• Liaise closely with Business Unit Controllers regarding internal and external reporting activities.
• Prepare and maintain all programmatic aspects of projects, including cost, finance, schedules, work breakdown structures, progress control, configuration, documentation, and geographical return.
• Develop and maintain project cost plans covering industrial, operating, and workforce-related costs.
• Maintain project data within ESA ERP systems and ensure accurate monitoring and forecasting.
• Identify trends, risks, issues, and opportunities while recommending appropriate mitigation actions.
• Ensure compliance with budgetary provisions and financial regulations.
• Support preparation of AC and IPC papers, Programme Board reports, and Change Control Board activities.
• Participate in Tender Evaluation Boards (TEBs) where required.
• Support contract negotiation, administration, and closure activities.
• Support financial year-end closure exercises.
• Maintain project risk and opportunity registers and prepare associated reporting.
• Advise project managers on project control best practices, methods, processes, and procedures.
• Contribute to the improvement and digitalisation of project control systems and processes.
• Provide periodic and ad hoc management reporting to internal and external stakeholders.
• Required Experience
• Relevant experience in project control, programme management, financial control, or related disciplines.
• Experience in controlling and/or managing activities and resources within the aerospace, space, defence, or engineering sectors.
• Experience supporting complex projects involving cost, schedule, risk, and contract management.
• Understanding of procurement processes and contract administration.
• Experience in forecasting, budgeting, reporting, and performance monitoring.
• Previous ESA experience or experience supporting ESA-related programmes would be an advantage.
• Finance and accounting knowledge is desirable.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders in complex international environments.
• Required Skills
• Strong project control and programme management skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
• Strong analytical, reporting, forecasting, and problem-solving abilities.
• Knowledge of cost management, budgeting, financial planning, and project reporting.
• Experience using SAP, particularly ECC and SRM modules.
• Familiarity with ESA applications such as ESA-p would be advantageous.
• Ability to quickly adapt to ESA tools, procedures, and working environments.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple interfaces and competing priorities.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Knowledge of risk and opportunity management principles.
• Knowledge of another official ESA language would be considered an asset.
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