At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead project controls for major civil engineering projects and ensure realistic planning.
- Company: Leading civil engineering contractor delivering complex infrastructure across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Supportive environment valuing practical experience and offering excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Shape project delivery with your hands-on experience and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in civil engineering roles and strong understanding of construction methodologies.
The predicted salary is between 54090 - 66110 £ per year.
Are you a Head of Project Controls/Project Controls Lead looking to join a leading civil engineering contractor delivering complex infrastructure projects across the UK? This role is ideal for someone with a strong site background who understands how jobs are really built, and can translate that knowledge into robust, realistic and defensible project controls. If you know production rates because you've physically delivered the work, you understand how long earthworks, drainage, concrete pours, piling, structures or utilities actually take to build, and you can develop programmes from first principles rather than relying on historic assumptions, your real site experience will genuinely set you apart in this role.
The Role
As Project Controls Lead, you will take ownership of planning, scheduling and performance management across major civil engineering schemes. You'll work closely with project teams to ensure programmes, cost forecasts and reporting reflect real-world delivery conditions, not theoretical models.
- Developing and maintaining detailed construction programmes from first principles
- Producing realistic activity durations, sequencing, methods and logic based on practical site knowledge
- Carrying out take-offs and resource assessments grounded in actual production rates
- Leading progress measurement, performance tracking and early identification of delays or opportunities
- Working with engineers, commercial teams and project managers to ensure accurate reporting and forecasting
- Supporting change management, compensation events and scenario planning
- Providing clear, evidence-based advice on programme risk, mitigation and recovery
- Ensuring project controls processes are consistent, transparent and aligned with contractual requirements
This is a hands-on role where your operational background is essential.
About You
We're looking for someone who brings genuine delivery experience and can apply it to front-end project controls. You will have:
- A background as a Site Engineer, Section Engineer, Sub Agent or Project Engineer in civil engineering
- Strong understanding of construction methodologies, sequencing, temporary works and buildability
- Ability to take off from first principles and develop programmes without relying on templates
- Realistic appreciation of production rates, constraints and site logistics
- Experience in planning, project controls or scheduling (Primavera P6 or similar beneficial)
- Strong analytical skills and confidence in challenging unrealistic assumptions
- Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach
- A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to site when required
What's on Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Car or car allowance
- Opportunities to progress into senior project controls, planning or project leadership roles
- Exposure to major infrastructure projects and strategic business planning
- A supportive environment that values practical engineering experience over theoretical planning
Who This Role Suits
This role is perfect for someone who has built jobs, understands the realities of civil engineering delivery, and wants to step into a role where that experience shapes how projects are planned, monitored and controlled. This is an excellent career growth opportunity!
Aldwych Consulting values diversity and promotes equality. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application. Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
Project Controls Lead employer: Aldwych Consulting Ltd
Join an established M&E contractor in Hertfordshire, where you will have the opportunity to take ownership of projects and make impactful commercial decisions. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, this company offers genuine flexibility in role levels, direct access to decision-makers, and a supportive work culture that values diversity and equality. Enjoy a competitive salary of up to £75,000 and the chance to accelerate your career in a dynamic environment with exposure to a variety of projects across London and the South East.
