At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead project controls for major civil engineering projects, ensuring realistic planning and performance management.
- Company: Join a leading civil engineering contractor with a focus on complex infrastructure projects across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent growth potential in a supportive environment valuing practical experience.
- Why this job: Utilise your hands-on site experience to shape how projects are planned and delivered.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Site Engineer or similar, with strong knowledge 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.
Key responsibilities include:
- 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. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. 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.
For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies we are acting as an Employment Agency, and when advertising temporary/contract vacancies we are acting as an Employment Business.
Locations
Project Controls Lead in Hythe, Kent employer: Aldwych Consulting
Aldwych Consulting is an excellent employer for a Geotechnical Monitoring Surveyor, offering a dynamic work culture in the heart of London. With a strong focus on professional development and a competitive benefits package, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to significant infrastructure projects. The supportive environment fosters collaboration and innovation, making it a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Controls Lead in Hythe, Kent
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Aldwych Consulting, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Project Controls Lead at Aldwych Consulting.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Controls Lead in Hythe, Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aldwych Consulting
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
