Are you a director-level project controls leader looking to make your mark on a project that is already exceeding its goals? Role: Head of Project Controls Location: Milton Keynes (Hybrid 2 days WFH) Salary: £122,000 - £132,000 This is an opportunity for a Head of Project Controls to lead a 35-strong team on the EKFB section of HS2-the largest, most dynamic, and highest-performing area of the project, with a £2 billion annual spend. This is not a recovery role, you will be joining a team that is smashing its targets and working with an intelligent, data-driven contractor. As the Head of Project Controls, you will be the day-to-day leader for a multi-disciplinary team of 25 -35 specialists in cost, planning (P6), risk, and estimating. Reporting directly to the Project Director, you will: ·Lead and Inspire: Manage a large, geographically dispersed team, setting objectives and driving their performance. ·Be an Active Client: Embody our "eyes on, hands-on" approach, confidently challenging our joint venture partners and ensuring project-level work aligns with the overall programme. ·Manage Key Interfaces: Oversee the flow of critical performance data, including NEC contractual submissions, earned value (EVM), and weekly quantity reports. ·Influence at the Top: Prepare and present performance updates to senior executive stakeholders, including the Chief Programme Officer. The ideal candidate will have: ·Proven Leadership: Demonstrable experience leading large project controls teams (25-30+ people) on complex, major infrastructure projects (e.g., heavy civils, nuclear, major transport). ·Technical Expertise: A strong background in project controls, with deep knowledge of NEC contracts, Earned Value Management (EVM), and scheduling tools like P6 (Primavera). ·Stakeholder Management: Experience presenting to executive-level stakeholders and the ability to tailor complex information for different audiences. ·Collaborative Mindset: A background from a client, contractor, or consultancy environment is welcome; a blend is ideal but not essential
Head of Project Controls in Milton Keynes employer: Carrington West
Join a leading rail and civil engineering contractor that values your expertise and offers a supportive work environment. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have the opportunity to be mentored into the CRE C designation while enjoying competitive benefits such as hybrid working, private healthcare, and generous annual leave. Located in Kent or London, this role provides a unique chance to work on impactful projects across the region, making it an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Project Controls in Milton Keynes
✨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 Carrington West, 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 Head of Project Controls at Carrington West.
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 Carrington West
✨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!
