Project Controls Manager in Manchester

Project Controls Manager in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 58100 - 75000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead project controls for a groundbreaking renewable energy project worth over £300m.
  • Company: Join a leading engineering firm driving the UK's energy future.
  • Benefits: Earn up to £100,000 with full benefits and hybrid working options.
  • Other info: Opportunity for leadership roles as the business expands its project delivery capabilities.
  • Why this job: Make a national impact while advancing your career in a pioneering sector.
  • Qualifications: 8+ years in project controls with strong skills in Primavera P6 and risk analysis.

The predicted salary is between 58100 - 75000 £ per year.

Location: North West England (hybrid working available)

Salary: (Up to) £100,000 + Benefits

Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Commercial Talent Solutions is proud to partner with a leading engineering and infrastructure delivery business to recruit a Project Controls Manager for a high-profile, first-of-its-kind capital project in the UK energy sector. This is an exceptional opportunity to join the leadership team on a £300 million+ major programme to deliver a groundbreaking long-duration energy storage solution. The project leverages innovative, first-of-its-kind technology to support the UK’s drive toward energy security and net-zero.

We’re looking for an accomplished controls leader with a strong background in cost, planning, risk, and performance management, someone who thrives in complex environments and is ready to step into a role with influence, accountability, and long-term career progression.

About the Role

This newly created position is responsible for leading the project controls function across the full lifecycle of a major renewable energy infrastructure project. From FEED through to commissioning, the Project Controls Manager will drive planning, cost control, change, risk management, and performance reporting to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery of this pioneering facility. The successful candidate will join a business reinvesting in its EPC capability, and this role offers a clear pathway to become Project Controls Sector Lead as the portfolio expands.

Key Responsibilities

  • Leadership & Oversight
    • Lead and build a project controls team across planning, cost engineering, document control, and risk.
    • Define and embed best practices, tools, systems, and processes for integrated project controls.
    • Act as the senior point of contact for all project controls-related governance, reporting, and assurance.
  • Planning & Scheduling
    • Develop detailed project schedules in Primavera P6 covering design, procurement, construction, and commissioning.
    • Incorporate WBS structures, resource/cost loading, and QSRA outputs.
    • Maintain critical path awareness and milestone tracking to drive project delivery.
  • Cost & Value Management
    • Implement cost control systems for monitoring budgets, forecasts, actuals, and variances.
    • Support monthly cost value reconciliations, earned value management, and KPI reporting.
    • Align closely with the commercial team to ensure integration with NEC contract requirements.
  • Risk & Change Control
    • Own the project risk register and lead the facilitation of risk mitigation planning.
    • Ensure all time and cost risks are incorporated into baseline schedules and forecasts.
    • Manage change control processes and assess impact to programme performance.
  • Performance & Reporting
    • Produce performance dashboards and executive-level reporting using tools like Power BI.
    • Drive transparency and accountability through monthly reporting cycles and progress reviews.
    • Chair internal controls meetings and liaise with client-side reporting functions.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for individuals who demonstrate:

  • 8+ years’ experience in a senior project controls role on complex capital projects (£100m+).
  • Track record of success within infrastructure, energy, industrial, or process sectors.
  • Strong technical skills in Primavera P6 and risk analysis tools (Acumen Risk, PRA, etc.).
  • In-depth NEC3/4 knowledge with practical experience of cost and programme controls.
  • A degree in engineering, construction, quantity surveying, or project management (or equivalent).
  • Chartered or working toward chartered status (e.g. ACostE, MAPM, IEng/CEng).
  • Excellent communication and leadership ability with a collaborative, delivery-focused approach.

Why This Opportunity?

  • Lead a first-of-its-kind renewable energy project with national impact.
  • Deliver a £300m+ capital investment that will shape the UK’s energy future.
  • Be part of a business expanding its EPC and project delivery capability, with in-house manufacturing and long-term operations services.
  • Six-figure package + full benefits, hybrid flexibility, and real long-term career progression.
  • Step into a UK-wide leadership opportunity as the business builds out its national project controls function.

Interested? Apply directly or reach out to Ciaran @ Commercial Talent Solutions for more information and a detailed, discreet discussion.

Project Controls Manager in Manchester employer: Commercial Talent Solutions

Join a pioneering engineering and infrastructure delivery business that is at the forefront of the renewable energy sector in North West England. With a commitment to innovation and sustainability, this company offers a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and professional growth, alongside a competitive salary package and comprehensive benefits. As a Project Controls Manager, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of energy in the UK while enjoying hybrid working options and clear pathways for career advancement.

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Contact Details:

Commercial Talent Solutions Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Project Controls Manager in Manchester

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Project Controls Manager role.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want to see you shine, so practice answering common questions and think about how your experience aligns with their needs in renewable energy.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your past work, especially those related to cost control and risk management. We love seeing tangible proof of your expertise in action.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our team in shaping the future of energy.

We think you need these skills to ace Project Controls Manager in Manchester

Project Controls Leadership
Cost Management
Planning and Scheduling
Risk Management
Performance Reporting
Primavera P6
NEC3/4 Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Controls Manager role. Highlight your experience in cost, planning, and risk management, especially on large-scale projects. We want to see how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past successes in project controls and how they relate to the groundbreaking work we’re doing in renewable energy.

Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your technical skills, especially with tools like Primavera P6 and risk analysis software. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make sure we know you’ve got the chops!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!

How to prepare for a job interview at Commercial Talent Solutions

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of project controls, especially in the renewable energy sector. Familiarise yourself with key terms like cost management, risk analysis, and performance reporting. Being able to speak confidently about these topics will show that you're serious about the role.

Showcase Your Experience

Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your experience in managing complex capital projects. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you demonstrate your leadership skills and how you've successfully navigated challenges in previous projects.

Ask Smart Questions

Come prepared with insightful questions about the company’s approach to project controls and their vision for the renewable energy project. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the company aligns with your career goals.

Be Ready for Technical Questions

Expect to be quizzed on your technical skills, particularly with tools like Primavera P6 and risk analysis software. Brush up on these tools and be ready to discuss how you've used them in your previous roles. This will demonstrate your readiness to hit the ground running.