At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead project controls for a major defence programme, ensuring effective delivery and performance insights.
- Company: Join Mace, a dynamic company redefining ambition in construction and consultancy.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, medical cover, life insurance, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we value diversity and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a secure environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in project management or related field; experience in project controls is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition. We are looking to appoint a Project Controls Lead to join our Defence team in Preston, supporting the delivery of a major, long‑term programme operating within air system and Defence environments. Working in a secure and highly regulated setting, this role sits within an Integrated Client Team and will play a key role in establishing robust programme controls, providing clear performance insight and enabling assured delivery across complex technical workstreams. This role is due to commence in late autumn to early winter.
Note: Due to the security requirements of the role, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain UK security clearance.
Responsibilities- Managing the development, implementation and continuous improvement of project controls standards, processes and tools, including planning, cost, risk, change and reporting.
- Owning and assuring integrated baselines and forecasts across the programme, ensuring consistency, traceability and auditability.
- Driving programme performance reporting, including progress, milestones, schedule health, cost performance and earned value where applicable, providing clear insight and early warning of emerging risks or adverse trends.
- Managing programme‑level risk and opportunity management, ensuring robust governance, clear ownership and effective mitigation strategies are in place.
- Providing leadership to the Project Controls and PMO team, including coaching, development and effective resource allocation aligned to programme priorities.
- Supporting programme assurance activities, audits and gateway reviews, by providing high‑quality evidence, analysis and recommendations for corrective action.
- A degree or equivalent qualification in project management, engineering, construction management, quantity surveying, commercial management or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
- Strong experience leading project controls or PMO functions within major programmes, ideally in regulated or high assurance environments such as defence, aviation, nuclear or major infrastructure.
- Proven capability across planning, cost control, risk management, change control and performance reporting.
- Experience implementing project controls governance, standards and toolsets across multi‑partner delivery environments.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with confidence operating and influencing at senior levels.
- Flexibility and willingness to work from the Preston or Lancashire area as required.
- Eligibility to obtain and maintain UK security clearance.
- Car allowance.
- Hybrid working.
- Medical health cover.
- Life insurance.
- Income protection insurance.
- Pension scheme.
- Discretionary annual salary reviews.
- Family friendly policies.
- 22 days annual leave + 2 Mace days + 3 days Christmas shutdown + 1 additional day leave for every 2 years of service + Bank holidays.
Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. We are also open to discussing part‑time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable within the role.
Defence Project Controls Lead | Hybrid, Secure Delivery in Preston employer: Mace
Mace is an exceptional employer that values its employees by fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture, particularly within the Defence team in Preston. With a strong focus on professional development, employees benefit from comprehensive training opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a robust benefits package that includes hybrid working, medical cover, and generous leave policies. Joining Mace means being part of a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises employee well-being while delivering impactful projects in a secure and regulated environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Defence Project Controls Lead | Hybrid, Secure Delivery in Preston
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the defence sector! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in project controls and risk management. We want to see how you can bring value to their team, so share specific examples of your past successes and how they relate to the role.
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework before the interview! Understand Mace’s projects and values, and think about how your skills align with their needs. We recommend practising common interview questions and preparing some thoughtful questions to ask them too – it shows you’re genuinely interested!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Defence Project Controls Lead | Hybrid, Secure Delivery in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Defence Project Controls Lead. Highlight your experience in project controls, especially in regulated environments like defence or aviation. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Share specific examples of your achievements in project management and how you’ve driven performance in previous roles. Let us know why you’re excited about this opportunity!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a team, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Talk about how you've coached and developed teams in the past, and how you’ve managed resources effectively. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and guide others!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mace
✨Know Your Project Controls Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of project controls standards, processes, and tools. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these in past roles, especially in regulated environments like defence or aviation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and managing resources effectively. Think about times when you coached team members or drove performance improvements, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions around planning, cost control, risk management, and performance reporting. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate your expertise in these areas, particularly how you've tackled challenges in complex projects.
✨Understand the Security Clearance Process
Since this role requires UK security clearance, be familiar with the process and any potential implications. It’s a good idea to express your understanding of the importance of security in defence projects during the interview.
