Project Controls Manager in Whitehaven

Do you have proven experience managing project controls (cost, schedule, risk, EV) on major civil engineering, nuclear, or highly regulated infrastructure projects? Have you successfully implemented and led integrated project controls systems on medium–large scale programmes (e.g. P6 scheduling, cost forecasting, risk/change control)? Are you looking for the opportunity to shape project controls on a newly awarded, high-profile scheme, influencing strategy from day one?

A major civil engineering company has secured a newly awarded project in Cumbria, creating an exciting opportunity for a Project Controls Manager to join the team at project inception. This role exists due to project expansion and long-term investment, offering you the chance to lead the full project controls function from the ground up.

You’ll be joining a well-respected engineering business known for technical excellence, a strong safety culture, and long-standing nuclear sector presence. As Project Controls Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in establishing cost, schedule, risk, and performance frameworks that will directly influence project success. In return, you’ll enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, long-term career prospects, and the chance to work on one of the UK’s most complex and nationally significant infrastructure environments.

Your duties and responsibilities will be:

• Establish and oversee all aspects of project controls across cost, schedule, risk, and performance
• Develop, maintain, and analyse the integrated project schedule (Primavera P6 or equivalent)
• Lead cost management activities, including forecasting, earned value analysis, and financial reporting
• Implement structured risk management and change control processes
• Produce project dashboards, KPIs, and progress reports for internal and client stakeholders
• Ensure alignment procedures, governance requirements, and industry regulations
• Work closely with engineering, commercial, construction, and planning teams to maintain project integrity
• Support and guide junior project controls staff as the project grows

You will have the following qualifications & experience:

• Demonstrable experience as a Project Controls Manager or Senior Project Controller within civil engineering, nuclear, infrastructure, utilities, or regulated projects
• Strong expertise in planning, cost control, risk management, earned value, and change control
• Proficiency in project controls tools such as Primavera P6, cost systems, and reporting dashboards
• Solid understanding of NEC contracts (preferred)
• Experience working nuclear-licensed sites is beneficial but not essential
• Confident communicator with the ability to challenge, influence, and guide multi-disciplinary teams
• Highly analytical, structured approach to data, forecasting, and project performance

It’s great if you also have the following:

• Experience within large-scale nuclear frameworks or major infrastructure alliances
• Exposure to developing controls systems for early-stage projects
• Understanding of digital reporting tools such as Power BI or equivalent
• Formal project controls training or accreditation (APMG, ACostE, PMI, etc.)

The setting for the role: You will be based in office, working as part of a respected civil engineering contractor delivering a newly awarded project. This is a permanent, full-time position offering a competitive salary, car allowance, and full benefits package, with long-term development opportunities as the wider framework grows. The environment is fast-paced, collaborative, and highly regulated — ideal for someone who enjoys complex engineering challenges and wants to make a measurable impact.