Planning & Project Controls Lead

Planning & Project Controls Lead

Full-Time 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead planning and project controls for complex engineering projects, driving data-led decision making.
  • Company: Join a dynamic team within a leading infrastructure and energy sector company.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private healthcare, and a generous pension scheme.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture focused on safety, continuous improvement, and professional development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by enhancing project delivery performance and influencing business strategy.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in project controls with expertise in Primavera P6 or Asta Powerproject.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.

We are looking for a Planning & Project Controls Lead to join our regional Senior Leadership Team and take ownership of a high‑performing planning and project controls function. This is a pivotal leadership role where you will drive data‑led decision making, enhance project delivery performance, and ensure robust planning, risk management, and governance across a diverse portfolio of complex engineering projects. If you’re a strategic thinker with deep technical expertise and a passion for delivering excellence in project controls, we want to hear from you.

Key deliverables in this role are:

  • Lead and develop the Planning & Project Controls function across the full project lifecycle (Win Plan Do Handover)
  • Act as a key member of the Regional Senior Leadership Team, influencing business strategy and performance
  • Align stakeholders across Delivery, Commercial, SHEQ, Procurement, and Technical teams
  • Own and assure contract baseline programmes using Primavera P6 or Asta Powerproject
  • Lead regional resource planning, ensuring capability aligns with future demand
  • Drive consistency and excellence in planning standards and processes
  • Embed and monitor key KPIs (SPI, CPI, Earned Value, productivity)
  • Deliver clear, data‑driven reporting and dashboards for senior stakeholders
  • Conduct forecasting and trend analysis to support proactive decision‑making
  • Lead advanced schedule risk analysis (Monte Carlo, TIA, SRA)
  • Ensure effective change control across all programmes
  • Maintain robust, auditable risk registers and mitigation strategies
  • Support bids with robust planning, sequencing, and risk assessments
  • Collaborate with Business Development to strengthen win strategies
  • Ensure all activities align with contractual obligations (e.g. NEC), internal processes, and legislation
  • Maintain accurate and auditable project data and records
  • Champion a Safety First culture across all projects
  • Drive compliance with HSEQ standards and continuous improvement

To be successful in this role you will have:

  • Proven leadership experience within Planning / Project Controls
  • Strong expertise in Primavera P6 and/or Asta Powerproject
  • Experience working under NEC contracts
  • Background in major infrastructure or energy sectors (Rail, Nuclear, Power, Water)
  • Advanced knowledge of earned value management (EVM) and performance analytics
  • Expertise in risk modelling and forecasting techniques
  • Experience managing planning at a portfolio or regional level
  • Project Management qualification (APM, PMI or equivalent)
  • Relevant engineering / construction qualification or apprenticeship
  • Leadership/management qualification (Level 5 or equivalent desirable)

Who You Are

  • A strategic and influential leader who can inspire teams and stakeholders
  • Data‑driven, comfortable translating complex data into actionable insights
  • Resilient and solutions‑focused, able to navigate complex challenges
  • A collaborator, fostering a high‑performance, team‑first culture

Benefits

  • 25 days holiday per annum, plus bank holidays
  • Pension with leading provider and up to 8% employer contribution
  • Private healthcare
  • Free 24/7 365 Employee assistance program to support mental health and wellbeing (including counselling sessions and legal advice)
  • Discounts
  • Personal development programme
  • Flexible Benefits
  • Travel allowance

Planning & Project Controls Lead employer: NG Bailey Engineering

Join a dynamic and innovative team as a Planning & Project Controls Lead in London, Bristol, or Cardiff, where you will be at the forefront of driving excellence in project delivery across complex engineering projects. Our company fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth through comprehensive development programmes and flexible benefits, ensuring a supportive environment for your professional journey. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a strong commitment to mental health and wellbeing, we are dedicated to creating a rewarding workplace for our employees.

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Contact Details:

NG Bailey Engineering Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Planning & Project Controls Lead

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how important it is to make those personal connections that could lead to job opportunities.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and recent achievements, so you can tailor your responses. We want you to shine, so practice common interview questions and think about how your experience aligns with their needs.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your expertise! Bring along examples of your past work, especially those that highlight your skills in project controls and planning. We love seeing how you’ve tackled challenges and delivered results, so don’t hold back!

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who are ready to take on leadership roles in planning and project controls. Let’s get you on board!

We think you need these skills to ace Planning & Project Controls Lead

Leadership Experience
Primavera P6
Asta Powerproject
NEC Contracts
Earned Value Management (EVM)
Performance Analytics
Risk Modelling

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Planning & Project Controls Lead role. Highlight your leadership experience and expertise in Primavera P6 or Asta Powerproject. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your strategic thinking and passion for project controls. Let us know why you’re the perfect fit for our Senior Leadership Team.

Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; highlight your achievements! Use data and examples to demonstrate how you've driven performance and improved planning standards in previous roles. We love numbers!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on our radar. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at NG Bailey Engineering

Know Your Tools Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in Primavera P6 and Asta Powerproject. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past projects, and maybe even share specific examples of how they helped you achieve project goals.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare to talk about your leadership experience in planning and project controls. Think of instances where you influenced business strategy or improved team performance, and be ready to explain your approach to fostering a high-performance culture.

Data-Driven Decision Making

Since this role emphasises data-led decision making, come prepared with examples of how you've used data analytics in your previous roles. Discuss any KPIs you’ve monitored and how they impacted project outcomes.

Understand the Bigger Picture

Familiarise yourself with the company’s portfolio and the sectors they operate in, like Rail or Nuclear. Being able to connect your experience to their specific projects will show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the company’s mission.