Planning & Project Controls Lead

Planning & Project Controls Lead

Full-Time 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
NG Bailey

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 company.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, travel allowance, flexible benefits, and a strong pension plan.
  • Other info: Champion a Safety First culture and enjoy a supportive work environment focused on mental health.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a strategic leadership role with excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in planning, expertise in Primavera P6 or Asta Powerproject, and experience in major sectors.

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

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

Pension with leading provider and up to 8% employer contribution. Free 24/7 365 Employee assistance program to support mental health and wellbeing (including counselling sessions and legal advice). Discounts Travel allowance.

Planning & Project Controls Lead employer: NG Bailey

Join a dynamic and innovative company that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. As a Planning & Project Controls Lead, you will be part of a collaborative Senior Leadership Team, driving excellence in project delivery while enjoying a competitive salary, flexible benefits, and a strong commitment to mental health support. With opportunities for career advancement and a culture that champions safety and teamwork, this role offers a rewarding environment for strategic thinkers passionate about making an impact in the engineering sector.

NG Bailey

Contact Details:

NG Bailey Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

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

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 NG Bailey, 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 Planning & Project Controls Lead at NG Bailey.

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

Leadership Experience
Planning and Project Controls
Primavera P6
Asta Powerproject
NEC Contracts
Earned Value Management (EVM)
Performance Analytics

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 NG Bailey

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!