At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning and project controls for electrification and plant projects in rail infrastructure.
- Company: Join Octavius, a leading civil engineering organisation focused on sustainable transport solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a company car scheme, private healthcare, pension, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Hybrid working options and excellent opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative environment while driving successful project outcomes.
- Qualifications: Experience in project controls, strong leadership skills, and knowledge of Primavera P6 required.
The predicted salary is between 66150 - 80850 £ per year.
We are recruiting for a Head of Planning & Portfolio Controls to join us here at Octavius, working on our SRE and E&P projects out of London Blackfriars.
This is a 12 month contract.
We are a leading civil engineering organisation delivering safe, sustainable, and efficient transport solutions across the UK.
You'll be working on…. (what your role and responsibility is)
-As Head of Planning & Project Controls, you'll lead the planning and project controls function for the Electrification & Plant (E&P) portfolio within the Southern Renewals Enterprise (SRE).
Working as part of the integrated SID delivery model, you will provide trusted insight across programme, cost, risk, change and performance, helping the business make informed decisions and drive successful outcomes.
You'll be responsible for
- Leading the E&P planning and project controls team across a complex rail infrastructure portfolio.
- Providing clear performance insight, forecasting and reporting to support decision-making and portfolio delivery.
- Developing and maintaining robust programme controls across planning, cost, risk, change and governance.
- Driving the effective use of data, reporting systems and dashboards to improve visibility and confidence in performance information.
- Owning planning standards and Primavera P6 implementation across the portfolio.
- Identifying emerging risks, trends and opportunities, ensuring timely intervention where required.
- Supporting a collaborative, "Best for Portfolio" approach across the wider Southern Renewals Enterprise.
You'll work with… (because relationships are important)A team of highly motivated, dedicated professionals delivering projects across the Southern Renewals Enterprise, alongside Network Rail and other SID partners.
You'll work closely with delivery, commercial, engineering and leadership teams to ensure everyone is operating from a consistent view of programme performance, cost, risk and change.
You'll be an experienced project controls leader with the ability to translate complex data into meaningful insight that supports delivery and strategic decision-making.
You'll have
- Strong leadership skills, with the ability to influence, collaborate and constructively challenge across multiple stakeholders.
- Extensive experience managing planning and project controls functions within major infrastructure programmes.
- A thorough understanding of programme controls, including planning, cost management, risk, change and performance reporting.
- Advanced analytical skills and the ability to identify trends, risks and opportunities across complex portfolios.
- Experience developing dashboards, reporting tools and data-driven performance solutions.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to both technical and executive audiences.
- A structured, organised and collaborative approach, combined with a strong focus on delivery and continuous improvement.
- You'll bring… (your wealth of experience & qualifications)
- Significant experience in planning and project controls within major infrastructure or rail environments.
- Experience working within collaborative delivery models and multi-partner organisations.
- Advanced knowledge of Primavera P6 and Office 365, including Power BI and the wider Power Platform.
- A strong track record of delivering portfolio-level reporting, forecasting and performance analysis.
- A degree in Engineering, Project Management, Quantity Surveying or a related discipline.
- Professional accreditation such as APM, PRINCE2, MSP or equivalent.
- Chartered status, or progress towards achieving chartership.
- You'll receive…. (because we value you)
- Company Car scheme
- Private Healthcare
- Pension
- Life Assurance cover
- 25 days Annual Leave (and a day off for your birthday)
- Hybrid working where possible
- enhanced Paternity & Maternity package
- opportunity to develop yourself personally and professionally
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Planning & Portfolio Controls (SRE E&P) employer: Octavius Infrastructure Ltd
At Octavius, we pride ourselves on being a leading civil engineering organisation that not only delivers safe and sustainable transport solutions but also fosters a supportive and inclusive work environment. As a Site Foreperson, you will benefit from a competitive rewards package, including a Company Car scheme and Private Healthcare, while having ample opportunities for personal and professional development. Our commitment to diversity and community engagement ensures that every team member can thrive and contribute to meaningful projects across the M25.
Contact Details:
Octavius Infrastructure Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Planning & Portfolio Controls (SRE E&P)
✨Get Your Foot in the Door
Temporary roles in construction often rely on quick recruitment, so make sure to visit local recruitment agencies that specialise in the construction sector. They usually have a go-to list of companies that need staff urgently, helping us connect with potential employers faster.
✨Leverage Community Connections
Construction is all about connections! Check out local trade events, networking gatherings, or even social media groups focused on your area. Engaging with the community can lead to insider knowledge about temporary job openings that might not be advertised anywhere else.
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Solid Portfolio
Even for temporary gigs, a visual portfolio can really set you apart. Take photos of previous projects you’ve worked on, or if you're fresh in the industry, show examples of your work during training. This can help us demonstrate our hands-on experience to potential employers, like Octavius Infrastructure Ltd.
✨Apply Directly at Construction Sites
Don’t overlook the power of walking directly into construction sites. Many temporary positions are filled on the spot, so it’s worth popping by local sites and having a face-to-face chat. Bring your CV and be ready to impress, as companies like Octavius Infrastructure Ltd appreciate proactive candidates ready to jump in when needed.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Planning & Portfolio Controls (SRE E&P)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:In the construction game, having hands-on experience matters! Be sure to showcase any previous temporary roles or projects you've worked on in your CV. Mention specific skills like safety protocols, tools you're familiar with, or types of construction work you've done – this will help you stand out!
Showcase Certifications and Training:If you've got any relevant certifications or training like a CSCS card or health and safety courses, flaunt them! Include them in your CV and mention them in your cover letter. It shows that you're not just ready to get to work but that you've got the essential safety knowledge, which is super important in the construction industry.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:For a temporary role, flexibility is key! In your cover letter, make sure to clearly state your availability – are you ready to start immediately? Can you work various shifts? Letting Octavius Infrastructure Ltd know how adaptable you are might just get you the edge over other candidates.
Keep it Concise and Clear:When applying for temporary roles in construction, employers often appreciate brevity. Keep your CV and cover letter clear and to the point. Focus on the skills and experiences that align most with what Octavius Infrastructure Ltd is looking for. Avoid unnecessary fluff to make it easier for them to see why you’re the perfect fit!
How to prepare for a job interview at Octavius Infrastructure Ltd
✨Show Off Your Safety Knowledge
In construction, health and safety is non-negotiable. Get comfortable with specific safety regulations like COSHH or Working at Height – you might get asked how you’d handle risk assessments or unsafe conditions. We need to show that we prioritise safety above all else.
✨Be Ready for Hands-On Scenarios
Expect practical questions or even a mini test where you’ll need to demonstrate basic skills. They might set up a scenario and ask how you would approach a specific task. Let’s prepare by brushing up on our trade skills and thinking through past projects we’ve worked on.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, they’ll want to know if you can adapt quickly to different teams and situations. Let's think about past experiences where we've had to adjust on the fly. This will show we’re ready to hit the ground running!
✨Highlight Your Previous Experience
Temporary roles often require hitting the ground running, so make sure to have a few stories lined up that showcase your relevant experience in construction. We want to emphasise skills that might not be on our CV—like teamwork and problem-solving when things don't go to plan.
