At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead project controls for a major international defence programme and manage complex schedules.
- Company: Join a leading defence and aerospace organisation with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, opportunity to work on significant projects, and professional growth.
- Other info: Active SC Clearance and sole British nationality essential for this role.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of aerospace and defence, shaping future programmes with international partners.
- Qualifications: Experience in project controls and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 62 - 65 £ per hour.
Location: Luton initially, transitioning to Reading from September 2026
Working Pattern: 3-4 Days On Site
Contract: 12 Months
Rate: £62 - £65 per hour (Outside IR35)
Security Clearance: Active SC Clearance Required
Nationality Requirement: Sole British Nationals Only
THE ROLE
We are recruiting on behalf of a leading defence and aerospace organisation seeking an experienced GCAP Project Controls Lead to support a major international defence programme. This role will support the FCA GCAP Programme Controls Manager in shaping and delivering a best-practice Project Controls framework within a tri-national consortium involving UK, Italian and Japanese partners. The successful candidate will play a key role in schedule management, programme planning, performance analysis and stakeholder coordination across a highly complex, multi-national engineering programme environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Support the development and delivery of a best-practice Project Controls framework across the GCAP programme
- Develop, maintain and control complex project schedules across large-scale engineering programmes
- Apply recognised scheduling methodologies including Critical Path Method (CPM)
- Coordinate timelines and planning activities across multi-functional and international teams
- Monitor, analyse and report schedule performance, identifying risks and recommending mitigation strategies
- Support schedule optimisation and conflict resolution activities
- Balance programme resources and delivery deadlines to achieve contractual and operational objectives
- Work closely with programme leadership and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure schedule alignment and project delivery success
- Support risk management and scenario planning activities across programme controls functions
- Maintain high standards of governance, reporting accuracy and schedule integrity
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- Proven experience within Project Controls, Planning or Schedule Management roles on large, complex engineering programmes
- Aerospace and defence programme experience highly desirable
- Strong expertise in schedule development, maintenance and control
- Experience applying Critical Path Method (CPM) and advanced planning methodologies
- Strong stakeholder engagement and communication capability across international teams
- Ability to analyse schedule performance and develop mitigation strategies
- Strong problem-solving and risk management capability
- Experience balancing programme priorities, resources and delivery schedules
- Active SC Clearance essential
- Sole British National essential
DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE
- Multi-national programme experience
- Complex defence or aerospace project environments
- Programme controls governance frameworks
- Advanced planning and scheduling tools
WHY APPLY?
This is an opportunity to work on one of the UK's most significant future defence programmes within a highly advanced international engineering environment. You'll be supporting critical programme delivery activities across a complex tri-national consortium while operating at the forefront of aerospace and defence programme controls.
Lead Project Controller. Job in Almondsbury LilyLifestyle Jobs employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
Join a leading defence and aerospace organisation that prioritises employee growth and development within a dynamic and collaborative work culture. With opportunities to work on significant international programmes, you will benefit from competitive rates and the chance to engage with multi-national teams, all while contributing to critical projects that shape the future of defence technology.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Project Controller. Job in Almondsbury LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the defence and aerospace sectors, especially those who work on similar projects. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of project controls and scheduling methodologies. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled complex engineering challenges in the past—real examples will make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your stakeholder engagement skills! During interviews, highlight how you've successfully coordinated with international teams and managed conflicting priorities. This is key for roles like the Project Controls Lead.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Project Controller. Job in Almondsbury LilyLifestyle Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Project Controller role. Highlight your experience in project controls, especially in complex engineering programmes, and don’t forget to mention your expertise in scheduling methodologies like CPM.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past experiences that align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description, and show your enthusiasm for working in the defence and aerospace sector.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills:Since this role involves coordinating with international teams, make sure to highlight your communication skills and any relevant experiences where you've successfully engaged with stakeholders across different cultures or countries.
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 ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨Know Your Project Controls Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of project controls, especially in the context of large-scale engineering programmes. Be ready to discuss your experience with scheduling methodologies like Critical Path Method (CPM) and how you've applied them in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Since this role involves working with international teams, prepare examples that highlight your communication and stakeholder management skills. Think about times when you successfully coordinated with diverse groups and how you navigated any challenges.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving and risk management capabilities. Prepare scenarios where you had to analyse schedule performance, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies. Use the STAR method to structure your responses.
✨Demonstrate Your Governance Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with project controls governance frameworks, as this is crucial for the role. Be prepared to discuss how you maintain high standards of reporting accuracy and schedule integrity in your previous projects.
