Operations Director – Project Controls

Overview

In this role you lead PMO and Project Controls for a major defence programme in a secure environment, ensuring governance, risk and performance management are best-in-class. You act as the senior Project Controls expert, guiding project teams and client stakeholders to deliver outcomes on large, regulated programmes. You will develop robust controls strategies, oversee planning and reporting, and drive continuous improvement and data-driven delivery. A key hook is shaping controls in a high-stakes defence context while advancing sustainability and digital reporting capabilities.

Pay / Benefits

• Car allowance
• Hybrid working
• Medical health cover
• Life insurance
• Pension scheme
• Discretionary annual salary reviews

Responsibilities

• Manage delivery and performance of PMO and Project Controls across major programmes
• Ensure alignment of Project Controls and Risk Management with best practice and international standards
• Provide technical leadership and support as senior Project Controls SME
• Develop and implement robust Project Controls strategies and integrated controls methodologies
• Provide governance, assurance and oversight across planning, risk, reporting and performance management
• Build trusted client relationships and exceed client expectations
• Mentor and develop Project Controls teams and foster continuous improvement culture
• Support business growth through bid activities and client engagement
• Promote adoption of digital solutions, data analytics, and innovative reporting across programmes
• Support delivery of net zero carbon objectives by identifying and managing related impacts

Key requirements

• Significant leadership experience delivering PMO/Project Controls on major infrastructure, defence or complex transformation programmes
• Strong experience developing and implementing Project Controls strategies and governance frameworks
• Expert knowledge of Project Controls tools and software such as Primavera P6, Risk Hive, Primavera Risk Analysis, Power BI and related reporting platforms
• Strong commercial awareness with client relationship building and business development experience
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and leadership skills with the ability to influence senior levels
• A relevant degree and Chartered status (or working towards) via a professional institution such as APM or equivalent

• leadership
• stakeholder management
• communication
• Primavera P6
• Risk Hive
• Primavera Risk Analysis

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