Associate Director - Project Controls
3 days ago
Manchester
Our client is looking to appoint an experienced Associate Director to lead their growing Project Controls capability within the Infrastructure division. This is a senior leadership opportunity for someone who can combine strategic oversight, commercial management, client engagement, and operational delivery across major infrastructure programmes.\n\nWorking closely with the Director of Infrastructure, you will take responsibility for shaping the future direction of the Project Controls function, ensuring consistent delivery standards, developing teams, and driving business growth.\n\nThe Role\n\nThis position will lead the delivery and development of Project Controls services across areas such as planning, scheduling, cost management, risk, change control, reporting, and programme assurance. You will be expected to strengthen internal capability, support winning new business, and oversee successful project outcomes for key clients.\n\nThe role also carries full responsibility for the commercial performance of the Infrastructure Project Controls service line, including financial forecasting, profitability, utilisation, and pipeline growth.\n\nKey Responsibilities\n\nLeadership & Service Development\n\nDrive the continued growth and improvement of the Project Controls offering across infrastructure projects.\nDevelop practical delivery frameworks, governance procedures, and reporting standards.\nProvide technical leadership and guidance across planning, cost, risk, and change disciplines.\nAct as the senior escalation point for Project Controls matters.\n\nCommercial Management\n\nManage the financial performance of the service line, including budgets, forecasts, margins, and resource utilisation.\nSupport strategic business planning and contribute to future growth initiatives.\nMonitor project performance and implement corrective actions where necessary.\n\nClient & Programme Delivery\n\nLead Project Controls delivery across large and complex infrastructure programmes.\nBuild trusted relationships with senior client stakeholders.\nEnsure reporting outputs, governance processes, and programme controls are delivered to a high standard.\n\nBusiness Growth\n\nSupport business development activities and identify opportunities with existing and new clients.\nContribute to bid submissions, fee proposals, and delivery strategies.\nWork collaboratively with wider PM and commercial teams to maximise cross-service opportunities.\n\nTeam Leadership\n\nRecruit, mentor, and develop Project Controls professionals across the business.\nCreate a strong performance culture with clear development pathways.\nEncourage collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within the team.\n\nSystems & Improvement\n\nChampion the use of industry-standard planning and controls tools such as Primavera P6.\nImprove reporting efficiency and consistency through standardisation and automation.\nPromote lessons learned and best practice across projects and teams.\n\nAbout You\n\nProven experience operating at Associate Director level or within a comparable senior leadership role.\nStrong background in Project Controls within infrastructure environments (nuclear, energy & power, water, transport & rail or defence.)\nExperience managing financial performance and contributing to business growth.\nDemonstrated success leading and developing high-performing teams.\nConfident communicator with the ability to engage effectively with senior stakeholders and clients.\n\nWhy Join?\n\nThis is a genuine opportunity to take ownership of a new service line within an established infrastructure consultancy - not just delivering projects, but shaping strategy, building a team, and making a lasting impact on the business.\n\nYou'll be trusted, supported, and given the autonomy to build something meaningful, with direct access to decision-makers and the space to do things properly.\n\nApply: Contact Hayley Woodruff on (phone number removed) or apply with your CV to \n\nBuilding Careers UK specialises in Construction and Property recruitment and serves as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job, you accept the Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers which can be found on our website.\n\nWe welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. Our recruitment process is designed to ensure equal opportunities for all candidates, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.\n\nPlease Note: Due to high volume of applicants, only those shortlisted will be contacted.\n\nINDCOM