Project Controls Manager

Project Controls Manager – £300m Capital Programme (Renewable Energy) Location: North West England (hybrid working available) Salary: Six-figure package (£100,000) full benefits Type: Permanent, Full-Time Recruiter: Commercial Talent Solutions (on behalf of our client) Commercial Talent Solutions is proud to partner with a leading engineering and infrastructure delivery business to recruit a Project Controls Manager for a high-profile, first-of-its-kind capital project in the UK energy sector. This is an exceptional opportunity to join the leadership team on a £300 million major programme to deliver a groundbreaking long-duration energy storage solution. The project leverages innovative, first-of-its-kind technology to support the UK’s drive toward energy security and net-zero. We’re looking for an accomplished controls leader with a strong background in cost, planning, risk, and performance management, someone who thrives in complex environments and is ready to step into a role with influence, accountability, and long-term career progression. About the Role This newly created position is responsible for leading the project controls function across the full lifecycle of a major renewable energy infrastructure project. From FEED through to commissioning, the Project Controls Manager will drive planning, cost control, change, risk management, and performance reporting to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery of this pioneering facility. The successful candidate will join a business reinvesting in its EPC capability, and this role offers a clear pathway to become Project Controls Sector Lead as the portfolio expands. Key Responsibilities Leadership & Oversight Lead and build a project controls team across planning, cost engineering, document control, and risk. Define and embed best practices, tools, systems, and processes for integrated project controls. Act as the senior point of contact for all project controls-related governance, reporting, and assurance. Planning & Scheduling Develop detailed project schedules in Primavera P6 covering design, procurement, construction, and commissioning. Incorporate WBS structures, resource/cost loading, and QSRA outputs. Maintain critical path awareness and milestone tracking to drive project delivery. Cost & Value Management Implement cost control systems for monitoring budgets, forecasts, actuals, and variances. Support monthly cost value reconciliations, earned value management, and KPI reporting. Align closely with the commercial team to ensure integration with NEC contract requirements. Risk & Change Control Own the project risk register and lead the facilitation of risk mitigation planning. Ensure all time and cost risks are incorporated into baseline schedules and forecasts. Manage change control processes and assess impact to programme performance. Performance & Reporting Produce performance dashboards and executive-level reporting using tools like Power BI. Drive transparency and accountability through monthly reporting cycles and progress reviews. Chair internal controls meetings and liaise with client-side reporting functions. Candidate Profile We are looking for individuals who demonstrate: 8 years’ experience in a senior project controls role on complex capital projects (£100m). Track record of success within infrastructure, energy, industrial, or process sectors. Strong technical skills in Primavera P6 and risk analysis tools (Acumen Risk, PRA, etc.). In-depth NEC3/4 knowledge with practical experience of cost and programme controls. A degree in engineering, construction, quantity surveying, or project management (or equivalent). Chartered or working toward chartered status (e.g. ACostE, MAPM, IEng/CEng). Excellent communication and leadership ability with a collaborative, delivery-focused approach. Why This Opportunity? Lead a first-of-its-kind renewable energy project with impact. Deliver a £300m capital investment that will shape the UK’s energy future. Be part of a business expanding its EPC and project delivery capability, with in-house manufacturing and long-term operations services. Six-figure package full benefits, hybrid flexibility, and real long-term career progression. Step into a UK-wide leadership opportunity as the business builds out its project controls function. Interested? Apply now through Commercial Talent Solutions or contact us confidentially to discuss how this role could align with your ambitions.