Driving precision, performance, and progress across complex projects.
As a Project Controls Lead at RPS Tetra Tech, you'll be the driving force behind precision and performance in complex, multidisciplinary projects. By turning data into actionable insights, you'll empower teams to make informed decisions, maintain control over time and cost, and deliver exceptional outcomes that shape the future of infrastructure and energy.
Purpose & Scope of the Role
The Project Controls Lead provides expert project controls support across a diverse portfolio of large-scale, multidisciplinary projects. Acting as a key partner to Project Managers and senior stakeholders, this role ensures robust planning, scheduling, cost control, and performance reporting throughout the project lifecycle.
You will manage multiple projects simultaneously, delivering clarity, insight, and actionable recommendations that enable informed decision-making and successful outcomes. The scope includes portfolio-level oversight, adherence to commercial performance targets, and compliance with contractual obligations.
Your Impact in this Position
In this role, your impact will evolve over time. In the short term, you'll gain exposure to a wide variety of projects and develop expertise in advanced project controls methodologies and tools. As you progress, you'll take ownership of complex portfolios, influence PMO processes, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives. Longer term, you'll have the opportunity to step into leadership roles, drive strategic change, and work on high-profile projects that shape the future of the business. Career progression is supported through structured development, mentoring, and access to cutting-edge systems and practices.
Your Toolkit for Success at TetraTech RPS
At Tetra Tech RPS we recruit using core capabilities - the toolkit of essentialskills, experience, competencies, and responsibilitiesrequired to perform the role effectively. As we strive to find the best fit for this position, we are seeking individuals that meet a benchmark level of expertise.
But we'll let you in on a secret: there's no such thing as the 'perfect' candidate. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we would love to hear from you.
Expertise in Large-Scale, Multi-Disciplinary Projects
Success in this role requires a proven track record of working on complex, high-value projects within consultancy or contractor environments. You will need to understand the dynamics of multi-disciplinary delivery, including the integration of engineering, commercial, and operational elements. This capability involves managing interdependencies across workstreams, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations, and maintaining alignment with client expectations. Your ability to navigate diverse technical challenges and coordinate multiple stakeholders will be critical to achieving project objectives.
Advanced Scheduling & Change Management
You will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and optimising project schedules using industry-standard tools such as MS Project or Primavera P6. This includes creating baseline schedules from tender documentation, tracking progress against milestones, and managing updates throughout the project lifecycle. Change management is a key aspect of this capability, requiring you to assess the impact of variations, process change orders, and ensure these adjustments are accurately reflected in both time and cost forecasts. A strong understanding of schedule interdependencies and critical path analysis is essential to mitigate delays and maintain performance targets
Portfolio Management & Reporting Excellence
This role demands the ability to manage project controls across a portfolio of projects, providing consolidated insights that inform strategic decision-making. You will produce accurate monthly and quarterly reports, monitor key performance indicators, and deliver dashboard reporting using tools such as Power BI. This capability requires exceptional analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable information for senior stakeholders. Your reporting will underpin financial forecasting, earned value analysis, and cost control, ensuring transparency and accountability across the portfolio.
Problem-Solving and Troubleshooting
Projects rarely run perfectly, and your ability to identify and resolve issues quickly will set you apart. This capability involves applying forensic analysis to diagnose problems, whether related to cost overruns, schedule slippage, or contractual disputes. You will support Project Managers in developing recovery plans, preparing robust change orders, and implementing corrective actions to protect margins and maintain client confidence. A proactive, solutions-focused approach combined with resilience under pressure is essential for success in this area
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
As a subject matter expert in project controls, you will interact regularly with Project Managers, senior leadership, and external stakeholders. This capability requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate complex technical and financial information in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner. You will provide guidance on processes and procedures, offer advice on best practices, and escalate issues where necessary. Building trust and maintaining positive relationships is fundamental, as your input will directly influence decision-making and project outcomes.
Essential
Qualifications and Experience
* Strong background in project controls, cost management, and scheduling.
* Proficiency in MS Excel and project management tools (MS Project or Primavera P6).
* Exposure to UK or Irish markets.
Desirable
* Experience with Power BI for dashboard reporting.
* Risk management skills and familiarity with earned value analysis, cost forecasting, and financial control processes.
* Degree in engineering, construction management, or related discipline (or equivalent experience).
* Experience in sectors such as oil and gas advantageous.
Submit your application today and discover what's possible at Tetra Tech RPS Consulting.
In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements. This could include adaptations to work schedules, training approaches, or the physical workspace. Please inform us if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process or in your day-to-day role.
Flexible working options are available in this role, with working patterns agreed collaboratively between employees and line managers to support individual wellbeing and optimal performance
Why join Tetra Tech RPS?
At Tetra Tech RPS, our people are our success. We thrive on solving the problems that matter—whether in urbanisation, natural resources, or sustainability. With a collaborative culture, agile working, and access to some of the brightest minds in the industry, we empower our teams to deliver exceptional outcomes while building fulfilling careers.
In 2023, RPS became part of Tetra Tech, a global leader in consulting and engineering with 30,000 employees across 550 offices in 120+ countries. Together, we combine deep local expertise with global reach, delivering science-led solutions to complex challenges in water, environment, infrastructure, and clean energy. Join us and be part of a connected, forward-thinking community that's shaping a better future.
Recruitment Agencies
We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on this list. Please refer to the careers page on our website if you require any further information.