Project Controls Manager

Project Controls ManagerLocation: Lingley Mere, Warrington (Hybrid working, 3 days per week on site)Help shape the future of water in the North WestAt United Utilities, we're committed to delivering a better future for our customers, communities and the environment.  Our Regulation & Compliance Team sits at the heart of this ambition, leading the development of the regulatory submissions and investment plans that will shape the future of water services across the North West.We're looking for an experienced Project Controls Manager to take ownership of the governance, controls and assurance engagement that underpins one of our most important portfolios. If you're passionate about project controls, thrive in complex environments and enjoy bringing structure, insight and challenge to support better decision-making, this could be the perfect next step in your career.About the roleThis is a highly visible role where you'll be responsible for ensuring our projects and programmes are effectively controlled, governed and reported. Working closely with the Head of Programme Management, you'll lead the development and continuous improvement of robust project controls frameworks, providing confidence that our plans are deliverable, well governed and ready to withstand regulatory scrutiny.You'll become the go-to expert for project controls across the portfolio, creating the rhythm and discipline needed to drive successful programme delivery.A key part of your role will be owning the programme's governance cycle and monthly controls drumbeat, ensuring the right information is available at the right time, governance forums (comprising senior stakeholders, up to Executive level) are supported with high-quality materials, and critical decisions can be made with confidence.What you'll be doingAs Project Controls Manager, you'll:Own and continuously improve project controls standards, frameworks and governance arrangements across the portfolioLead the monthly programme controls cycle, ensuring performance, risk, cost, schedule and change information is accurate and robustDevelop and maintain the governance lookahead, ensuring upcoming approvals, milestones and assurance activities are clearly planned and trackedProvide assurance that project artefacts, reporting and governance materials are complete, credible and fit for purposeCreate, coordinate and quality-check governance packs and gateway review materials, ensuring a "right first time" approachMonitor project health, including risk management, governance compliance and performance indicatorsOversee change control, risk and issue management processes, ensuring early warning issues are visible and escalated appropriatelyChallenge and support stakeholders to improve the quality, consistency and integrity of project informationLead third-party assurance activities where requiredManage and develop project controls capability within the PMO team, including line management responsibilityDrive continuous improvement across systems, reporting and project control processesWhat we're looking forWe're interested in hearing from candidates who bring strong project controls expertise along with the confidence to influence and challenge senior stakeholders.You'll ideally have:Significant experience in Project Controls, PMO or Programme Delivery environmentsA strong understanding of governance, assurance and project controls disciplines including planning, cost, risk, change and performance managementExperience operating within a complex, highly regulated environmentStrong knowledge of project controls and financial tools  such as Microsoft Project, Excel and other cost management toolsExperience producing and managing governance packs, steering forums and stage-gate reviewsExcellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex information and identify key insightsStrong stakeholder management skills and the confidence to constructively challenge when requiredExperience leading process improvement and embedding best practicePrevious people management experience, with the ability to build and develop high-performing teamsDegree-level qualification in a relevant discipline, or equivalent experienceExperience within the utilities sector, water industry or working with regulatory bodies would be advantageous. Why join us?You'll be joining a respected, collaborative team that plays a critical role in shaping United Utilities' future investment plans. This is a rare opportunity to influence major strategic programmes, work with senior stakeholders across the business and develop your career within one of the UK's largest infrastructure organisations.In return, we offer a competitive salary and a fantastic benefits package, including:26 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days with service, plus bank holidaysUp to 14% employer pension contributionUp to 10.5% annual bonusPrivate healthcareEnhanced parental leave and flexible working optionsWellbeing support and employee assistance programmesVoluntary flexible benefits schemeShare ownership schemeReady to make an impact?Join us and help ensure the successful delivery of the investment plans that will shape the future of water services across the North West for generations to come.