Project Controls Director

Company Overview

Our client is an international construction group with a long-established reputation for delivering complex, high-value developments on behalf of blue-chip clients across the globe. Their work is concentrated in technically sophisticated sectors where precision, programme certainty and cost control are not simply desirable but critical to project success.

Over many years, the business has built a strong track record in regulated and highly engineered environments, becoming a partner of choice for clients who require consistent delivery on facilities of strategic importance. Much of their workload comes through repeat business and long-standing framework relationships, reflecting the confidence their clients place in their delivery capability.

With a robust and expanding pipeline across Ireland and mainland Europe, the group continues to invest in its senior leadership and in the systems, people and processes that underpin predictable delivery. This appointment is a direct result of that growth and represents a key strategic hire for the business.

Working Environment & Projects

Based in Dublin, you will take ownership of the project controls function across a portfolio of life sciences, pharmaceutical manufacturing and advanced technology projects in Ireland and Europe. These are large, technically demanding schemes, often delivered in live or highly regulated environments, where accurate forecasting and robust reporting are essential to client confidence.

You will sit within the senior leadership team, working closely with project directors, commercial leaders and operational heads, and acting as a trusted voice on performance, risk and forecasting at both project and business level. The culture is collaborative and delivery-focused, with a strong emphasis on accountability, transparency and continuous improvement.

This is an opportunity to shape how project controls is delivered across the group: setting standards, strengthening systems and building a high-performing team of planners, cost controllers and project controls specialists. Travel to European project locations will be required as the portfolio demands, balanced with a Dublin base.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the project controls function across a multi-project portfolio in Ireland and Europe, covering planning, scheduling, cost control, forecasting and reporting
• Establish and embed consistent project controls standards, processes and systems across all projects within the portfolio
• Provide senior leadership and clients with clear, accurate reporting on programme, cost, earned value and risk performance
• Oversee integrated cost and schedule management, including baseline development, change control and forecasting to completion
• Drive proactive risk and opportunity management, identifying early warning indicators and supporting mitigation strategies
• Partner with project directors and commercial leadership to support decision-making and protect margin and programme certainty
• Recruit, mentor and develop a team of planners, cost controllers and project controls professionals
• Represent the project controls function in client-facing governance forums and senior stakeholder meetings
• Champion digital tools, data-led reporting and continuous improvement across the controls environment

What You Need

• Extensive project controls experience within construction, engineering or infrastructure, including leadership of a controls function at Head of or Director level
• Proven track record managing project controls across large, complex, multi-project portfolios
• Experience within life sciences, pharmaceutical or mission-critical environments is highly beneficial but not essential; candidates from other complex, high-value sectors will be considered
• Strong command of planning, cost control, earned value management and forecasting, with expert use of Primavera P6 and associated reporting tools
• Sound understanding of contract forms such as NEC and FIDIC, and their implications for change and programme management
• A relevant degree in engineering, quantity surveying, construction management or similar; professional membership (e.g. MRICS, MSCSI, APM or AACE) is advantageous
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills, with the credibility to influence at board and client level

What You'll Get in Return

This role offers a package of €175,000, reflecting the seniority and strategic importance of the appointment, alongside a comprehensive benefits offering and support for travel associated with the European portfolio. You will have genuine influence at leadership level, with a clear pathway to board-level involvement and long-term equity potential as the business continues to grow. With a strong and sustained pipeline across Ireland and Europe, this is a long-term career platform with real scope to build, lead and shape a function at the heart of the business.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit an updated CV via the Apply Now button, or contact Calum directly for a confidential discussion about this opportunity.

[email protected] | +44 7481 954446