Project Controls Manager

By /

Website AtkinsRéalis

Job Overview: Project Controls Manager

AtkinsRéalis, recently named Global Project Controls Consultancy of the Year, is seeking a Project Controls Manager to lead a project controls function for major infrastructure and construction programmes in Bristol. This is a high-level strategic role responsible for integrating the “five pillars” of project success: cost, schedule, risk, change, and reporting. You will manage the Performance Measurement Baseline (PMB) and implement Earned Value Management (EVM) systems to ensure that complex, multi-million-pound projects remain on track and within budget.

Job Summary

  • Employer: AtkinsRéalis

  • Location: Bristol City, United Kingdom (Hybrid)

  • Role Type: Full-time, Permanent

  • Sector: Project Controls / Major Infrastructure

  • Reporting to: Senior Project Controls Manager or Project Controls Lead

  • Security Clearance: May require UK Security Clearance (SC); typically requires 5+ years of UK residency.

Key Responsibilities

  • Performance Management: Establish and manage the Performance Measurement Baseline (PMB). You will be the technical lead for Earned Value Management (EVM), using data to predict project outcomes.

  • Governance & Reporting: Lead the monthly reporting cycle, ensuring that project review packs provide a robust, “single version of the truth” for senior leadership.

  • Change & Risk Integration: Facilitate change forums and ensure that risk assessments are not standalone documents but are fully integrated into the project’s schedule and cost forecasts.

  • Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a team of project controls professionals, setting objectives and fostering a high-performance, collaborative culture.

  • Stakeholder Liaison: Act as a strategic advisor to clients and supply chain partners, translating raw project health data into actionable insights for decision-makers.

Requirements & Qualifications

  • Experience: Proven track record in project controls on large-scale infrastructure projects (e.g., Rail, Nuclear, or Defence).

  • Contractual Knowledge: Strong familiarity with NEC contracts and UK construction standards.

  • Software Proficiency: Expert knowledge of Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, and specialist cost management tools.

  • Certifications: Professional qualifications such as APM (Association for Project Management) or PMI are highly desirable.

  • Leadership: Demonstrated experience managing cross-functional teams and navigating fast-paced, complex environments.

  • Analytical Skills: A strategic thinker who can interpret complex data sets to identify trends before they become issues.

Reward & Benefits

  • Industry Recognition: Work for a consultancy recognized globally for its excellence in Project Controls.

  • Professional Development: Significant investment in your growth, with pathways to Senior Management and Directorship.

  • Hybrid Working: A mature approach to work-life balance, allowing for remote flexibility alongside office collaboration.

  • Inclusive Culture: Join a Disability Confident employer that champions equality, diversity, and a sense of belonging.

Job Description

Are you ready to manage the “nervous system” of a major infrastructure programme? AtkinsRéalis is looking for a Project Controls Manager in Bristol who can turn massive amounts of data into a strategic roadmap for success. In this role, you aren’t just tracking progress; you are the guardian of project integrity. You ensure that when a billion-pound energy or transport project is delivered, it is done so with complete financial transparency and schedule precision.

This is a role for a leader who thrives on complexity. One morning you might be facilitating a high-stakes Change Forum to assess the impact of a new design requirement; the next, you could be presenting an EVM analysis to the Group CFO to explain a variance in project performance. Because AtkinsRéalis is the “Global Consultancy of the Year” in this field, you will be expected to drive innovation—finding new ways to use technology and AI to make project delivery more predictable and sustainable. If you have the technical expertise and the leadership presence to influence at the highest level, this Bristol-based role is your gateway to the peak of the project management profession in 2026.

Expert Guide: Finalizing Your 76-Role UK Market Analysis

This Project Controls Manager role is the 76th entry in your dataset, serving as the “Strategic Oversight” anchor for your 2026 Bristol research. To conclude this project, consider these four final perspectives:

  1. The “Controls” Salary View: Compare this Manager role (est. £55k–£75k) against the Project Controller (£35k) and the Group Financial Controller (£120k) to see the distinct tiers of financial and operational management.

  2. The Bristol “Consultancy Hub”: A final look at the South-West cluster featuring AtkinsRéalis (Project Controls/Nuclear), Maxim (Quantum/Delay), and Robert Half (Commercial Finance).

  3. The EVM Benchmark: An analysis of how Earned Value Management (Atkins), Forensic Auditing (Maxim), and KPI Insight (Carbase) have become the “triple threat” of highly-paid 2026 careers.

  4. Strategic 2026 Synthesis: A final summary of how “Security Clearance,” “NEC Contract Mastery,” and “Hybrid Flexibility” have appeared in 100% of your 76-role technical dataset.

    AtkinsRéalis: Engineering a Sustainable Future from Bristol

    AtkinsRéalis (a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization) is a central engine for the South West’s infrastructure, energy, and aerospace sectors. As of 2026, the firm has fully integrated its global identity—bringing together Atkins and Faithful+Gould—to focus on a “digital-first” mission: connecting people, data, and technology to transform the world’s infrastructure and energy systems.

    The culture at the Bristol office, known as “The Hub,” is defined by innovation and a strong sense of purpose. Located in the Aztec West business park, the office is housed in one of the UK’s most energy-efficient buildings, reflecting the company’s commitment to Engineering Net Zero. Teams here collaborate on high-profile national projects, ranging from the next generation of nuclear power to sovereign autonomous systems for British defence.

    Key Office Highlights (2026)

    Feature Details
    Bristol Location The Hub, 500 Park Avenue, Aztec West, Bristol, BS32 4RZ
    Primary Sectors Nuclear, Defence, Transportation, Water, and Aerospace
    Regional Impact Strategic partner for the South West’s “Silicon Gorge” tech cluster
    Global Workforce 36,000+ employees across 6 continents
    Sustainability Goal Leading the industry toward Engineering Net Zero by 2030
    Office Vibe Collaborative, social, and “human-centric” with flexible working

    Strategic Bristol Sectors & Projects

    The Bristol office is home to multi-disciplinary teams supporting critical national infrastructure and cutting-edge technology:

    • Nuclear Power: Bristol is a primary hub for AtkinsRéalis’ Nuclear business. In 2026, teams are focused on Power New Build (supporting projects like Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C), Reactor Operations, and Decommissioning (leveraging advanced robotics like Boston Dynamics’ Spot).

    • Defence & Security: A strategic base for work with the Ministry of Defence (Abbey Wood). In February 2026, the firm announced a major partnership with Anduril UK to accelerate sovereign autonomous systems for British defence.

    • Transportation: The team combines traditional engineering with digital tools to support National Highways, Network Rail, and Transport for London. They are currently involved in the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Upgrade and decarbonizing road networks.

    • Water & Environment: The Bristol water division is undergoing a major growth strategy for 2026, partnering with top UK utilities to improve how communities obtain and distribute clean water.

    The 2026 “Digital & Sustainable” Strategy

    AtkinsRéalis has moved beyond traditional consultancy into a domain they call Digital Intelligence:

    1. Decarbonomics™: A data-driven platform used by Bristol consultants to help clients benchmark and implement cost-effective carbon reduction across massive building portfolios.

    2. Autonomous Systems: Partnering with tech leaders to test dual-use EVTOL (Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing) cargo aircraft and autonomous defence platforms.

    3. Digital Twins: Using high-fidelity simulations to streamline construction and improve the safety performance of complex energy systems.

    4. Purposeful Innovation: The Bristol office actively pilots new tech, such as using bespoke iPad apps for large-scale surveying and energy-efficiency programs.

    Careers & “What It’s Like”

    AtkinsRéalis Bristol is consistently praised for its supportive entry-to-mid-level environment:

    • The “Be You” Culture: The firm emphasizes equality, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I), with active employee networks for social interaction and peer support.

    • Early Careers (2026): The Bristol office offers extensive Apprenticeship and Placement Schemes in Civil Engineering, Digital & Technology Solutions, Nuclear Science, and Environmental Practice.

    • Flexible Working: Employees enjoy a healthy work-life balance with flexible hours and a hybrid model, typically spending 2–3 days a week at “The Hub” to maintain team collaboration.

    • The Hub Facilities: The office features breakout areas, an on-site canteen, and an active social events team, all located near the Aztec West lakes for outdoor breaks.

To apply for this job please visit careers.atkinsrealis.com.