Principal Project Controller

Job Description:

Your impact

We are looking for an experienced Principal Project Controller to join our team in CS3. The CS3 Project Controls team is undergoing an exciting transformation in our ways of working - this is a high visibility opportunity to work across our Sectors to embed good practices as well as work within our IPT teams. If you have a background in data governance & remediation, then we are particularly keen to hear from you

Accountabilities include:

Accountable for the quality and integrity of the Project Controls on Projects/ Programmes through the application of consistent processes, methods, governance and provision of guidance to the wider IPT.

Working as part of an IPT, drive and promote optimal schedule quality and best practice management techniques including application of schedule risk analysis at all stages of the project lifecycle.

Provide Project Controls support to the establishment and management of activities in the bid phase to ensure best practice is followed, risks managed and schedules can transition to execution with minimal impact.

Manage the integrity of Partner/Subcontractor schedules to ensure dependences are clearly identified and risks managed/identified within the Leonardo project schedule.

Conduct what if analysis/ scenario planning to drive decision taking and risk mitigation.

Identify and manage Schedule Risks, apply Schedule Risk Analysis Techniques, work proactively with the project team to implement mitigation plans and corrective actions and monitor their effectiveness.

Ensure Project Controls metrics and measures (inc EV) are consistently applied, understood and relevant action taken to drive required outcomes and achievement of Company standards/ Project Objectives.

Coach and train other members of the Project Controls function as required.

Actively contribute to IPT and Business area Project reviews (SDR, PPRP, Schedule Reviews etc) through delivering the Project Controls inputs and leading on these aspects in the reviews.

Identify, support and drive continuous improvement initiatives working both across the function and within the business area.

Build and maintain strong working relationships with all functions across the Business Area/ IPT in order to influence project activities.

Our Edinburgh team has a buzzy on-site presence, so you’ll be on site 3 days a week if Edinburgh based. As a multi-site team, occasional travel will be required to support your IPT teams.

What you’ll bring

Comprehensive and demonstrable Project Controls/ Planning experience with proven expertise in all aspects of planning, project controls and project management methodologies (inc AGILE) across Projects of varying value/ complexity

Expert User in one or more Planning/ERP Tools (ideally including Primavera P6 and/or SAP)

Breadth of experience in all parts of lifecycle and experience in the phases of initiation, planning and execution

Proven collaboration, communication, planning, problem solving, decision making skills

Application of Schedule Risk Analysis including identification, methods of analysis and recommendations for management

Commercial and financial acumen

Holds APMG Project Controls Foundation and Practitioner Level Certification or meets the criteria to undertake this training

Ability to engage and influence cross-functional teams and recognise and positively interact with stakeholders up to VP level

Works independently, in compliance with all procedures and able to recognise appropriate escalation scenarios

Experience of coaching, mentoring or team leadership

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit:

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.

• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.

• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).

• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.

• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.

• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.

• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.

• Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Be part of something bigger - apply now!