Are you an experienced programme controls professional with the strategic insight to shape how major programmes are controlled? Do you have a track record of designing and embedding integrated PMO and controls capability in complex environments? If so, this 24-month transformation role offers the opportunity to make a lasting difference.
As a Senior Programme Controls Specialist, you'll provide strategic leadership to the Shaft and Silo Programme at Dounreay, helping to shape, strengthen and embed an integrated Programme Management Office capability. Working alongside the Programme Director, Programme Business Manager, existing Programme Controls Manager and wider leadership team, you'll ensure the programme has the structures, controls and insight needed to support effective delivery and decision making.
What you will be doing
This is a highly influential, 24-month transformation role focused on the architecture and development of the programme's PMO and controls capability. You'll assess current maturity, define a clear and pragmatic improvement path, and lead the design and implementation of arrangements that bring scope, schedule, cost, risk, change and reporting together as an integrated system.
Working alongside the existing programme controls team, you'll strengthen governance, assurance, data quality and performance insight without displacing operational accountabilities. You'll provide senior independent challenge, coach and mentor colleagues, and embed sustainable ways of working that leave the programme with a capable and confident controls function. Where there is a wider business case, the approaches and learning developed through this role may also support other major programmes across the NRS group.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the strategic design and development of an integrated PMO and programme controls capability.
- Aligning scope, schedule, cost, risk, change and reporting to improve programme insight and decision making.
- Strengthening governance, assurance, performance information and controls maturity across the programme.
- Working alongside existing programme controls leadership to coach teams, embed improvement and leave sustainable capability.
Who we are looking for
We're seeking a confident and experienced leader with a strong technical background and a passion for delivering excellence in complex, highly regulated environments. You'll be educated to degree level (or equivalent NQF Level 6 / SCQF Level 9/10) in Engineering, Science or a related discipline, hold Chartered status (or equivalent professional recognition), and demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development.
You'll bring significant experience within a relevant technical field, underpinned by a comprehensive understanding of programme controls, project delivery and technical governance. You'll have the strategic capability to assess, design and transform PMO or programme controls arrangements, while remaining close enough to delivery to turn the design into practical improvement. Your ability to lead teams, communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels and make sound decisions in challenging, high-risk environments will be key to your success. Experience managing budgets and resources is essential, while knowledge of UK nuclear regulatory frameworks, change leadership and incident response planning would be highly advantageous.
In addition to the above essential criteria, you'll ideally demonstrate:
- Proven experience of PMO development, programme controls transformation or maturity improvement in a complex project environment.
- Strong capability in integrating planning, cost, risk, change, reporting and lifecycle controls.
- The ability to operate as a strategic architect while working constructively alongside established programme controls leadership and teams.
- Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to coach others and embed lasting improvement.
Ready to make a real impact?
This is a fantastic opportunity to shape the controls capability supporting one of NRS' most significant programmes. You'll work with experienced programme leaders and controls professionals, with the scope to influence how strong programme controls capability is developed more widely across NRS where there is a clear business need.
If you're ready to bring strategic programme controls expertise to a role where the outcome is a stronger, sustainable capability, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and take the next step in a career that offers challenge, influence and genuine opportunity.
