2 minute read time.

Are you curious about careers in project controls? Well read on to find out more.


First things first, let's talk about what project controls actually is. Imagine you're working on a big construction project or a software development endeavor. There are countless moving parts, budgets to manage, timelines to stick to, and resources to allocate. That's where project controls comes in. It's all about ensuring that projects stay on track, within budget, and meet their objectives.

Now, you might be thinking, "What kind of career options are there in project controls?" Well, the opportunities are many! You could start off as a project controls coordinator, where you'll get your hands dirty with data analysis, budget monitoring, and progress tracking. It's like being the Sherlock Holmes of projects, searching for clues to uncover any potential hiccups.

If you're a born leader and have a knack for organising chaos, you might consider becoming a project controls manager. In this role, you'll be responsible for overseeing a team of project controls professionals, ensuring that everyone's on the same page and working towards the project's success. Think of yourself as the captain of a ship, guiding it through stormy waters to reach the treasure island of project completion!

But wait, there's more! You can also specialize in specific areas within project controls. For example, if you're a numbers wizard, you might find yourself drawn to cost control. You'll be crunching numbers, analysing expenditures, and making sure the project doesn't go over budget. It's like playing Monopoly, but instead of fake money, you're dealing with real-world currency.


If you have a love for schedules and timelines, then scheduling control might be your thing. You'll be creating project schedules, coordinating activities, and ensuring that everything stays on schedule.


Let's not forget either about risk management! As a project controls professional specialising in risk, you'll be identifying potential risks, developing mitigation strategies, and keeping the project out of harm's way. It's like being a superhero, saving the day by averting disasters before they even happen!
So, whether you're an analytical guru, an organizational whizz, or a problem-solving aficionado, a career in project controls can be an exciting and rewarding path to embark on. It's all about bringing order to chaos, ensuring projects stay on track, and helping teams achieve their goals. Plus, you'll have the satisfaction of seeing your hard work come to life as successful projects unfold before your eyes!


Recently the Project Controls Network held a webinar on Careers in Project Controls and this is available for viewing on demand, if you want to hear more.

If you would like to hear more about the Project Controls Network or are interested in getting involved, please email me directly 

  • I've always believed in management by walking about, Pedro, and practiced it a lot in my career. I have found it is much more likely I can get someone to do something by turning up at their desk, than I can by sending an email or even phoning them.

    The problems arise in bigger multi-site projects, where the project control teams need to build in time to conduct on-site audits, a task that is not always seen as adding value, but actually keeps those doing the work honest and gives the control required to keep a project on track, and therefore is off great value because overruns are expensive.

  • Yes. This is true in some cases. You pointed out the very crucial situation in project controls. When it comes to real world implementation, if PM doesn't have any idea what's happening on site, definitely those wo are in the site will be faced difficulties with their planning and budgeting. Do you have experience with such situations?

  • If project control continues to be by people in offices we will have many more Metronets

    www.theguardian.com/.../transportintheuk.money

  • The problem with project control is that usually it's done on the data the contractor gives the project manager and they are both sitting in an office with no knowledge of what is actually happening on site...

  • Thank you Joanne .. 

    Yes, I am keeping fine and following with the IET in/with number of commitments and events.