Associate Controls Analyst (Defence)

Associate Data Engineer – Controls Analytics

Our award‑winning Controls Team within AECOM’s Infrastructure & PMO Operating Unit seeks an experienced Associate Data Engineer to lead high‑impact analytics initiatives and build a high‑performing team of controls analytics professionals. This role will shape strategic controls frameworks and analytics methodologies at the project and programme levels, ensuring PMO functions are managed with data‑backed precision and delivering value-driven insights to senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive controls analytics strategy across large‑scale projects or PMOs, providing insights to improve project and programme performance.
• Direct and oversee analytics initiatives across cost, schedule, risk, benefits realization, change control and commercial management, aligning with client objectives and industry best practices.
• Act as the primary trusted advisor to executive‑level stakeholders on complex PMO and project controls strategies, analytics insights, and value‑added recommendations.
• Define and implement governance structures and compliance frameworks to ensure controlling analytics are applied consistently across all relevant functions.
• Ensure adherence to industry standards and regulatory guidelines, championing best practices in data management, analytics, and project controls.
• Regularly review and refine controls analytics methodologies to stay at the forefront of industry advancements and client requirements.
• Direct the creation and integration of advanced data analytics models to drive predictive project insights, programme benefits and strategic portfolio decisions.
• Oversee the design of analytics dashboards and reporting tools, ensuring they provide timely, actionable leading insights for internal teams and clients.
• Develop key performance indicators and analytics metrics, facilitating executive‑level workshops to track progress, enable proactive interventions and drive continuous improvement.
• Lead the integration of risk analytics into project controls, enabling proactive risk and opportunity management, mitigation development, predictive modelling and informed decision‑making.
• Collaborate closely with risk and project teams to quantify risk impacts, establish contingency plans and implement corrective actions.
• Lead the conceptualisation and development of change‑management analytics and scenario modelling, integrated with PMO functions, to govern and track change performance during implementation.
• Foster high‑trust relationships with client executives and project stakeholders, translating complex controls analytics insights into actionable strategies.
• Facilitate workshops and knowledge‑sharing sessions, promoting a deep understanding of controls analytics and their impact at all project, programme and PMO levels.
• Serve as the point of escalation for project controls issues, providing expert guidance on resolving high‑impact challenges.
• Build and mentor a high‑performing team of controls analytics professionals, guiding their development and fostering a culture of continuous learning, engagement and a consultancy mindset.
• Establish career pathways, performance standards and growth opportunities for team members, ensuring a resilient talent pipeline aligned with team strategy.
• Promote cross‑functional collaboration within IPC and across client teams, driving cohesion and shared success.
• Proactively support team leadership in business development, opportunity management, capability development, stakeholder engagement and the refinement of team strategy.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership ability to provide direction, inspire teams and influence senior stakeholders with a clear vision for controls analytics.
• Exceptional skills in complex data analysis, including predictive modelling, cost forecasting and trend identification.
• Advanced proficiency in controls software (e.g., Power BI, PRISM, Primavera, Aconex) and data manipulation tools (e.g., Python, SQL).
• Deep understanding of project controls disciplines: cost management, schedule performance, risk management and Earned Value Management (EVM).
• Skilled in designing integrated controls frameworks, aligning CBS with WBS and OBS.
• Proven ability to engage with executive stakeholders and communicate complex analytics insights in an accessible, strategic manner.
• Strong presentation and negotiation skills for influencing senior management and clients.
• Bachelor’s degree in data science, engineering, finance, project management or related discipline (master’s preferred).
• Professional certifications such as AACE, PMI‑PMP, MSP Practitioner, APM or RICS are highly desirable.
• 10–15 years of experience in project, programme and PMO delivery and controls, or analytics leadership roles within infrastructure, construction or energy sectors.
• Consultancy experience, preferably with a tier‑one consultancy.
• Demonstrated success in leading project controls and analytics initiatives for multiple high‑value, complex projects and programmes.
• Experience building and managing multidisciplinary teams, delivering data‑driven solutions at the executive level.

Location and Clearance

Based out of AECOM’s Glasgow office. The role requires on‑site presence in Glasgow three days per week. Successful applicants must have active UK SC clearance or the ability to obtain it.

EEO Statement

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. AECOM is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Disability Confident Employer. We will offer reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities or long‑term conditions. Contact if you would like to apply through the Disability Confident Interview Scheme.

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