Job Title: Control Systems Project Manager

Location: Ipswich - 5 days onsite initially 
Contract Type: Contract 
Day Rate: £600 - £650 - Outside IR35

Job Purpose:

An experienced Control Systems Project Manager is required to lead and deliver high-impact projects across the Control Systems and Operational Technology (OT) domains. This role is focused on delivering key infrastructure and system enhancements aligned to regulated outcomes within the current price control period (ED2), with a forward-looking approach to future system readiness and integration (ED3).

The position will oversee full project lifecycles, including control system upgrades, disaster recovery (DR) readiness, Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF) compliance, and digital infrastructure uplift initiatives. The successful candidate will play a key role in driving innovation, resilience, and visibility across network systems.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Delivery (Waterfall-Focused):

Lead the end-to-end delivery of control system projects using structured Waterfall methodologies and gated lifecycle models.

Develop and manage detailed project plans, Gantt charts, and work packages to ensure milestones are delivered on time and within scope.

Drive requirement gathering, scoping, and technical planning with stakeholders and delivery teams.

Monitor project budgets, dependencies, risks, and critical paths, implementing mitigation plans as needed.

‍‍ Stakeholder Engagement & Communication:

Collaborate with internal technical teams, programme leads, and external suppliers to align on deliverables.

Facilitate project boards, steering groups, and design workshops to ensure project buy-in and oversight.

Provide clear, structured reporting to senior stakeholders and governance forums on status, issues, and progress.

Cross-Function Coordination:

Coordinate delivery across multiple interdependent control system and OT workstreams.

Ensure proper integration of new technologies and functionality with existing control environments.

Collaborate with 3rd party vendors on system upgrades, testing, and implementation.

Compliance, Governance & Risk Management:

Ensure all project activities align with industry regulations, cyber security frameworks (CAF), and internal standards.

Manage change control processes and documentation in line with stage-gate governance.

Identify and manage project risks with proactive escalation and contingency planning.

Continuous Improvement & Reporting:

Support post-implementation reviews and capture lessons learned to improve future project delivery.

Use project management tools such as MS Project, (url removed), and ServiceNow for planning, status tracking, and approvals.

Required Experience and Skills:

Qualifications:

Degree or equivalent qualification in Engineering, Technology, or Project Management.

Project Management certifications (e.g., PRINCE2 Practitioner, APM PMQ, PMP) preferred.

Technical & Industry Knowledge:

Understanding of Operational Technology (OT) environments, including SCADA, smart grids, and control platforms.

Awareness of cyber risk frameworks such as the Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF).

Familiarity with infrastructure uplift, DR planning, and digital enablement projects.

Project Management Expertise:

Proven track record of managing complex projects using Waterfall and stage-gate delivery frameworks.

Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously within a regulated or utility-based environment.

Soft Skills:

Strong stakeholder and vendor management skills.

Excellent written and verbal communication for senior audiences.

Ability to manage project complexity, shifting priorities, and technical interdependencies.

Tools & Methodologies:

Waterfall, PRINCE2, MSP (Managing Successful Programmes)

Tools: MS Project, (url removed), ServiceNow, Excel