BAE Systems
Lead Project Controller

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Job Title: Lead Project Controller
Location: Portsmouth Broad Oak, Portsmouth Naval Base or Cowes – site based
Salary: Up to £55,000 dependent on experience
Who We Are
Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.
From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead programme performance analysis by creating and maintaining project plans and baselines
- Mentor junior team members
- Oversee the collation and interpretation of key metrics, providing detailed trend insights to strengthen project delivery and overall programme performance
- Present programme performance insights to senior leaders
- Provide root‑cause recommendations
- Support cost, schedule and quality management
- Coordinate monthly EAC and resource profiling
- Contribute to effective risk and opportunity management to ensure strong programme control and delivery
Core Duties
- Be a productive team member with the ability to influence and guide stakeholders at various levels
- Have comprehensive experience and knowledge of Project Control policies, processes, procedures and systems
- Have working knowledge of industry Project Controls toolsets e.g. Primavera, Microsoft Project, SAP, Predict
- Have experience with Intermediate Risk and Opportunity Management
- Practical application of business information toolsets/data analytics e.g. Tableau, Microsoft Power BI
- Have previous experience leading or mentoring more junior members of a Project Controls team
- Having experience/knowledge in Baseline Control, Cost Estimating/Engineering, Resource Management, Quantity Surveying, Business Analysis or Financial Management within project environments is advantageous
- Holding a Project Management qualification/certification is advantageous
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
The Project Team
By joining the team, you will be working together and using world-class project control techniques to provide expertise with supporting Project Managers in the delivery of exciting and strategically important programmes within our Maritime & Land Sector businesses.
The business has a drive towards professionalism; this includes support towards chartership and further career development.
Why BAE Systems?
Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
A Place Where Everyone Can Thrive
We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.
Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.
Closing Date: 28th July 2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills