Principal Project Controller

Job Description

Principal Project Controller
Empowering projects. Enriching communities. Growing together.

At Mott MacDonald, we believe infrastructure is more than just physical assets—it’s about creating lasting, positive change for people and the planet. As part of our expanding Advisory team, we’re looking for a Principal Project Controller to help shape the future of infrastructure across New Zealand.

This is a great opportunity to join a global consultancy that values purpose, integrity, and collaboration. Based in Auckland, you’ll work on high-impact projects across transport, buildings, infrastructure, and water—supporting government and institutional clients to deliver outcomes that matter.

Your role
As a Principal Project Controller, you’ll be a strategic advisor and delivery partner across major infrastructure projects. You’ll lead the implementation of project control frameworks, drive performance, and provide commercial and analytical insights that empower confident decision-making.

You’ll work closely with multidisciplinary teams—including engineers, planners, architects, and environmental specialists—to ensure projects are delivered efficiently, transparently, and with measurable impact.

What you’ll do

• Lead project controls across complex infrastructure programs, ensuring alignment with client objectives and delivery milestones
• Develop and maintain integrated project schedules and budgets, and oversee performance tracking and reporting
• Provide commercial and financial oversight, including forecasting, earned value analysis, and risk management
• Use tools such as Power BI, MS Excel, MS Project, and Primavera (P6) to deliver accurate, data-driven insights
• Provide detailed analysis and reporting to ensure any deviations in the project are communicated through the correct channels to affected parties
• Undertake schedule updates as required throughout the project lifecycle
• Provide earned value analysis and other industry-recognised schedule performance metrics
• Support governance and assurance processes, including reporting to steering committees and senior stakeholders
• Advise clients on delivery models, procurement strategies, and project control best practices
• Mentor and support junior project controllers, contributing to capability development across the team
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure transparency, accountability, and shared success
• Contribute to business case development, project planning, and performance reviews
• Drive continuous improvement in project control systems and processes

About you

• Proven experience in project controls within large-scale engineering or infrastructure projects
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to interpret and communicate financial and performance data
• Proficiency in project control tools and systems, with a strategic and analytical mindset
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
• A collaborative leader who thrives in a multidisciplinary environment
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in engineering, commercial management, or a related field
• Passionate about delivering infrastructure that improves lives and strengthens communities

What we offer

• A supportive, inclusive culture that prioritises wellbeing, growth, and purpose
• An agile work policy to support work-life balance
• Competitive salary and enhanced KiwiSaver contributions
• Discretionary Group and Personal Performance Bonuses for eligible employees
• Opportunities to work on meaningful local and international projects
• Access to global expertise, professional development, and clear pathways for career progression
• A workplace where your achievements are celebrated, your voice is heard, and your impact is recognised

Join us
This is more than a role—it’s a chance to lead, influence, and make a meaningful impact. If you’re ready to bring your expertise to a team that values trust, collaboration, and societal impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and help us shape a better future, together.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We put equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they have the opportunity to contribute.

Agile working

At Mott MacDonald, we believe it makes business sense for you and your manager to choose how you can work most effectively to meet your client, team and personal commitments. We embrace agility, flexibility and trust.