Job Description

We are KAEFER UK & Ireland

Count on us.

Location: Devonport, Plymouth, PL2 1QS

Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent

The Opportunity

As a Project Controls Graduate, you will play a key role in supporting the successful delivery of complex infrastructure or construction projects. You will apply your academic knowledge and analytical skills across multiple project control functions including planning, cost control, commercial tracking, reporting, and payroll operations within a fast-paced project environment.

This role is ideal for graduates with a minimum 2:1 Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Engineering, Construction, Quantity Surveying, Business, or Project Management), who are looking to develop a well-rounded skill set and progress within the project controls profession.

Key Responsibilities

Planning & Scheduling:

- Develop and maintain project schedules using industry-standard tools such as Primavera P6 or MS Project.

- Assist in building work breakdown structures (WBS), logic networks, and critical path schedules.

- Monitor progress against project timelines, highlighting risks and deviations.

Commercial & Cost Control:

- Support the development of cost estimates, budgets, and forecasts.

- Assist in cost tracking, variance analysis, and financial reporting.

- Work with commercial teams on invoice validation, procurement support, and contract tracking.

Project Operations & Reporting:

- Analyse and present project data to support planning and decision-making.

- Participate in change control, risk management, and performance reviews.

- Create dashboards and reports using Excel, Power BI, or similar platforms.

Payroll & Timekeeping:

- Collaborate with project teams to ensure accurate time recording and workforce data.

- Support payroll processes by maintaining and verifying timesheets, attendance logs, and shift patterns.

- Assist with reconciliation of payroll records, adjustments, and compliance with pay policies.

- Liaise with HR and Finance teams to help resolve payroll-related queries or discrepancies in a timely and professional manner.

Stakeholder Collaboration

- Work cross-functionally with planning, commercial, finance, and HR teams.

- Support internal and external reporting obligations.

- Contribute to team meetings, offering insights and updates from a controls perspective.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

- A minimum 2:1 Bachelor's degree in Project Management, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Business, or a related discipline.

- Excellent analytical and numerical skills.

- Strong interpersonal and communication abilities.

- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Office Suite.

- High attention to detail, with an organised and proactive approach to work.

- Familiarity with scheduling software (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project).

- Experience with reporting tools like Power BI or Tableau.

- Understanding of payroll systems or previous exposure to timekeeping and wage reconciliation.

- Awareness of commercial, contractual, and financial processes on major projects.

Requirements of role:

A minimum 2:1 Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject area such as:

Project Management Engineering Construction Management Quantity Surveying Business or Finance
- Excellent analytical and numerical skills.

- Strong written and verbal communication skills.

- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the wider Office Suite.

- Detail-oriented with strong organisational and time management abilities.

- A proactive approach and willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment.

Why KAEFER UK & Ireland?

Our mission is clear: to be the most reliable and efficient provider of technical industrial services.

KAEFER UK & Ireland provides a large and growing range of industries with asset integrity services including access solutions, insulation, surface protection, HVAC fabrication, EC&I and more. We focus on improving energy efficiency and extending asset life cycles. We have twelve operating centres across the UK and Ireland, employing approximately 3,500 highly skilled and experienced people. Our people are our lifeforce and every day they deliver excellence to our customers.

KAEFER UK & Ireland is part of the KAEFER Group, a global EUR2.3 billion business with its headquarters in Bremen, Germany. KAEFER works on more than 5,500 job-sites internationally, with around 33,000 employees. With unrivalled experience and expertise, our teams provide trusted partnerships and tailored support to execute even the most challenging and complex projects for clients.

We take pride in being part of a global company, with common values and many diverse and individual voices. You can 'count on us' to make positive contributions in the communities where we live and work.

Our values:

- Reliability

- Ambition

- Team Spirit

- Respect

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and a team that reflects a broad range of perspectives and experiences, where all individuals are valued and have the opportunity to thrive. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

If you'd like to discuss our recruitment process further, or need support during the application stage, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 25,000.00-30,000.00 per year

Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person