Document & Project Controller
Plymouth
About us
Hoare Lea is a human-centric and planet-conscious engineering consultancy. We offer intelligent and sustainable solutions to complex design challenges for the built environment throughout the UK and further afield.
We provide a wide range of engineering and consultancy services, including acoustics, air quality, building services (MEP), fire, lighting, security and sustainability to name but a few. Together, our highly skilled teams use technical expertise and problem-solving skills to bring buildings to life. We ensure that whatever the building, its design is outstanding, and its operations meet the needs of the communities it serves.
We are as committed to providing an environment where everyone can realise their unique potential. So, in joining Hoare Lea, you will experience a business that enriches your knowledge, supports your wellbeing, and welcomes your individuality. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in our 9-day fortnight scheme, thriving community groups, varied social and networking events, and extensive professional and technical development schemes. We also offer an extensive benefits package, including private medical cover, an electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, stock options, and 25 days of annual leave (increasing with service), alongside flexible and hybrid working.
Whatever your ambitions or circumstances, our aim is to enable everyone to develop their knowledge, give their best, and enjoy what they do.
About the role
We have an opportunity for a Document & Project Controller to play a key role in delivering high-quality projects. You will join our MEP and Built Environment team based in our Plymouth office supporting Government and Defence projects nationwide.
Working alongside a range of specialist engineers and consultants, you will be joining a collaborative, knowledgeable, highly engaged team who love what they do, and offer a supportive, flexible, and high performing work culture.
As a Document & Project Controls Officer you will support project teams across the Southwest Region by managing the flow, accuracy and quality of project information while helping ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope and to budget. Working alongside experienced engineers, Project Leaders and the Project Controls Manager (PCM), you will coordinate document control activities, maintain project registers and archives, and provide project controls support across scheduling, cost, risk and change control. This is a key, varied role requiring strong attention to detail, excellent communication, and a collaborative mindset.
In this key and varied role, you can expect to:
Document control and information management
- Day-to-day distribution, storage and retrieval of electronic drawings and documents.
- Maintain drawing registers, electronic drawing files and other document registers.
- Monitor project external websites, upload and download drawings/reports and distribute to the team.
- Electronic issue and filing of drawings and documents; convert incoming/outgoing files to commonly used formats as required.
- Perform QA reviews of documents prior to upload to ensure clarity, consistency and quality.
- Pre-archive and archive project documents in line with project/process requirements.
- Coordinate information exchange between external collaborators and our engineers, ensuring information is presented clearly and consistently.
Project controls and delivery support
- Support Project Leaders and the PCM in planning, executing, controlling and closing projects to meet agreed objectives.
- Assist in management of project budgets and costs, helping to maintain financial control and cost efficiency.
- Support schedule management: maintain and monitor project schedules, track milestones and raise/assist with addressing delays.
- Contribute to risk management: identify potential risks and support the development and tracking of mitigation actions.
- Support the change control process by tracking, documenting and communicating changes and ensuring they are implemented across the team.
- Monitor project performance and provide accurate, timely reports and visibility on key metrics to Project Leaders/PCM.
- Support project kick-off and lessons-learned workshops to help establish clear plans and capture improvements.
- Ensure compliance with internal governance and Hoare Lea’s Integrated Management System (IMS).
- Help embed Project Excellence principles and support continuous improvement of tools, processes and techniques.
- Provide general administrative support to project teams as required.
- Carry out Project Security Audits and Clearance checks.
About you
To be successful in this role you’ll need:
- GCSE Grade C (or above) in English, Maths, Physics or similar numerate/science subject.
- Experience in project controls or a related role (preferably in engineering, construction or consultancy) with understanding of scheduling, risk management and financial tracking.
- Proficient with MS Office (Word, Excel); familiarity with file sharing platforms including Asite and Egress, also Microsoft Project and AutoCAD desirable.
- Highly organised with a keen eye for detail and strong problem‑solving skills.
- Excellent communicator, confident engaging with stakeholders at all levels and working as part of a team.
- Able to work autonomously on tasks while supporting senior staff on larger projects.
- Flexible and committed to continuous learning.
The person must hold, or be willing and eligible to obtain, UK Government Security Clearance (SC) or higher and ensure all work is delivered in compliance with Government Security Classifications (GSC), Defense standards, cyber‑security requirements, and data‑handling protocols.
How to apply
To apply simply complete a CV profile and submit your application.
If shortlisted, one of our recruitment team will be in touch to arrange an introductory call (about 30 minutes) to discuss the role and your experience in more detail. From there, successful candidates will be invited to attend a panel interview, either via Microsoft Teams or in person at one of our offices. We aim to provide feedback at each stage of the process.
Adjustments and accommodations
If there are adjustments or accommodations that we can put in place to help you participate and give your best at any stage of the recruitment process (whether relating to disability, neurodivergence or anything else) please let us know.
Data privacy
We have updated our terms and conditions for candidates, click here to find out more.
Recruitment agencies
We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners who assist us when required. We do not acknowledge speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on the list.
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