There's often an assumption that summer is a quieter period for recruitment and professional development. Holidays take priority, projects slow down, and many people put career decisions on hold until September.

That certainly isn't what we're seeing across the Project Controls market.

Whether you're a Planning Engineer, Cost Engineer, Risk Consultant, PMO professional or work elsewhere in Project Controls, activity remains strong. Hiring continues across multiple sectors, industry events are gathering momentum, and new initiatives are helping strengthen the profession as a whole.

If you've been waiting for the "right time" to think about your next career move, expand your network or engage with the wider Project Controls community, there may be more opportunities available than you realise.

Building a stronger and more inclusive Project Controls community

One of the most encouraging developments this summer has been the launch of the Women in Project Controls Community of Practice.

The initiative has been created to provide a dedicated space where women across the profession can connect, share experiences, support one another and contribute to conversations that help shape the future of Project Controls.

It's backed by an experienced steering group representing a broad mix of disciplines, leadership experience and professional development expertise. That diversity of perspective is exactly what makes communities like this valuable.

As someone who believes the profession becomes stronger when more voices are heard, I'm pleased to be supporting the initiative as a Male Ally.

Creating better opportunities, improving visibility and encouraging knowledge sharing benefits everyone across the industry.



If you'd like to learn more or become involved, you can register here:

https://www.controlsandskills.co.uk/general/register_member_type.asp

Why industry events still matter

One of the biggest strengths of the Project Controls profession has always been its willingness to share knowledge.

The conversations that happen outside project meetings often provide just as much value as those taking place inside them. That's why networking events continue to play such an important role in helping professionals develop both technically and personally.

Project Connect Group - Bristol

Our next Project Connect Group event takes place on Thursday 24 September at NQ64 in Bristol.

These events are intentionally informal. Rather than sitting through presentations all evening, attendees have the opportunity to discuss real challenges facing the profession - whether that's planning, cost management, risk, PMO, leadership, digital transformation or lessons learned from major projects.

The objective is simple: create an environment where Project Controls professionals can build meaningful relationships, exchange ideas and learn from each other's experiences.

You can register here:

https://projectconnect.group/

Primavera Project Professionals returns this October

Another event worth adding to your diary is Primavera Project Professionals 2026, taking place on 15 October at IET Savoy Place in London.

As the UK's dedicated conference for Primavera users, it brings together planners, PMOs and Project Controls professionals from a wide range of industries.

Whether you primarily use Primavera P6, Oracle Primavera Cloud or Unifier, the conference provides practical insight into how organisations are using these tools to improve project delivery.

Attendees can expect:

• Real customer case studies and lessons learned
• Presentations from experienced industry professionals
• Practical ways to get more value from Primavera solutions
• Networking opportunities with peers across multiple sectors
• Exposure to technologies and services supporting the wider Primavera ecosystem

The organisers are also looking for speakers and sponsors.

If you've delivered an interesting project, overcome a challenging implementation or have lessons worth sharing, this is a great opportunity to contribute back to the community.

More information is available here:

https://2foppp.share-eu1.hsforms.com/29Qk99DH2QaKfObU65gjlrA

Recruitment activity remains strong

Despite the holiday season, we're continuing to see healthy demand from clients across several areas of Project Controls.

Some of the roles currently generating significant interest include:

Senior Planning Engineers

• Sweden
• Permanent or Ltd company engagement
• Rotational opportunities available

Risk Consultants (QSRA)

• UK-wide
• Opportunities at multiple experience levels
• Salaries between £50,000 and £100,000

P6 Planning Engineers

• UK-wide
• Permanent and contract positions
• £50,000-£75,000 or £400-£500 per day

Power BI Reporting Specialists

• London or Bristol
• £50,000-£55,000

Cost Engineers

• London
• Birmingham
• Manchester
• Bristol
• £45,000-£65,000

While these are just a snapshot of the current market, they reflect broader demand we're seeing across infrastructure, defence, energy and major programmes.

The common theme is that organisations continue to invest in experienced Project Controls professionals who can help improve project certainty, governance and delivery.

Summer isn't a reason to pause your career

It's easy to assume that career planning can wait until autumn.

In reality, many hiring managers use the summer months to prepare for the next phase of project delivery, secure key hires and build capability ahead of year-end programmes.

Likewise, professionals who stay engaged with the market during this period often gain access to opportunities before competition increases later in the year.

Even if you're not actively looking for a new role, now is still a good time to:

• Expand your professional network.
• Attend industry events.
• Stay informed about market trends.
• Understand current salary expectations.
• Build relationships with recruiters and hiring managers before you need them.

Career development isn't only about changing jobs. It's about staying connected to the profession and being ready when the right opportunity comes along.

Final thoughts

The Project Controls market continues to demonstrate resilience across planning, cost, risk and PMO disciplines.

New communities are forming, industry events are bringing professionals together, organisations continue to recruit, and there's a genuine appetite for sharing knowledge across the profession.

If you're considering your next career move, planning future hiring or simply want to stay connected with what's happening across Project Controls, now is an excellent time to engage.



The market certainly isn't slowing down - and neither is the Project Controls community.