AI is Here: Navigating the Transcending Moment in Project Controls & Recruitment

We're living through what Chirag Shah, founder of Pace Global and a leading voice in UK project controls recruitment, calls a "transcending moment." Much like the dawn of the internet, the rise of Artificial Intelligence is both exhilarating and, for many, a little bit terrifying. Chirag recently joined us on the Project Flux podcast to share his invaluable insights on how AI is reshaping project controls, recruitment, and the very nature of professional work.

"It’s really, really, I think we’re in an amazing, this transcending moment," Chirag shared. "It’s like effectively from when the internet became big and it’s really exciting time and a bit of a scary time as well for people." As someone deeply embedded in connecting talent with opportunity, Chirag offers a unique perspective on navigating this shift, balancing AI's potential for efficiency with its disruptive power.

AI in the Trenches: From Meal Plans to Candidate Prep

While the headlines often focus on grand AI ambitions, Chirag highlights its practical, everyday applications. He uses it personally for fitness tracking: "I put it into GPT. I’m on 1,600 calories today. I need to have 130 grams of protein, give me a meal plan... And then it was like, do you want me to create a shopping list for you? Yeah, why not? " This simple example underscores AI's ability to streamline daily tasks and provide immediate value.

Professionally, Chirag leverages AI to enhance the recruitment process, particularly in preparing candidates for interviews. "It really helps with supporting them with their preparation material for interviews," he notes. "And I think that’s what, it’s just given a bit of a USP to what I provide as a service as well."

However, this accessibility creates a paradox. While AI tools can help candidates build stronger CVs and prepare more thoroughly, it also levels the playing field, making it harder to truly stand out. Despite the buzz, Chirag believes AI adoption in daily work is still relatively low. "Those that adopt it now are still gonna be in the minority," he observes. "There’s the loud minority talking about AI, but many, many people don’t use it in their day-to-day work to bring those efficiencies on their task."

The Evolving Landscape of Project Controls

The field of project controls itself is undergoing a significant transformation, moving far beyond the technical ability to use tools like P6. "It’s planning, project controls, cost, risk.

It’s effectively strong project managers," Chirag explains. Communication, strategic insight, and analytical skills are now paramount, especially in a hybrid working world where presenting details and providing insights across distributed teams is crucial.

We've seen roles like CAD coordinators and document controllers diminish significantly since the mid-2000s. In their place, new roles have emerged. "When we were coming out of COVID... we had a need for Power BI reporting analysts," Chirag recalls. "Every project controls team needs risk and value people now. The ability to run QSRA is so important. And before COVID, it wasn’t."

The expectation has shifted dramatically. "A project controller can’t just provide a report," Chirag emphasizes. "They need to provide insights, real analytics into what’s going on, not just the data." AI is poised to accelerate this shift, pushing project controls towards an even more strategic function, automating routine reporting and freeing up professionals to focus on higher-value analysis and decision support.

Recruitment in the Age of AI: Augmentation or Annihilation?

Naturally, the rise of AI raises existential questions for recruiters. Will AI eliminate the need for human intermediaries? Chirag acknowledges the fear but sees AI primarily as an augmenter. "The way I’m looking at it is it’s an advocate. It just helps build what we’re trying to do. It helps build our relationships and the service offering we provide."

He stresses the enduring importance of the human element – the "personal touch" built over years. AI can't replicate the nuanced understanding of a candidate's motivations, the ability to navigate complex negotiations like counter-offers, or the intuition developed through experience. "An AI agent is never going to be able to challenge a candidate when they’ve accepted an offer... How’s an AI agent going to talk through all of that?" Chirag asks rhetorically.

He sees the recruiter's role evolving towards finding the human "puppet master" who can effectively orchestrate the work, potentially leveraging AI tools while managing risk. "Can I find that human that’s going to actually deliver the work of what these agents may be doing in an efficient manner and without risk as well?"

The potential for deep fakes and AI-generated candidates presents a new challenge, reinforcing the value of face-to-face interaction and the hybrid work model. "That’s why it’s really important that all clients and projects have that hybrid nature about them," Chirag argues. "People come into the office two or three times a week. It’s imperative for relationships, but also working out whether it’s fake or real."

Bridging the Skills Gap: Getting Started with AI

For professionals feeling left behind, Chirag's advice is practical and encouraging. His first question to candidates is often: "Where are you in your AI digital journey?"

If the answer is "nowhere," the first steps are simple and accessible:

1. Explore Free Tools: Get subscriptions to ChatGPT, Gemini, etc.

2. Listen & Learn: Tune into podcasts (like Project Flux!) and research AI applications in your field.

3. Start Simple: Use basic prompts relevant to your role. Chirag suggests: "How can I improve my role? This is what I am. I am a P6 planner working on HS2. How can AI and digital help my role evolve? How can I bring more value to the client?"

4. Seek Mentorship: Connect with people further along the AI journey. "Everyone’s always happy to help," Chirag assures.

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The barrier to entry is lower than many think. It's not about becoming an expert overnight but about starting the learning process and staying informed enough to ask the right questions as a hiring manager or answer them as a candidate.

While AI can simulate conversations and help practice for interviews, Chirag and the Project Flux team acknowledge its limitations in replicating genuine human connection and emotional resonance. Using AI for preparation is valuable, but it's an augmentation, not a replacement, for real-world interaction.

The Power of Community in a Digital Age

In an era of increasing digital interaction, Chirag also champions the power of professional communities like CASA (Controlling & Skills Authority). "It’s a great way for people to get to know an audience of Project Controls people outside your own company," he says. These communities offer networking, mentorship, and a sense of belonging that virtual interactions often lack.

He notes a decline in traditional communication methods: "If you ring a friend, imagine, go and ring one of your friends today. They will panic and think there’s an emergency because you just don’t do it." This shift impacts workplace dynamics, particularly for graduates who entered the workforce during COVID and may struggle with communication confidence.

While AI offers tools for efficiency, Chirag believes that genuine career fulfillment and passion often stem from human connection. "Nothing beats meeting, having a good manager, a good mentor, meeting up face to face and having those candid conversations with whoever you need that advice from."

Navigating the Future

Chirag Shah's perspective is clear: AI is not a passing fad but a fundamental shift. While it presents challenges and requires adaptation, it also offers immense opportunities for those willing to learn and evolve. The future of project controls and recruitment lies in embracing AI as a powerful tool while doubling down on the uniquely human skills – strategic thinking, communication, relationship building, and genuine connection – that AI cannot replicate.

It's about augmenting our capabilities, improving efficiency, and ultimately, finding the right human talent to orchestrate the complex projects of tomorrow.

Ready to start your AI journey or connect with the project controls community? Explore free AI tools, listen to the Project Flux podcast, and check out the Controlling & Skills Authority (CASA). If you're looking for opportunities in project controls, connect with Chirag Shah at Pace Global. And don't forget to subscribe to the Project Flux newsletter  for the latest insights.