Senior Planner

Project Planner / Project Controls Planner
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Project Planner to support the delivery of complex programmes and projects through effective planning, scheduling, and project controls activities. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), supporting earned value management processes, and providing accurate schedule analysis to enable informed decision-making across project teams.
Working closely with project managers, programme teams, and stakeholders, you will play a key role in ensuring schedule integrity, performance reporting, and the successful delivery of project objectives.
Key Responsibilities

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  Develop, maintain, and manage Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) for assigned projects and programmes.
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  Provide planning expertise and support to project and programme teams throughout the project lifecycle.
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  Implement and maintain planning processes, procedures, and best practices across supported projects.
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  Produce planning and Earned Value Management (EVM) deliverables in line with agreed reporting cycles and business requirements.
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  Deliver long-range integrated programme planning activities and schedule forecasts.
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  Support project controls and business management functions with planning analysis and reporting.
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  Conduct schedule performance analysis, including Schedule Performance Index (SPI) reporting and variance analysis.
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  Perform network analysis and critical path assessments to identify risks, opportunities, and schedule impacts.
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  Provide accurate and timely schedule forecasts to support business and project decision-making.
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  Review and maintain Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), recommending improvements where appropriate.
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  Support the development and continuous improvement of planning processes, procedures, templates, and tools.
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  Assist with the delivery of planning systems, Earned Value Management System (EVMS) tools, and associated training.
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  Participate in project reviews and provide planning support for peer reviews and assurance activities.
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  Build and maintain effective working relationships with project stakeholders and cross-functional teams.

Essential Requirements

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  Experience in Project Planning, Project Controls, Programme Planning, or a related discipline.
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  Strong knowledge of project scheduling principles and Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) management.
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  Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM) and schedule performance analysis.
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  Understanding of Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), critical path analysis, and schedule forecasting techniques.
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  Experience supporting complex projects or programmes within engineering, infrastructure, defence, manufacturing, energy, or similar sectors.
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  Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and communicate project performance data.
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  Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
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  Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary project teams.

Desirable Skills and Experience

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  Experience working within a Project Controls environment.
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  Knowledge of project management methodologies and governance frameworks.
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  Experience using industry-standard planning and scheduling software.
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  Familiarity with schedule risk analysis and forecasting techniques.
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  Experience supporting regulated, high-security, or large-scale programme environments.

Personal Attributes

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  Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
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  Proactive and solutions-focused approach.
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  Strong team player with excellent collaboration skills.
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  Committed to maintaining high standards of safety, quality, security, and professional conduct.

Security Requirements
Due to the nature of the work, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain UK security clearance. Applicants should normally be British citizens and have resided in the UK for the required qualifying period. Eligibility will be assessed in accordance with current UK security clearance requirements.