Interim Senior Planner £500pd

1st Executive; Reading; On-site; GBP 20,295,000 - 24,908,000; Full time

Job summary

Major Public Sector Organisation in Reading (on-site) is seeking an Interim Senior Planner to support complex programmes where robust planning, project controls and Earned Value Management are critical to successful delivery.

This role requires ownership of integrated schedules, challenge constructively and providing clear insight to project and programme teams. Strong Primavera P6 and EVM experience are essential, with a collaborative, detail‑oriented approach.

Qualifications

• Strong senior-level planning experience with Primavera P6.
• Experience with Earned Value Management / EVMS.
• Proven ability to manage stakeholders and communicate with PMs, engineers and technical specialists.
• Understanding of planning fundamentals including critical path analysis.

Responsibilities

• Own and maintain the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS).
• Provide expert Planning and Earned Value Management support across projects.
• Produce accurate schedule forecasts and EV analysis to support decision-making.
• Lead long-range, integrated programme planning activities.
• Review WBS structures and suggest improvements to Project Controls.

Skills

Primavera P6

Earned Value Management

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Critical path analysis

Tools

EVMS

Job description

Interim Senior Planner - £500pd

Duration: 18-month contract

Location: Reading (on-site role)

Day Rate: £500 per day (umbrella, Inside IR35)

Client: Major Public Sector Organisation

Join a major Public Sector organisation as a Senior Planner, supporting complex programmes where robust planning, project controls and Earned Value Management are critical to successful delivery.

This is a high-profile opportunity for an experienced planner who can take ownership of integrated schedules, challenge constructively and provide clear insight to project and programme teams.

What you'll be doing

• Own and maintain the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS), ensuring schedule integrity and effective network analysis.
• Provide expert Planning and Earned Value Management (EVM) support across projects.
• Produce accurate, timely schedule forecasts and EV analysis to support business decision-making.
• Lead and support long-range, integrated programme planning activities.
• Review project WBS structures and recommend improvements to Project Controls leadership.
• Support the development and continuous improvement of planning processes, procedures, tools and EVMS.
• Deliver planning and EV outputs in line with established business rhythms.
• Contribute to peer reviews, training and the rollout of planning tools and templates.
• Build strong working relationships with project managers, engineers, scientists and other key stakeholders.
• Support emergent projects and provide planning expertise where required.
• Champion high standards across planning, quality, safety, security and project delivery.

What we're looking for

• Strong senior-level planning experience, with a solid Primavera P6 foundation.
• Proven ability to champion good planning practice across complex projects.
• Experience working proactively and taking the lead on planning activities.
• Background within a large, complex organisation; experience in regulated/engineering-intensive environments is highly relevant.
• Demonstrable examples of adding value to programmes and projects through effective planning and analysis.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with confidence engaging PMs, engineers and technical specialists.
• Good understanding of planning fundamentals, including critical path analysis.
• Experience with Earned Value Management / EVMS and schedule performance analysis, including SPI.
• A collaborative, team-focused approach with strong attention to detail.

Note: Due to the sensitivity of this role, candidates will be required to hold current, or be able to gain and maintain, active Security Clearance.