Lead Project Planner

ZipRecruiter; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy is seeking an experienced SC Cleared Lead Project Planner for a critical Defence programme on Fixed Connectivity. You will play a pivotal role by driving project planning, ensuring on-time delivery while conforming to Ministry of Defence standards. This hybrid role offers ample opportunity for engagement with stakeholders and contribution to complex programme success.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Project Planner or strong PM with planning expertise.
• Experience in Defence/MOD environments.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and facilitate planning sessions with stakeholders.
• Develop and report on resource-loaded schedules.
• Conduct performance analysis and critical path analysis.

Skills

Planning

Stakeholder Engagement

Communication

Risk Mitigation

Schedule Analysis

Job description

Job Description

SC Cleared Lead Project Planner (defence)

WFH/Hybrid -2 days in Corsham, United Kingdom - £550 per Day (inside IR35)

Job Description:

We are partnering with a specialist consultancy to recruit an experienced SC Cleared Lead Project Planner for a critical Defence sector programme focused on Fixed Connectivity.

This role is ideal for a strong Project Manager with extensive planning experience or a senior planner ready to take the lead. You will drive the development, coordination, and reporting of complex programme plans, ensuring robust project delivery against MOD standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and facilitate planning sessions with key stakeholders to build a comprehensive programme plan
• Define and sequence activities to achieve key project milestones
• Identify and manage task dependencies, assumptions, and risks
• Develop, maintain, and report on resource-loaded schedules, including risks and dependencies
• Conduct routine performance analysis (schedule health, risk activity, dependency management)
• Undertake critical path analysis and variance reporting against baseline
• Create and maintain an Integrated Master Schedule and Plan on a Page for Fixed Connectivity
• Coordinate monthly Plan on a Page reviews, ensuring stakeholder engagement and assurance
• Provide detailed narrative reporting on programme performance against baselines to governance bodies
• Support and mentor junior team members to enhance planning capability across the programme

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Proven experience working as a Project Planner or strong PM with planning leadership experience
• Deep familiarity with planning, scheduling, and reporting in a Defence/MOD environment
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
• Expertise in schedule analysis, risk mitigation planning, and integrated programme management
• Ability to create detailed, actionable plans aligned with programme governance

Desirable Skills:

• Experience developing risk mitigation plans and embedding them into schedules
• Familiarity with Fixed Connectivity projects or telecommunications within the MOD context