Planner

Rullion; Abingdon; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading project management firm is seeking a Project Planner to lead planning activities on medium complexity projects. This role involves working with stakeholders to develop, update, and monitor project plans, ensuring effective delivery of project outcomes. Candidates must have experience in project management processes and the ability to lead and mentor a team. Qualifications should include a relevant degree and proficiency in planning software like Primavera or Microsoft Project.

Qualifications

• Experience of leading planning for progressively larger and more complex projects.
• Ability to lead people at all levels to build effective project plans.
• In-depth understanding of project planning processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning team to deliver project outcomes.
• Provide specialist advice to ensure successful project delivery.
• Coach and mentor junior members of the planning team.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Project planning

Risk management

Data analysis

Education

Degree in physical sciences, economics, business studies, project management

Tools

Primavera

Microsoft Project

Job description

Overview

The role of the Project Planner is to work with stakeholders to ensure all aspects of the project are defined. The planner provides clarity on key milestones to define what, when and how activities will be organised to ensure the outcomes of a project can be achieved, with the resources available. They lead on all aspects of project planning, which will include the development, updating and monitoring of plans and schedules. They identify tasks, activities, interdependencies and outputs for the project and work with the project team to track and monitor progress against the plan throughout the life of the project. Planners at this level lead medium complexity projects within a programme and manage a small team.

Accountabilities

• Provide visible and effective leadership, lead the planning team and work with the project manager to deliver the business case benefits and outcomes. Develop clear vision and standards and champion the use of best practice project planning standards, tools and processes. Build strong networks both internally and externally.
• Apply advanced knowledge in the discipline of planning for the analysis and successful resolution of risks and issues and identification of opportunities.
• Identify future capacity and capability needs of the project planning function and puts in place strategies to meet them.
• Build and maintain external networks to access technical and professional best practice.
• Analyse performance data, looking at trends to identify areas for improvement and collaboration, and selecting appropriate methods and tools to resolve them.
• Provide specialist advice and support to ensure successful delivery of projects. Provide guidance and advice to the Project Manager during project initiation on selection of planning approach, tools, processes and proportionality. Identify and lead the introduction of best practice planning processes, tools and templates, using industry standard best practice as a benchmark. Build planning capability.
• Coach and mentor junior members of the planning team. Recruiting and line managing contractors, framework suppliers and UKAEA internal staff
• Budget Responsibility: Responsible for key input into planning the spend of large projects

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Experience of leading planning for progressively larger and more complex projects.
• An in-depth experience in the implementation and thorough execution of project management processes and project planning in the context of large and complex projects;
• An approachable person with excellent inter-personal skills able to interact with a range of people across the project
• Ability to lead people at all levels of the project to build effective project plans, WBS structures and critical paths
• An in-depth understanding of project planning and/or project controls processes
• Highly experienced in the use of Primavera OR Microsoft Project planning software
• Degree in physical sciences, economics, business studies, project management or other relevant subject or equivalent qualification/experience

Desirable

• Qualification in project management or controls such as APM-PMQ, APMG, PRINCE2 or equivalent experience

Rullion celebrates and supports diversity and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants.