Project Planner

ZipRecruiter; Bolton; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the defence sector is seeking a Project Planner to support complex projects in Bolton. The role involves project health reviews, schedule assessments, and risk management. The ideal candidate will possess hands-on experience in project planning and demonstrate strong communication skills. We offer competitive salary and benefits including an annual bonus, pension scheme, and flexible working options.

Benefits

Annual Bonus

Pension Scheme

Paid Overtime

Flexi Leave

Flexible Working

Enhanced Parental Leave

Subsidised Meals

Free Parking

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in project planning, including detailed scheduling.
• Understanding of WBS/CBS/OBS structures.
• Ability to perform SRA, Critical Path Analysis, and EVM.

Responsibilities

• Validate project assessments, highlight risks, and escalate issues.
• Review and refine project schedules to ensure compliance.
• Develop and maintain integrated baselines aligned with milestones.

Skills

Project Health Reviews

Schedule Assessment

Cost Forecasting

Risk Management

Problem-solving

Communication

Tools

Primavera

SAP

ARM

Oracle Unifier

Job description

Job Description

Project Planner

Location: Bolton

Salary: Up to £64,000

What We Offer:

• Annual Bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance)
• Pension Scheme: Up to 14% combined contribution (employer and employee)
• Overtime: Paid overtime opportunities
• Flexi Leave: Earn up to 15 additional days of leave
• Flexible Working: Options available to suit your lifestyle
• Enhanced Parental Leave: Up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave, plus enhancements for paternity, neonatal, and fertility treatment support
• Facilities: Subsidised meals, free parking, and access to on-site amenities

The Opportunity:

We’re a key player in the defence sector, supporting complex, high-impact projects that protect interests. As part of our expanding Project Control team, we’re seeking driven and detail-oriented Project Planners of various experience levels to join us.

You’ll join a collaborative environment where your development is supported, and your voice is valued.

Your Role Will Involve:

• Project Health Reviews: Validate project assessments, highlight risks, and escalate issues appropriately
• Schedule Assessment: Review and refine project schedules to ensure compliance with planning principles
• Baseline Management: Develop and maintain integrated baselines aligned with milestones
• Cost Forecasting: Validate cost forecasts and evaluate outliers for Estimate at Completion (EAC)
• Risk Management: Lead Schedule Risk Analysis across projects
• Business Support: Contribute to bids by embedding sound project management practices from the start

What You’ll Bring:

• Hands-on experience in project planning, including detailed scheduling and milestone tracking
• Understanding of WBS/CBS/OBS structures
• Confidence working with project data: cost, schedule, and resource metrics
• Ability to perform SRA, Critical Path Analysis, and EVM
• Problem-solving skills with a focus on root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Experience with Primavera, SAP, ARM, or Oracle Unifier
• Experience in baseline management and change control
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative approach
• Accountability and ownership of reporting quality
• Ability to manage multiple demands and work under pressure

Desirable but Not Essential:

• Experience with EAC and Forecast Cost reviews
• What-If analysis and Risk & Opportunity tracking
• Knowledge of resource-loaded scheduling

About Us:

We work on impactful projects supporting those who safeguard our freedom and security. Our mission is driven by purpose, innovation, and integrity. We foster an inclusive culture with employee-led networks supporting equality, neurodiversity, veterans, carers, and more.

If you want to join a team where your skills make a real-world impact and you're supported to grow, this is the place for you.