Project Planner
Smiths Detection are seeking a skilled Project Planner to join our dynamic team, supporting mission‑critical programmes that help make the world a safer place.
Reporting directly to the Project Manager, you will be responsible for establishing, maintaining, and evolving effective planning and project controls across your assigned programme. This includes everything from developing robust Work Breakdown Structures to embedding Earned Value Management methodologies and maintaining schedule integrity throughout delivery.
You'll partner closely with the Project Controls Manager and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance our delivery capability across the business.
You will play a key role in ensuring project success by:
Creating and managing essential project artefacts (WBS, CBS, RAM, RACI, schedules, resource plans, risk/change controls, etc.)
Establishing and maintaining cost, schedule, and resource baselines
Applying recognised project control practices—including advanced Earned Value Management (EVM), especially within MoD environments
Developing, maintaining, and narrating full lifecycle project schedules
Monitoring progress, identifying trends, and driving mitigation actions
Reviewing 3rd‑party schedules and integrating them into the contract master schedule
Contributing to Risk & Opportunity Management Plans
Embedding and managing the Baseline Change Control process
Conducting monthly variance analysis and coordinating corrective actions
Qualifications
You bring a combination of education, technical skill, analytical ability, and a passion for getting things right.
Essential:
HNC in Business, Project Management, Engineering, or related discipline
Strong understanding of planning methodologies, including EVM
Demonstrable experience in project planning, risk, and change management
Proficiency with planning and scheduling tools such as Primavera P6, MS Project, Oracle ERP, Cobra
Experience with risk and data tools (e.g., Pertmaster, ARM, Power BI)
Excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships
Strong attention to detail, organisation, and initiative
Desirable:
Experience working within MoD programmes
Professional qualification in Project Controls (e.g., PPC Practitioner)
Exposure to complex, technology‑based, integrated systems
Continuous improvement mindset
We offer…
Join us and we'll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You'll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You'll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.
Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.
We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.