Job Title: Senior Project Planner
Location: Lichfield
Salary: £DOE + Package
Key Skills: Project Planning, Planning, Planner, IMS, Microsoft Project, Risk, EVM, APM, Agile, Reporting, Change Control, Programme Management, WBS
We are seeking a Senior Project Planner to join a dynamic Programmes team, leading the development and maintenance of Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) across several high-value, multi-year engineering programmes. These projects involve multiple workstreams, complex dependencies, and a diverse stakeholder landscape.
As a key enabler of successful project delivery, you’ll collaborate with Programme Managers, Engineering Leads, Scrum Masters, and customers to maintain a robust, agile, and forward-looking schedule that supports decision-making, governance, and assurance. You will be embedded within a cross-functional team, delivering visibility of critical paths, resource modelling, and schedule health.
The Role:
So, what will you be doing as a Senior Project Planner?
* Develop and manage high-quality, integrated master schedules for complex, multidisciplinary projects using Microsoft Project.
* Identify and maintain the critical path; support scenario planning for resourcing, phasing, and dependency management.
* Align schedules with work package plans, risk mitigation strategies, and Agile inputs (epics, sprints).
* Integrate engineering design, validation, and delivery milestones into a complex Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).
* Collaborate with risk owners to incorporate risk responses and emergent work into the IMS.
* Deliver clear and insightful reporting on schedule status, trends, and forecasts; advise on mitigation strategies.
* Support Agile planning cycles, aligning IMS with sprint and epic timelines.
* Govern schedule baselines, manage change control, and uphold schedule quality standards.
* Liaise with customer-side planners to ensure consistency of schedule data and reporting formats.
* Mentor and support colleagues on planning practices, acting as a subject matter expert.
What are we looking for in our next Senior Project Planner?
* Extensive experience managing schedules for large-scale, engineering-led programmes, preferably in defence, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing.
* Skilled in building and maintaining Integrated Master Schedules using Microsoft Project
* Strong understanding of project risk and how it affects scheduling.
* Familiarity with Agile, Waterfall, and Hybrid delivery methods; experience with tools like JIRA is a plus.
* Confident communicator, capable of engaging with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
* Experience with resource modelling and scenario planning tools.
* Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
* Degree in a relevant field or equivalent practical experience.
* Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM), cost/schedule integration, or membership of professional project bodies such as APM or PMI.
My client is keen to get this position filled ASAP, so if you feel you have the skills and desire to provide passion and drive as the next Senior Project Planner, this is the opportunity for you!
So, if you are interested in joining a well-established, renowned, globally recognised organisation working with experts in their field as the next Senior Project Planner, hit that apply button now!
Perks and Benefits:
* Competitive Salary: Attractive compensation package based on experience and expertise.
* Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, and retirement plans to support your well-being.
* Professional Growth: Opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement.
* Cutting-Edge Projects: Engage in ground-breaking engineering projects that impact the industry.
* Collaborative Environment: Work alongside industry experts in a dynamic and innovative setting.
***PLEASE NOTE***
Security Clearance (SC) or eligibility to gain is required to be considered for this vacancy