Lead Project Planner / Project Manager (DV Cleared)
Below covers everything you need to know about what this opportunity entails, as well as what is expected from applicants.
Client: A rapidly growing transformation consultancy (via Ncounter)
Sector: Secure Government Projects – Defence
Location: Berkshire – 3 days onsite per week (flexible)
Duration: 6 months initially, highly likely to extend to 12+ months
Clearance: DV Clearance Required
Start Date: ASAP – interviews and CV reviews immediately
Ncounter is working with a well-established consultancy (50–60 people but growing their footprint) that is expanding into the secure government sector. They are delivering multiple complex procurement and capability projects on behalf of a major defence client.
Senior Project Planner – Primavera P6 | Supplier & Procurement-Focused
This is a blended role covering two key delivery streams:
1. Complex Programme Planning – Working across multi-supplier delivery teams to create, manage, and optimise master schedules.
2. Supplier Acquisition Planning – Supporting the integration of large-scale supplier packages (ranging £20M–£100M) into overall programme timelines.
You’ll be central to the successful delivery of strategic defence projects, ensuring clarity, consistency, and confidence across all phases of planning.
Key Responsibilities:
* Build, maintain and optimise complex project schedules using Primavera P6
* Develop and manage master delivery plans across multiple supplier-led workstreams
* Lead schedule assurance, milestone tracking, risk identification and planning maturity
* Independently manage supplier acquisition planning, ensuring timelines reflect commercial and contractual dependencies
* Liaise with internal stakeholders, delivery leads, and third-party suppliers to drive delivery excellence
Essential Experience & Skills:
* Active DV Clearance (must have)
* Proven expertise in Primavera P6, including:
* Critical Path Analysis, Schedule Change Control, Resource Levelling
* Visualizer and Timescaled Logic Diagrams for effective reporting
* Strong inter-project dependency and risk-based planning
* Experience in supplier engagement, commercial project planning, or complex procurement delivery
* Prior exposure to defence or secure environments highly advantageous
* Able to work onsite 3 days per week in the West Country region
* Confident, proactive communicator comfortable working in white-labelled arrangements
As they scale up, they are seeking white-labelled contractor support, professionals who can represent their brand, contribute strategically, and potentially transition to permanent roles in the long term.
This is a unique chance to get in early with a consultancy building serious traction in the secure delivery space. If this is you, apply now!