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- Tasks: Lead project planning, set priorities, and coordinate with teams for successful project completion.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in the Airports and Parcels Operations sector, driving innovative projects.
- Benefits: Enjoy opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and professional growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of exciting projects, making a real impact while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in project planning, strong communication skills, and expert knowledge of Primavera 6 required.
- Other info: Aviation experience is a plus, but not essential; we value diverse backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
As a Specialist Planner, reporting into the Planning Manager, you will be responsible for planning all project activities. You will clearly set out decision moments and turnaround times for and with all disciplines involved in a project. You will construct and set up project plans, ensuring that any opportunities and/or threats are identified in good time. Armed with your information and reports, project managers, project leaders and subcontractors and their teams will be in a position to set or adjust their course promptly, wherever they are in the world. You will play a leading role in the projects in which you are involved. You will report to project management and be required to produce monthly project reports. Project planners are part of the Airports and Parcels Operations Team.
Role Responsibilities
- You will set priorities, identify problems, and take the necessary steps to resolve them (as part of a multidisciplinary approach).
- You will be involved in every phase of a project: from engineering, supply and shipping to the commissioning of systems.
- You will work closely with other disciplines, such as sales, project management, project engineering and the supply chain.
- You will maintain an overview of the consequences of the difference between the expectations of project management and the possibilities offered by the supply chain.
- You and your team will ensure that projects are completed successfully.
- Your responsibilities and activities will include:
- Effectively translating the scope of a project into an overall project plan, sometimes with minimal input from others.
- Identifying the critical path in a project plan and the corresponding opportunities and risks.
- Coordinating a project plan with the customer and subcontractors, so that an integrated project plan is achieved.
- Liaising with all of the internal and external parties involved in a project.
- Reporting on the progress being made with a project to the relevant Project Manager.
- Analysing and giving solicited and unsolicited advice on overall project plans.
- Preparing complex plans in consultation with project team members, subcontractors, suppliers, customers and stakeholders.
- Willing to give guidance and mentoring to more Junior members of the team.
- Leading on one or multiple complex projects and have strong experience in building programmes from scratch.
Role Qualification and Skills
- Experience of working in a project organization.
- A minimum of 7+ years Planning experience with at least 3 being carried out in at least a Senior planning role. Aviation and/or baggage experience is advantageous but not essential.
- Expert Primavera 6 knowledge is essential.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to liaise at different levels.
- Ability to lead the planning function on complex projects.
- Strong Excel skills.
- Ability to work under (time) pressure and set priorities appropriately.
- Excellent understanding of the NEC process.
- Understanding of technical planning techniques such as cost loading, critical path analysis etc.
- Experience throughout the project life cycle (i.e tender to completion).
- Delivery integration experience would be beneficial.
specialist planner employer: Westerdale Group
Contact Detail:
Westerdale Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land specialist planner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific tools and software mentioned in the job description, particularly Primavera 6. Consider taking an online course or certification to enhance your skills, as this will demonstrate your commitment and expertise during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the aviation and project planning sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights into the role and potentially refer you to opportunities at StudySmarter.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with complex project planning during interviews. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've identified critical paths and managed risks in previous roles, as this will showcase your ability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your strong communication skills by practising how you would explain project plans to different stakeholders. Being able to convey complex information clearly will be crucial in this role, so consider role-playing scenarios with a friend or mentor.
We think you need these skills to ace specialist planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in project planning, especially your 7+ years of planning experience and any senior roles you've held. Emphasise your expertise in Primavera 6 and strong Excel skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are the perfect fit for the Specialist Planner role. Mention your ability to lead complex projects and your experience with critical path analysis. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since strong communication is key for this role, provide examples in your application that illustrate your ability to liaise with different levels of stakeholders and how you've successfully shared information in past projects.
Highlight Problem-Solving Abilities: Discuss instances where you've identified problems and taken steps to resolve them in a project setting. This will show your proactive approach and ability to work under pressure, which are crucial for the Specialist Planner position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Westerdale Group
✨Showcase Your Planning Expertise
Make sure to highlight your extensive experience in project planning, especially your familiarity with Primavera 6. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you successfully identified critical paths and managed risks.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Since the role requires liaising with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated project plans and updates to different teams, ensuring everyone is aligned.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of scenarios where you had to set priorities under pressure or resolve conflicts between project management expectations and supply chain capabilities.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership and Mentoring
As a Specialist Planner, you'll be expected to guide junior team members. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and any experiences where you've mentored others, showcasing your ability to foster collaboration within a multidisciplinary team.
