Senior Project Planner

Senior Project Planner Up to £500 a day Essex We are looking for an experienced Project Planner to join our team and play a key role in the successful execution of a high-profile project. Reporting to the Project Director, this position requires expertise in developing and managing project schedules, work packages, and risk mitigation strategies within a highly regulated environment. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in the space, aerospace, or defense industries and the ability to navigate complex technical and programmatic challenges. Key Responsibilities * Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) Development: Create, maintain, and monitor a detailed IMS, ensuring alignment with project objectives, milestones, and deliverables. * Work Package Management: Define, structure, and oversee work packages, ensuring traceability, integration, and adherence to critical timelines and budgets. * Risk Management: Identify potential risks, develop mitigation strategies, and continuously update plans to address emerging challenges. * Stakeholder Coordination: Act as a key point of contact between internal and external stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and alignment on project progress and changes. * Performance Monitoring: Provide regular project reports, including critical path analysis and work package status updates, ensuring proactive issue resolution. * Resource Allocation: Collaborate with resource management teams to optimize personnel, equipment, and material allocation throughout the project lifecycle. * Compliance & Quality Assurance: Ensure adherence to industry regulations, standards, and best practices, maintaining high-quality project execution. Requirements * Experience: Minimum of 7 years in project planning and management within the space, aerospace, or defense sectors, covering the full project lifecycle. * Technical Skills: Proficiency in MS Project, MS Project Server, or other enterprise project management tools; familiarity with SAP is advantageous. * Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Project Management, Business Administration, or a related field—or equivalent industry experience. * Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly. * Analytical Abilities: Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage project intricacies. * Certifications: A recognized project management or project controls qualification is desirable. * Security Clearance: Must hold or be eligible for Security Clearance and be a UK national